North Middlesex University Hospital

The new Women and Children’s Centre was constructed by principal contractor Kier Construction using a Portakabin Design and Build off-site solution from Portakabin. The project was the UK’s largest and most complex modular building project to be constructed in the health sector. The £17.9m contract involved manufacturing 152 steel-framed modules off-site at Portakabin production centre in York. These were then craned into position on site over a 28-day period, using a 500-tonne crane. The entire operation took place in close proximity to existing facilities, which remained in use throughout.

The units were installed partially completed with window frames, first-fix electrics, HVAC ducting, plumbing and a high-performance concrete floor. The off-site approach minimised disruption to patient care, while ensuring the new facilities were operational prior to seasonal winter pressures. The new building accommodates a consultant-led delivery unit, two obstetrics theatres, a neonatal unit, triage centre, women’s outpatient department and a midwife-led birthing unit with four birthing pool rooms, as well as a rooftop plant room. The external appearance of the building is designed to complement adjacent facilities, featuring rendered façades, ribbon glazing around the first floor and a large atrium entrance spanning two storeys. There is full-height glazing to the stair towers on both wings and large projecting window bays. The project achieved a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating. Its sustainable features include a biodiverse green roof with a variety of meadow flowers, photovoltaic panels above the plant room and an energy-efficient combined heat and power (CHP) system.