Architect and Builder November/December 2015 | Page 59

SOUTH WEST ELEVATION

NORTH EAST ELEVATION

NORTH WEST ELEVATION

SOUTH EAST ELEVATION

focus, yet still reflecting a comfortable ‘home from
home’ environment. The ergonomics, air quality
and flow of the building were optimised in order
to maximise natural light and promote healing.
A neutral and textured colour palette, inspired by
nature, was used to create a place of serenity,
while simultaneously energising staff in their
work environment. Accent blues and soft greens
stimulate a relaxing and soothing atmosphere,
creating balance and harmony. Corporate colours
were subtly introduced to reflect Life Healthcare as a
world-class facility. The five senses were considered
in the choice of art installations, bringing visual relief
into the design.

and attribute the high quality of the project to the
successful collaboration of the team in tabling
programme solutions and synergy achieved through
timeous and accurate progress reporting.
Life Healthcare Hilton serves as a successful
example of how design, both architectural and
interior, can transform a functional and technical
facility into an attractive and welcoming environment
that can only enhance the patient experience.

Construction
The NMC team was able to hand over a quality end
product meeting the client’s expectations. Project
highlights include the positive team dynamic, creation
of local employment and learnership opportunities in
the built environment for six local youths.
Initially the hospital had only one practical
completion date, however the impact of the 2014
NUMSA strikes and changing Department of Health
regulations, post plan approval, necessitated value
engineering of the programme and negotiation of a
partial staged hand-over.
Through the project NMC has forged new supply
chain relationships in the Kwa-Zulu Natal region
Life Hilton

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