Architect: Philip Proctor
Project Completed: 2013
The two medical practices in Ilminster needed new premises and were willing to share a site, however it took a few years to find the land, and persuade the landowner and Town Council it was a good idea, then get planning approval and build it. The practices were very different sizes, but the scheme was designed to allow both to appear equal with matching porches inspired by barn entrances. The buildings in the centre of Ilminster feature arches and so we planned the waiting rooms with grand arches to allow this building to reflect the tradition of the town in this public building. The building is constructed using a reconstructed split stone block which we lifted architecturally by stone dressings.
The accommodation of the surgeries was planned with shared services located between and nursing and common room spaces to allow the practices to grow together and co-operate if they wish, while maintaining their independence. The whole building was well insulated; has solar reflecting southerly and westerly windows, and is fully heated and cooled by a heat pump system that allows heat from southerly rooms to be used to warm northerly rooms.
