After the success of last years restaurant extension, the Royal Berkshire Hospital commissioned Astral to erect two more dining areas on the grounds.

The first project was a Double Edwardian style conservatory approximately 9 metres long by 6 metres wide.  It was constructed using the market leading Ultraframe roofing system in conjunction with a portal frame to provide a stunning addition to the restaurant.  It was constructed in a previously disused courtyard to provide much needed extra space for diners to relax.

Heatguard polycarbonate was fitted to the roof along with 2 thermostatically controlled roof vents to ensure a comfortable interior temperature whatever the weather or time of year.  Technically the structure has has a host of features such as a structural thermal clad box gutter, a portal skeleton frame and fire escape doors with "panic bar" escape features.

The design of the two dining areas was slightly more complex than the first as the design required a lobby area to be constructed between the hospital and the new restaurant area.  They were also larger than the first, each being 11 metres long by 7 metres wide, with the lobby area measuring approximately 3 metres by 3 metres.  The cost of the projects has come in at £170,000.

 Mr Hart, the projects co-ordinator for the National Health Service at Royal Berkshire Hospital said "The additions have made an incredible difference to the staff and patients.  They now have a beautiful area to enjoy their break time, and we look forward to making similar additions in other areas on the Hospital grounds".