The healthcare centre, constructed by the Leadbitter Group, was the highest scoring building in Wales under the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) for the 12 months prior to the end of May 2011. The judges praised the project team for ensuring sustainability was a key priority in both the design and build.
The design includes a biomass boiler to heat and power the building, a water harvesting system, a water leak detection system and water efficient sanitary ware.
The healthcare centre is a key part of the redevelopment of Loudoun Square in Butetown, which is set to transform the lives of local residents and breathe new life into the area. Once complete, in early 2013, the development will deliver the healthcare centre, 62 affordable homes, a community hub and new retail units, all of which are designed and are being built to the highest environmental standards.
The ambitious project is collaboration between Cardiff Community Housing Association (CCHA), Cardiff Council and the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. It was designed by the Wales studio of architects Austin-Smith:Lord.
Kevin ProtheroeChief Executive of CCHA, said: 鈥淲e are delighted that the scheme has attained BREEAM Excellent status. It has many environmental features which will provide long-term benefits for those living and working in Loudoun Square鈥�
Jan Williams, Chief Executive of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said: "The Health Board is committed to providing excellent, sustainable services for patients in modern, specially designed facilities. This project embodies those values and the UHB is delighted that the health centre is the first in Wales to win such a prestigious award."
Russell Houghton, Regional Director of Leadbitter鈥檚 Western Housing division, said: 鈥淭he specialist equipment that is required in a healthcare facility often requires a great deal of energy, making it even more challenging to achieve a BREEAM 鈥楨xcellent鈥� rating. This is truly an outstanding accomplishment and testament to the commitment and dedication to sustainability of everyone involved.鈥�
Martin Roe, Partner at Austin-Smith:Lord in Cardiff, commented: 鈥淭his is a fantastic achievement and it bears out the ambitions that Wales has to lead the way in sustainable development. We are delighted that this has been recognised at national level and I am extremely proud of the achievements of the team of people we have assembled here.鈥�
The award was presented at the Constructing Excellence Wales Awards dinner at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff on the evening of 14 July.
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