Halliday Meecham Architects have recently started construction on a new flagship hospital for Spire Healthcare on Princess Road. The new hospital replaces Spire’s current facility in Whalley Range and aspires to provide a medical facility of international renown providing accommodation that includes outpatient and inpatient facilities, an endoscopy unit, six operating theatres (including one hybrid theatre) and a conference suite. To rationalise the complex programme of accommodation, the elevations are designed around a regular grid and a limited palette of materials including textured concrete and aluminium panels and Western Red Cedar louvers. A fundamental consideration of the design team was to deliver a building with strong sustainability credentials. The envelope is designed to minimise energy usage and CO2 emissions and the scheme will feature sedum and wildflower roofs, high performance glazing and photovoltaic panels.