Located in the town of Coxheath in Kent, the new build surgery replaces existing and outdated premises which were spread across different sites. The purpose-built surgery delivers 1,340m² of clinical space over two storeys, incorporating 13 consulting and examination rooms, 8 treatment rooms, clinical support areas, and administrative zones.

Deacon + Richardson Architects were appointed from RIBA Stage 3 to deliver a revised scheme based on an existing planning consent. The original layout, however. presented significant limitations for a modern healthcare facility. Drawing on our expertise in primary healthcare, we reconfigured the internal arrangements and secured minor planning amendments to ensure the new surgery met the NHS brief and end-user needs.

A bright and inviting double-height entrance welcomes visitors into a naturally lit space with clearly defined waiting areas. An in-house café, which also supports food education, sits adjacent to the main waiting area. Both the ground and first-floor areas benefit from generous glazing and open views towards the countryside—improving the patient experience through light and visual comfort.

An intuitive wayfinding strategy formed a key part of the brief. This was achieved using zoned colour schemes, including distinctive feature walls and clear signage to delineate clinical areas and improve navigation for patients and staff.

As a mandatory requirement for NHS-funded schemes, the building achieved BREEAM Excellent, scoring highly in energy performance and responsible construction processes. Sustainability measures included high levels of insulation, airtight construction, and an air source heat pump system that provides both heating and cooling.

This scheme delivers a robust, user-focused, and environmentally responsible healthcare building, setting a benchmark for future medical centre design in Kent.

Photo Credit: Richard Chivers