Glasgow University Small Animal Hospital

Situated on the grounds of a parkland estate, the new Small Animal Hospital, part of University of Glasgow’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, had to be built within a sensitive landscape. NORR’s solution was to peel back the ground and set the new building underneath – simple-sounding but an architecturally complex solution.

The massive, technologically-advanced green roof makes the building almost disappear into a newly created hillside. To create a natural connection between ground and building, NORR used Gabion cladding, essentially steel baskets filled with locally sourced stone. A glazed cupola and boldly defined entrance declare the building’s presence and bring daylight to the public areas inside. The cupola is lit in different colors at night, creating a lantern effect. The building plan is simply laid out with clear delineation between public and private space, expressed through the top lit concourse and central reception island. All hospital functions are gathered around a central nurses’ station and triage area creating a highly efficient and functional building. NORR’s hospital design knowledge contributed to making this the most cutting-edge veterinary facility in the UK, providing highly advanced diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical techniques. BREEAM accredited at the design stage, this award-winning building has many energy efficient features complimenting its innovative architecture design.