Zentia’s Biobloc Plain and Aquabloc ceiling tiles feature in a new, £26 million A&E Department at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, which Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust says has been designed “with an innovative approach to patient flow, ‘high spec’ equipment, and ultra-modern technology”.
The Trust says the ‘vision’ was to create a modern department that incorporated enhanced ways of working, and improved patient privacy and dignity. The hospital required a ‘multi-faceted’ ceiling solution to cover its main patient areas and wetrooms that required extra protection from moisture. The building’s design meant a ceiling was required over a space that housed the plant room above, resulting in ‘a vast number’ of mechanical and electrical services located in the ceiling void.
Senior Architect on the project, Russell Colling, explained: “The main challenge was the number of M&E services within the ceiling void, and providing access for maintenance. The clinical spaces also required an antimicrobial performance.” A solution was found in the form of Zentia’s Biobloc Plain and Aquabloc tiles. Having previously specified Biobloc, the project architects knew it would be the correct fit for their next healthcare project. In all, 200 m2 of Biobloc was used throughout the clinical spaces, offices, and staff areas. The Biobloc Plain tile incorporates a specialised coating that actively inhibits bacterial growth, and is designed for healthcare setting use, particularly in areas where infection risk ranges from average to severe. The tiles also ‘blend superior acoustic performance with high light reflectance, creating a private and comfortable setting for patients’.
Zentia’s Aquabloc tile was used throughout wetrooms. One of Zentia’s toughest tiles, it can operate in environments that are damp and high in temperature, making it perfect for shower and bathroom areas.
To overcome the issue of a lowered ceiling below the plant room, Zentia’s Axiom Grid was used. Russell Colling explained: “The department was designed to have a lowered ceiling over the central nurse bases, but is located beneath the plant room, meaning extensive M&E services within the ceiling void. The limited space meant bulkheads could not be supported from the soffit. During the on-site meeting with Zentia for the coordination of the ceiling, it was recommended Axiom be installed to delineate the nurse bases within the open Majors Department.” He added: “The suspended ceiling also allowed radiant panels, as well as lighting, to be installed within the ceiling grid, freeing up wall space for the equipment and services in the clinical rooms.”
Zentia’s ceiling system was successfully installed over three months by specialist contractor, Ace Partitions & Ceilings.
