A hospital extension has to do more than make room for new services. At Synphaet Medical Center in Bangkok, Vessu Collaboration faced the task of fitting a large clinical programme onto a confined site while connecting the new building to Synphaet Ramintra Hospital. The architecture and interior design practice designed both the building and its interiors.
Open for service by April 2025, the centre provides outpatient and inpatient care. Its specialist services include cardiology, neurology, orthopaedics, diabetes and endocrinology and minimally invasive surgery.
Planning the hospital extension
On a restricted site, the relationship with the existing hospital was as important as the arrangement of departments within the new centre. Vessu used digital tools to address both, with patient safety, staff movement and flexibility among its planning considerations.
The building rises from a broad base containing public and clinical spaces, with inpatient accommodation in the tower above. Treatment areas have wide double bays and sliding breakout doors designed to allow staff to respond quickly. Away from the clinical rooms, the building also accommodates places for patients and visitors to eat or spend time between appointments.
A façade seen in passing
Vessu arranged glass and solid sections in a triangular pattern across the façade. Narrow vertical panels give the glazing a strong rhythm, while the tower rises above a stepped lower volume. Together, these elements alter the building’s appearance as people pass by road or rail.
The extensive glazing conveys a sense of cleanliness, while the shifting pattern gives the façade an impression of movement. The Pink Line’s Ramintra Km 9 station is nearby.
Public spaces and patient rooms
Landscaped courtyards bring greenery to the project. A planted outdoor terrace offers another place to spend time outside.
Inside, pale floors and warm-toned wall panels give the reception and waiting areas a restrained palette, with seating near large windows.
Floor-to-ceiling windows provide daylight and views from public areas, where cafés, restaurants, a convenience store and other facilities are located. These give visitors options during what may be a long day at the hospital.
The inpatient rooms are private, with natural light and en-suite bathrooms. Vessu also incorporated custom artwork and graphics into the interiors.
Photos: Courtesy of SkyGround architectural film & photography
