Hammerton Court is an outstanding dementia care unit built adjacent to the Julian Hospital in Norwich. Architects Ingleton Wood appointed Adrian James Acoustics to carry out a comprehensive acoustic assessment of the scheme.  The design is based around three attractive courtyards, with 36 bedrooms, a coffee shop and lounge areas offering a long term home for vulnerable residents. The layout featured a range of different spaces which required careful analysis including dining rooms, utility and common areas.

It was necessary for sound insulation, noise and reverberation levels to meet stringent standards required under BREEAM and Health Technical Memorandum HTM08-01. In order to fulfil our brief, a site survey was carried out and computer modelling was utilised extensively.  During our 18 month involvement in the project our Associate Joe Bear worked closely with Ingleton Wood.

We considered intrusive external noise sources as well as noise from plant and services. Whilst the majority of bedrooms exceeded the BREEAM requirements, there were some isolated areas with a raised level of plant noise. However our commissioning report identified solutions to rectify these issues.  A special design feature of the care unit was an impressive central atrium and skylight. This dramatic curved structure presented particular problems which would not allow absorbent panels to be fitted. Our solution was to recommend the application of acoustically absorbent plaster to achieve a curved monolithic finish.

Hammerton Court was opened by the Lord Mayor of Norwich and Deputy Lord Lieutenant in 2012. Incorporating a public information hub and staff training suite, the unit is now regarded as one of the finest in the country.

Client : Norfolk and Waveney NHS Trust Architect : Ingleton Wood Architects Contractor: R G Carter Contract value : £13.7m

Photo credits: Ingleton Wood