St Mary’s Primary Care Centre, Cork

Avanti Architects, in collaboration with the Health Service Executive, have successfully delivered a state-of-the-art Primary Care Centre designed to cater to the healthcare needs of approximately 40,000 individuals residing in the surrounding area. Located within the newly established St. Mary’s Health Campus in Cork, this facility takes center stage as a compact, “figure of 8” shaped building design. Its layout revolves around a triple-height internal street space, serving as a central hub that seamlessly connects all departments.

Covering an impressive 6,500 square meters, this facility stands as the largest of its kind in Ireland. It houses various primary care services, including multiple GP practices, Public Health Nurses, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapy services, Dietetics, Speech and Language Therapy, Podiatry, Psychology, Dental, Ophthalmology, Immunisation, Mental Health Services, as well as a range of bookable rooms for additional services. Furthermore, it provides accommodation for the University College Cork, allowing their presence on the north side of the city for the first time ever. The centre also accommodates the Centre for Urban Health and Wellbeing, the Cork Vocational Training Scheme for General Practice, and a Dental Outreach Training Centre for the UCC School of Dental Surgery.

The distinct folded “figure of 8” shape of the centre creates two courtyards connected by a circulation spine or “internal street” at its core. The southern courtyard visually extends the “Arrival Square,” offering a sense of openness to the main entrance. The northern courtyard captures and frames a delightful “green finger” of landscape, thus forming serene green spaces that harmonize with the campus’s vernacular architecture. These courtyards not only provide natural light and ventilation but also contribute to the creation of a therapeutic environment essential for this type of healthcare facility. The internal street, which is glazed towards the courtyards, features reception points, waiting areas, health information services, and a café.

As part of their role, Avanti  also developed a framework for the future expansion of the site. This framework encompasses the addition of community nursing units, an outpatient department, clinical spaces, and office accommodations, setting the stage for further growth and development.