Phased Construction Over Ten Years
The new hospital will be constructed in four phases over a period of ten years. During this time, the existing hospital will remain fully operational. The final result will be a compact and efficient building, in which all departments will be gradually renovated. The design is characterized by a clear structure, creating a logical and intuitive layout.
Architecture and Daylight
The architecture of the new building responds to the urban context. The base of the building aligns in scale with the surrounding structures, while the upper floors, which house the patient rooms, are slightly set back and distinguished by the use of different materials. The spacious entrance hall forms the heart of the building, surrounded by courtyards and bathed in daylight, contributing to a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere. A notable element of the design is the integration of the historic facade and the adjacent chapel of the current hospital. These will be preserved and form an iconic frame for the new main entrance. In this way, the new construction will become a landmark in the center of Vechta.
Patient-Centered Design
The design focuses on the patient. The patient rooms are equipped with comfortable furniture, abundant natural light, and offer attractive views of the city. The use of natural materials and a design that promotes orientation further enhance the well-being of the patients. Intuitive and short walking routes contribute to a clear and calm environment.
Sustainable and Modern
Upon completion of all construction phases, the hospital will cover an area of more than 50,000 m², where both new construction and sustainable renovation of existing parts of the hospital will take place. The new building will include a modern central emergency department, combined intensive care and operating departments on a single level, and a capacity of more than 450 beds. Additionally, there will be a central outpatient intervention center and a helicopter landing pad on the roof.
Positive Reactions to the Design
The design has received much praise from experts and jury representatives. It is lauded for providing a compact solution to a complex task and for its subtle integration into the urban landscape of Vechta.
This project is a collaboration between the architectural team GSP – G.A.F. – jes, consisting of Gerlach Schneider Partner Architekten from Bremen, Gortemaker Algra Feenstra architects with offices in Rotterdam and Brussels, and janßen eberlei-sobing architekten from Bremen.
