DD Porter took on a significant project with InHealth Group, transforming two floors of a bustling Liverpool building into a state-of-the-art medical facility. The project, valued at £2.6 million, unfolded over 44 weeks and showcased DD Porter’s adaptability and ingenuity in the face of logistical challenges.
The Mission
The brief was to fully refurbish the basement and ground floor of a four-storey steel and brickwork building. The goal was to create a welcoming and functional space for InHealth Group, complete with five consultation rooms, a reception and waiting area, backroom staff offices, and comprehensive staff and patient facilities. Notably, the project also included the installation of a new MRI and X-ray suite, equipped with cutting-edge Siemens equipment.
Challenges and Solutions
One of the most significant challenges stemmed from local authority restrictions, which prohibited the use of street space for storage and welfare facilities. This constraint required all such facilities to be housed within the building, demanding creative space management from the DD Porter team.
Adding to the complexity, the project involved the installation of heavy, high-tech medical equipment in the basement. This necessitated leaving a large area of the internal build open to facilitate delivery from the street, a logistical challenge that we had to contend with before closing up the area to the external façade.
The installation of a full drained tanking system with alarmed sump pumps in the basement ensured that the facility would remain dry and functional, addressing potential issues with water ingress.
Accessibility was a key consideration, addressed through the installation of three Stannah lifts, including one passenger lift and two disabled platform lifts, as well as a Sesame Victoria chair lift at the main entrance.
Bespoke Solutions
DD Porter’s in-house joinery workshop played a crucial role in the project, producing all the bespoke joinery required for the scheme. This not only allowed for custom solutions that perfectly met the client’s needs but also showcased DD Porter’s capacity to deliver high-quality craftsmanship.
Outcome
Despite the challenges, the project was completed successfully, transforming the space into a modern medical facility that serves both staff and patients with efficiency and comfort. The innovative solutions to logistical and technical challenges demonstrated DD Porter’s ability to tackle complex projects head-on, delivering results that exceed expectations.
