In Review: Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham
Communication and coordination were critical to the success of Acorn Aluminium’s role in a major energy efficiency upgrade at Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham. Close collaboration with the main contractor, Willmott Dixon, and other trades ensured the successful delivery of a large-scale window replacement program in a fully operational hospital environment.
Background
The Queen’s Medical Centre, part of Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust, is a major healthcare facility employing more than 14,500 people. Opened in 1977, the site includes over 13,000 beds and houses the University of Nottingham Medical and Nursing Schools.
Acorn Aluminium was appointed to deliver a multi-million-pound window and door replacement program as part of a 15-year agreement between NUH NHS Trust and E.ON. The agreement aims to cut carbon emissions and achieve annual energy savings of more than £2.8 million by transitioning to low-energy technologies, renewable energy, and improving the thermal efficiency of hospital buildings.
The improvements were procured through the NHS SBS Carbon and Energy Fund (CEF) under an Energy Performance Contract (EPC). This allowed the investment in new technologies to proceed with no upfront cost to the hospital, with repayment funded through the resulting cost savings.
Project overview
Starting on site in September 2022 and completing in September 2024, Acorn Aluminium was appointed on a design, manufacture and installation basis to upgrade more than 18,000m2 of fenestration with ultra-energy efficient replacements.
This challenging remit included replacing 2m high single glazed ribbon windows, which wrap around each floor of the four main blocks. Work was carried out up to six storeys in height, across office, administrative and public spaces, as well as the replacement of pre-existing glazing to working wards.
Product specification
In partnership with Willmott Dixon, Acorn Aluminium specified the SPW600 System from Senior Architectural Systems.
The windows, manufactured in RAL 9011 black at Acorn Aluminium’s premises, provided a modernised look while delivering a significant thermal performance upgrade — from an original U-value of approximately 5 W/m²K to just 1.3 W/m²K.
Additionally, the ultra-energy-efficient units featured a solar control coating, reducing solar gain and lowering cooling and energy costs during summer months.
Product overview – Senior Architectural Systems SPW600
The Senior SPW600 is a highly versatile 75mm window system, also available in the SPW600e enhanced thermal option, which uses additional thermal inserts on top of the latest polyamide thermal breaking technologies. Accommodating glass units of up to 56mm, this combines to create a highly cost-effective commercial window capable of achieving a BFRC A Rating.
- Energy efficient three chamber 75mm system using polyamide thermal breaking technologies to deliver an enhanced level of thermal performance
- Available in top and side hung casement options including inward opening and tilt-and-turn options
- Achieves a BFRC A Rating
- U-values as low as 1.3W/m2K
- Enhanced security Secured by Design compliant option
Project challenges
The main challenge was executing such a large-scale project in a working hospital setting, while minimising disruption for staff and patients. As a result, effective communication with Willmott Dixon, and other sub-contractors working on the project, was paramount.
“The biggest challenge for us was working in a fully operational hospital, with acute care beds, an A&E unit and a maternity unit all operating 24-hours-day, 365 days-a-year,” says Paul Stevens, Managing Director, Acorn Aluminium.
“We had to work around the trades but also around the hospital – and that meant communication and a high degree of coordination were central to the successful delivery of this ambitious project.
“That’s maintaining an open and continuous dialogue,” continues Paul, “not only with the main contractor but also other sub-contractors, to make sure that each window we replace is ready for us and that when we leave it, it’s ready for the other trades.”
“Taking out old windows can be disruptive but I think we successfully minimised the impact on the hospital through very close working partnerships with the other parties involved.”
Logistics, scheduling and storage
The logistics of managing large volumes of product through the factory, as well as on-site storage, posed additional hurdles. However, Acorn Aluminium’s local manufacturing capabilities and phased approach helped mitigate these challenges.
“On a project of this scale, our locality has also been an advantage,” adds Paul. “We have a 33,000ft2 factory and this has given us the flexibility to pull off product in phases. This has enabled us to work around the hospital and minimise disruption to patients and staff.
“Being appointed on a design, manufacture and install basis, like many of the projects that we work on, has also streamlined communication and allowed us to operate with more flexibility.”
Health & safety
In a working hospital environment, health and safety were paramount. Acorn Aluminium employed a rigorous sign-off process overseen by a dedicated site supervisor, ensuring high standards of safety and coordination with other trades.
“We apply the same process to every job,” says Paul. “Our rigorous sign-off process means that we, the main contractor and following trades, know that the installation has been completed to the right standard and that it’s ready for the next stage of the project.
“Having have gone through the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) all of our fitting teams carry CSCS cards, while our team of supervisors are also Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) accredited.
“That expertise and the commitment we have made to health & safety was recognised by E.ON in a special commendation. Our approach was also recognised by Willmott Dixon, which commended the team for its efforts to support social values,” adds Paul.
Project summary
· Multi-million pound, 18,000m2 window and door replacement programme
· End client: Nottingham Universities Hospital Trust
· Completed in (March or September?) 2024
· Commercial partners: E.ON; Willmott Dixon.
· Window system used: Senior Architectural systems’ SPW600 system
· Glass used: Saint Gobain
- U-values of 1.3W/m2K
Closing thoughts
“While this exceptional project at the Queen’s Medical Centre has not been without its challenges, we’ve worked with the main contractor and associated trades to overcome them. Ultimately, we and most importantly the customer, have been very pleased with the outcome.
“If we can successfully deliver a refurb at this scale in a living, breathing hospital environment, then I’m quite confident that we can deliver pretty much any refurbishment project,” concludes Paul.
For more about Acorn Aluminium please call 0115 928 2166, email [email protected] or visit www.acornaluminium.com