Architecture Ireland The Journal of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland
With the new Government pledging major changes in health care – such as the introduction of free GP Care and the redeployment of the HSE – Architecture Ireland focuses in this issue on innovation in design for health and communities. Alongside our in-depth building features on the Alzheimer Respite Clinic by Niall McLaughlin Architects, the Child & Adult Mental Health Unit by Moloney O’Beirne Architects and the Ballyroan Pastoral Centre by Box Architecture, we feature the best new products and technology for healthcare and community design.
Technal’s FXi46 Windows Maximise Daylight in Pinderfields Hospital (UK) (1)
Pivot window systems from Technal’s FXi46 range were specified for the UK’s fastest built large acute inpatient hospital, Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield, designed by BDP Architects. Architectural aluminium glazing specialist, Technal, in partnership with fabricators Quest Solutions, has supplied around 1,500 windows for the 88,000m2 hospital. For ease of cleaning on the upper floors, Technal’s FXi46 were installed, while fixed lights and top hung windows from the FXi65 suite were used in other areas. Featuring strong design themes of space, light and colour, the 708-bed hospital uses a shallow space plan, a series of courtyards, and windows to all occupied rooms to maximise natural daylight and help create a sense of well-being throughout. Fabricated and installed by Quest Solutions, the windows were inserted into cedar cladding, render, rainscreen panels and decorative brickwork, which provide different textures and colours for each elevation. The Technal window systems were finished in a highly durable dark grey polyester powder coating and double-glazed using a combination of clear toughened, laminated, low E and solar control glass to suit the different elevations and orientations. www.technal.ie, T 01 4105766,
follow Technal on Twitter @TechnalUK
Triton Safe Guards Health Care Design (2)
Credited for their, durability and safety, Triton’s Safe Guard range is the leading brand and range in the shower market and used throughout the health care industry in Ireland. Two Electric showers – the Safeguard Pumped and the Safeguard Mains – are suitable for health boards. Developed with Occupational Therapists, they are endorsed by the RNIB to ensure simple and easy use. They are suitable where water pressure is low or unreliable with their low water pressure solution. Endorsed by Beab Care the Thermostatic Temperature Control regulates the temperature provided allowing for safer showering. The Adjustable Timed Shutdown automatically shuts the shower down after the pre-selected time with the Installed Maximum Temperature stop reduces the risk of turning the temperature too high. With the Phased Shutdown, when the shower is turned off, the water continues to run for a few seconds to flush out preheated water before stopping completely and the Audible Alert tells when the shower is started and stopped. www.tritonshowers.ie
A guide to ceiling and wall systems appropriate for the particularly demanding environments of healthcare buildings has been launched by Armstrong Ceilings, the UK’s leading interior solutions provider. Hospitals and health centres have to meet a plethora of health and safety, indoor quality and maintenance criteria, with the control of bio-contamination and disinfection of vital importance in these days of MRSA. But at the same time as hygiene needs are paramount, so too is the patient experience in contemporary healthcare and Armstrong’s “Healthcare Segment” brochure advises how this element can be designed into healthcare spaces using appropriate ceiling and wall systems to optimise factors such as acoustics and natural daylight. The 32-page guide advises on the most appropriate mineral and metal ceiling tiles and grids to meet healthcare criteria such as anti-microbial performance, air quality, cleaning, humidity resistance, fire reaction, acoustic performance, light reflectance, guarantees and recycled content. For instance, Armstrong’s Bioguard mineral and metal tiles, which are treated with a special anti-microbial surface paint, provide ISO 5 to ISO 3 in minimal risk areas such as offices and halls, and average risk areas such as pharmacies and maternity areas. These tiles can be used along with Armstrong’s CLEAN ROOM® grids in severe risk areas such as intensive care units, delivery rooms and laboratories, and very high risk areas such as operating theatres and transplantation areas. Case studies detailing how products such as these helped specifiers meet healthcare performance criteria at sites such as Tameside General Hospital and University Hospital, Birmingham, are contained within the brochure.
www.armstrong-ceilings.ie
T 1800 409 002 (freephone)
E sales-support@armstrong.com
Article as seen in Architecture Ireland issue 256
