Image Credits: BS Stanford Ltd, IG Masonry Support
The Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre (DNRC) project is a remarkable initiative by the late 6th Duke of Westminster. He served for over 40 years in the British Reserve Army and witnessed the price paid by many members of the armed forces during their service. He felt strongly that we owe those who volunteer to fight for our countries, alongside forces from other nations, the best possible care and rehabilitation if they are injured during strenuous training or in conflict.
The Defence facility at the Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Estate was built entirely from charitable donations, with more than £300M was raised from major donations by individuals, charitable foundations and companies, both in the UK and overseas.
The ambition is for the DNRC to be the catalyst for the first ever specialist clinical rehabilitation centre for civilians (the ‘N’ in the DNRC). If the full DNRC opportunity is seized in this way, the late 6th Duke’s legacy will be truly remarkable.
EH Smith’s work on this Landmark project commenced in 2015 with Purcell Architects who were appointed to implement the design vision of John Simpson Architects.
In addition to sourcing bricks that reflected the classic aesthetics of the project we advised on their suitability to form numerous types of special shapes required and worked with our partners IG Masonry Support to develop the design of hundreds of arches and the corbelling details that are prevalent throughout the site.
Lee Marley Brickwork also worked in close partnership with us to ensure the smooth running of the site and their exceptional bricklaying skill dovetailed the offsite elements and the traditionally hand-laid brickwork to form a seamless whole. Over 1.2m bricks were supplied to the site over a two year period to enable the 43,000m2 project to complete.
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