North Manchester Hospital : the purity of terracotta

Lewis & Hickey

Like a series of arches that interlock, intersect, separate and stand out, the new twentyfour- bed intermediate care unit at North Manchester Hospital in England is both unsettling and intriguing on the eye, in equal measure. Designed by the Lewis and Hickey firm of architects, in close collaboration with Terreal, this project to accommodate patients convalescing before they return home plays a transitional role in terms of its design and appearance too.

According to Tom Lyth, architect at Lewis and Hickey “I particularly valued Terreal’s ability to visualise the project through my eyes. The teams’ availability and involvement was also a great support, right from the start of the project. To be honest, we hadn’t immediately envisaged using terracotta cladding products, but we certainly have no regrets as they meet our requirements in every respect, particularly as regards their resistance to bad weather and ability to last a long time. Our collaboration with Terreal was a first and I’m sure it marks the start of a great venture.”

North Manchester Hospital, Manchester, UK - Lewis & Hickey - Piterak Slim & Maestral slim form TERREAL range