Expanding Lungi Government Hospital quickly and sustainably
In 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, we were commissioned by Ministry of Health of Sierra Leone to design the new isolation, treatment and intensive care unit at the government hospital in Lungi. An extension to the hospital would house an emergency centre for the detection and treatment of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
Two conditions had to be met: construction had to be fast and sustainable.
Our proposal consists of four two-storey modules and covered but ventilated circulation spaces. The envelope reproduces the existing character of the gabled roofs of the hospital buildings to create a link with the existing, while taking into account the sustainable aspects and giving a contemporary image.
Modules A and B contain the hospital admission functions, 6 intensive care wards and 20 observation beds. Modules C and D contain the laboratory and the X-ray centre.
Several strategies are used to reduce the dependency on air conditioning and to achieve patient comfort through passive techniques such as the use of a second skin or a ventilated roof that minimises solar gain and, consequently, the need for air conditioning of the internal spaces.
In addition, simple techniques and uncomplicated details are chosen, using readily available or easily obtainable materials.
