Bluebell Ward, Chesterfield

The existing building, originally constructed in 2012 as a care facility for dementia patients, is a single-storey structure arranged around a central courtyard garden. The proposed changes involved reconfiguring internal layouts to create en-suite bedrooms, clinical spaces, communal areas, and staff accommodation. A new glazed link corridor, spanning 20m, was added to improve access to the courtyard, which was also redesigned with a modern landscape scheme to provide a welcoming outdoor space.

Dice led the structural design of the new steel-framed link corridor, supported on a raft foundation, and conducted inspections of the existing structure to assess load paths and systems. We also provided structural advice for the internal layout changes, specifying additional support where needed. Our civils team designed new below-ground surface water drainage and pavement foundations for the courtyard, as well as advising on modifications to the foul water drainage.

Dice are proud to have delivered this refurbishment project, which not only provides an essential public health service to Chesterfield but also reduces embodied carbon compared to new-build alternatives. Refurbishing and repurposing existing buildings is a key strategy in tackling climate change and supports the industry’s efforts to reduce emissions and progress towards net zero by 2050.