Building with Care

Construction doesn’t always happen behind hoardings on empty sites.

Often, it takes place around people—patients, staff, visitors—in environments where safety, access, and continuity are critical.

In live and sensitive settings such as hospitals, early design decisions matter more than ever. External structures are not simply functional additions; they play a role in protecting people, guiding movement, and maintaining calm during periods of change.

February’s focus is on what it means to build with care—particularly when construction must take place around occupied buildings.

Working Around Occupied Buildings

Live environments demand a different approach.

Whether it’s a healthcare facility, school, or transport hub, construction activity must be planned to minimise disruption while maintaining safe, continuous access for users.

This requires:

Thoughtful design at the outset
Clear understanding of how a space is used day-to-day
Solutions that are robust, compliant and quick to install

In occupied buildings, construction risk extends beyond structural considerations. Noise, dust, visual disruption, and altered access routes can directly affect patient well-being, staff efficiency, and public confidence. Poorly planned works can heighten stress in already sensitive environments, particularly in healthcare settings where users may be unwell, anxious, or time critical.

When done well, construction work can progress without compromising the experience or safety of those who rely on the building every day.

Case Study: Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy – Addenbrooke’s Hospital

Product: Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy
Size: 25.21m (total length) x 2.4 m–2.5 m
Frame Colour: Hipca White
Installation Date: December 2021

Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridgeshire required a wall mounted canopy to provide shade and shelter over the main entrance to their Accident & Emergency department, where patients and visitors were exposed to the elements while queuing outside.

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust approached Able Canopies for a solution that would meet both design and performance requirements while remaining fully operational throughout installation. Following review of the specification, the Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy was proposed as a robust, cost-effective, and long-lasting option. While glass side panels were initially specified, the approved polycarbonate system provided full fire performance certification, including BS476 Part 7 Class 1 and EN 13501 B-s1, d0, meeting fire safety requirements.

Due to the live nature of the environment, speed and coordination were essential. Surveys and design details were finalised quickly, with the order approved in November 2021 and installation completed the following month.

Installation took place over nine days, including two weekends, during regular daytime hours at one of the hospital’s busiest entrances. The canopy design incorporated hips and valleys to follow the building’s internal and external corners, while careful planning ensured safe pedestrian and ambulance access was maintained throughout.

The result is a generous covered walkway and outdoor queuing area that now provides year-round protection for patients, visitors, and staff, improving comfort and access at a critical hospital entrance.

World Cancer Day – United by Unique

4th February marks World Cancer Day, with this year’s theme “United by Unique” — recognising that every experience, patient, and journey is different.

This feels especially relevant as work progresses locally on the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, a major new development designed using Building Information Modelling (BIM) and targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating. The project will deliver a new specialist cancer hospital alongside associated infrastructure, public realm, and access works, with main construction due to commence in 2026.

Healthcare environments like these highlight the importance of thoughtful, patient-centered design—not just inside buildings, but in the external spaces that support access, movement, and well-being.

A Valentine’s Thought: The Care in Construction

With Valentine’s Day also approaching, it’s worth reflecting on the idea that construction, at its best, is built on care—care for users, for environments, and for long-term performance.

Good design shows consideration.
Durable solutions show commitment.
And careful planning shows respect for the people who use a space every day.

That’s what building with care really means.

References

https://www.ablecanopies.co.uk/installations/addenbrookes-hospital-cambridgeshire-case-study/

Project ID:21561465

https://www.ablecanopies.co.uk/sectors/canopies-for-hospitals-and-healthcare-practices/

Able Canopies Ltd. design, manufacture and install commercial grade canopies, shade sails, awnings and shelters across the UK. We specialise in servicing the education, leisure, healthcare and retail sectors and have extensive experience working with schools, councils, architects and contracting firms.
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