FP McCann Precast Concrete Architectural Cladding Panels, Hollowcore Flooring, Lifts and Stair Flights Installed on Cumbria Hospital
Project: West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven. Phase 2
Client: North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
Main Contractor: Graham
Precast Off-Site Solutions Install: FP McCann
Products Supplied: Precast Concrete Columns; Hollowcore Flooring; Solid Precast Floor Slabs; Precast Stair Flights and Landings; Internal Precast Walls; Insulated Architectural External Wall Panels; Modular Precast Lift Shafts.
FP McCann has recently completed the supply and install package of precast concrete structural works to a modern hospital extension in Cumbria. Once complete, the £40 million phase 2 development of West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven, will feature a new paediatric ward and assessment area, a care of the elderly ward, a stroke and rehabilitation ward and a specialist palliative care ward.
UK wide construction specialist Graham secured the main contract for North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust through the ProCure22 (P22) framework, with FP McCann the successful supplier/sub-contract installer of the precast concrete structural build.
Adopting ‘Modern Methods of Construction’, the ground and single upper level Whitehaven development consists of a combined bespoke precast column and a Peikko Deltabeam system. The ‘Deltabeam Slim Floor’ structure allows for a steel frame and precast concrete superstructure, ideal for use in open space builds. Deltabeam has been positioned on 53 FP McCann precast concrete columns and jointly they support the upper floor which consists of both hollowcore planks and seven solid precast floor slabs. In total, 4,188m2 of hollowcore flooring has been delivered from FP McCann’s Weston Underwood factory in Derbyshire. The hollowcore planks are 300mm thick with the largest individual sections spanning just under 9 metres in length.
15 no. internal precast walls together with 4 stair flights, 2 stair landings and 2 precast concrete lift shafts complete the internal layout.
Cladding the building, are 172 external insulated wall panels. The light grey architectural panels supplied from the company’s specialist manufacturing and detailing facility in Byley, Cheshire, have a smooth acid-etched factory finish and have been delivered to site complete with pre-fitted energy efficient windows.
Speaking on behalf of Graham, John Deegan, Senior Project Manager says, “This off-site method of modular precast construction, demonstrates a number of advantages associated with ‘modern methods of construction’ compared with practices typical of a traditional build. Speed of construction, minimal wastage and the ability to work in all weather conditions are all major benefits. Additionally, the external insulated cladding panel system removes the need for scaffolding, thereby minimising the health and safety risk factors associated with people working at height.”
The new hospital facility is scheduled to be open to patients in early autumn 2024.
