morris architects

Morris Architects were initially commissioned to undertake a feasibility study for providing a second island MRI Scanner within the existing Grade 1 Listed 1860’s Granite Block. Following an analysis of the various options and an Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI) assessment of the existing areas to ascertain whether there was any electrical interference, the eventual preferred option was identified.

A phasing strategy was developed to ensure that the department could be maintained live without any disruption to services for the duration of the works. Phase 1 consisted of creating a new extension shell within the existing rear courtyard. Phase 2 ran concurrently with Phase 1 and included the creation of four new radiologists’ offices. The original entrance hall accessed from Gloucester Street had been used as an archive store for records and scans. Radiology arranged for the records to be decanted to off-site premises to ensure that the existing area was free for Phase 2 works to commence. On completion of Phase 2 the existing Radiologists were decanted into the completed area. Phase 3 consisted of refurbishing the original vacated offices into a new patient waiting area with toilet facilities and changing rooms. On completion of Phase 1 the site was handed over to the turnkey contractor to fit-out the new MRI scanner installation.

To ensure that the scanner’s magnetic fields would not compromise existing service infrastructure, the perimeter external wall and roof structure was developed so that they did not contain any structural ferrous steelwork, fixings or bracketry. Timber ply web joists supported on perimeter timber stud walls lined with promat, supalux and fireline boards were detailed.

The project was successfully delivered within a live hospital environment having been designed and meticulously detailed to address the logistical and technical difficulties of the scanning equipment. The project was awarded Project of the Year at the Jersey Construction Awards 2018.