Product category:
Ceilings
News Release from: Rockfon | Subject: Rockfon ceilings
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 05 February 2007
Queen unveils new Rockfon ceilings
Rockfon product designated specification for new Queen's Hospital at Romford included MediCare and MediCare Ultra tiles and MaxiSpan grid.
In December 2006, following three years of construction, the new Queen's Hospital at Romford, with 939 beds and the flexibility in one of its towers to provide a further 60 beds if required, opened its doors to the public The new hospital, which was specially built to replace the existing Oldchurch Hospital, was designed and built to the highest specification
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 7 Apr 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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It is also a testament to best construction practice and the use of superior products and systems that meet all the stringent requirements of PFI (Private Finance Initiative) healthcare construction.
Today, with the emergence of various strains of 'superbug' it is more vital than ever before that new hospitals can offer a hygienic, safe and clean environment for patients and hospital employees.
As such sourcing the right raw materials, which allow regular heavy duty cleaning and are moisture and bacteria resistant is incredibly important.
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In addition the acoustics aspect of the indoor environment is also important, both to the well-being of patients and the ability of staff and visitors to communicate effectively.
Actually studies show that patients recover faster when the acoustics are good and spaces are quieter.
Furthermore, fire safety is of course of crucial importance in a hospital where there are many patients of varying mobility who need extra evacuation time in case of fire.
And finally with cost an issue for any NHS Trust the expected life cycle of the materials used is also a key consideration.
Rockfon products, which meet all of these strict criteria, were the designated specification, with nearly 70km2 of MediCare and MediCare Ultra tiles and MaxiSpan grid used for wards, consulting rooms and corridors.
Clark and Fenn Skanska ceiling contractors, part of Skanska UK plc, spent two years installing ceiling systems throughout the super hospital that has a one million square foot floor area.
Rockfon MediCare and MediCare Ultra combine very attractive surface finishes with high sound absorption, which offers excellent acoustic performance.
In tests the sound absorption data has been measured in accordance with ISO 354.
Sound absorption data alpha p, alpha w and ISO Class in accordance with ISO 11654.
And Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) is calculated in accordance with ASTM C423.
Crucially the tiles offer high resistance to bacteria and micro-organisms.
Both are manufactured from 100% compressed stone wool, which does not contain organic nutrients and cannot be attacked by rot or fungi.
MediCare Ultra tiles have a special white painted surface, with enhanced fungicide and cleaning options.
They have tough coated edges and achieve clean room classification making them suitable for use in highly controlled environments where particle control in the air is paramount.
Both offer a cleanable surface that offers good In terms of fire performance the 100% pure stone wool, that the tiles are made from, can withstand more than 1000C for more than 120 minutes without melting.
Whole Life value, another important consideration in the PFI specification process.
MediCare and MediCare Ultra are available in a large range of module dimensions that can be installed into the Rockfon RockLink exposed grid system "Rockfon's expertise in the specialist healthcare sector was a major attribute," says a spokesman from Clark and Fenn.
"The company recommended additional components to suit the construction, such as plasterboard lining and precast plaster/GRP features".
"This ensured the optimum performance of the ceiling systems throughout".
The four storey new Queen's Hospital has been designed under PFI guidelines for Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust, to replace the existing Old Church hospital on the site.
Bovis Lend Lease is responsible for the design and construction of the hospital as part of the Catalyst Consortium, which includes The Building Design Partnership architectural practice in collaboration with Jonathon Bailey Architects.
A range of facilities has been included into the design, including over 800 beds, day nursery, an administration building and an energy centre.
Rockfon has a long standing global alliance agreement with Bovis Lend Lease who were responsible for the design and construction of the hospital.
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