Hospital design presents a host of unique challenges to architects and specifiers. With ever-changing codes and standards, increasing medical complexity and operational requirements, satisfying every demand of a hospital project is an onerous task.

Inside the hospital corridors, the walls and ceilings specified must be prepared for the high traffic, heavy impact nature of hospital work. Hospitals operate around the clock and just as an extended period of downtime of medical machinery or equipment is not an option, so too the walls and ceilings must provide easy repair and maintenance to minimise interruptions to operation. In addition to this they must meet BCA provisions for fire resistance, energy efficiency, structural integrity and wet areas.

USG Boral has addressed the requirements of hospital design with a range of lightweight wall and ceiling solutions that help architects create structures that meet the needs of occupants, satisfy BCA provisions and reduce damage and maintenance.

USG Boral plasterboard walls and ceilings offer a smooth and seamless surface finish that is easy to clean and disinfect, helping with Infection Control, and with the need for equipment and services to be readily accessible for maintenance purposes, USG Boral’s exposed grid ceilings and lay-in acoustic ceiling tiles provide easy access.

USG Boral wall and ceiling solutions were used in the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, with USG Boral Fiberock® wall lining used extensively in high traffic areas due its impact resistant qualities and installation convenience. USG Boral were involved in the design reviews and assisted the project consultant team to specify wall systems that met the brief and the acoustic criteria of the project.

Minimising downtime and reducing maintenance in hospitals is not just about saving money, but saving lives. The patients and staff within these facilities operate 24/7, and the built environment must be prepared to operate on the same clock. When designing and specifying on a hospital or healthcare project, the future maintenance and downtime requirements should be at the forefront of consideration.

To find out more about USG Boral’s wall and ceiling solutions for Australian hospitals and health care design visit:

www.usgboral.com/content/usgcom/en_australia/products-solutions/solutions/health-care.html