Gainford

Gainford’s sole medical practice led to the development of a new medical centre on the site of a former petrol station in the village.

The design of the building, which is located within a Conservation area, involved careful consideration of form, massing and materials in relation to the existing village structure, and involved direct consultation with the Local Planning Authority.

In contrast to Gainford’s conservation area, which can be seen as typical to the character of the village, the site’s immediate locality had no distinct architectural language. However, it was considered imperative that vernacular materials and detail, such as natural stone, slate and trimmed eaves, be incorporated into a contemporary building solution.

The southern façade is designed to serve both the comfortable working environment and frame unique views. Stone walls, sourced from a local quarry, envelope the eastern extreme of the building while blue and red rendered walls punctuate the approach to what is both a physical and visual focal point at the village gateway.

The new medical centre now provides radically improved services for its patients, and continues to be a village-based community facility.