Acoustic comfort and hygienic performance under the same roof

How Päijät-Häme Central Hospital solved two very different ceiling requirements across a 33 600-square-metre expansion.

A treatment area at Päijät-Häme Central Hospital with Rockfon CleanSpace Pro tiles above, meeting the hygiene and acoustic requirements of a high-traffic clinical space.

One of Finland's largest hospitals, made larger

Päijät-Häme Central Hospital in Lahti, Finland recently completed a major expansion, adding 33 600 square metres of new space to the existing facility. Designed by Raami Arkkitehdit Oy, the expansion covers everything from public corridors and waiting areas to a two-storey cafeteria, maternity ward and operating theatres.

Two problems, two very different requirements

In the public areas of the hospital (corridors, waiting rooms and the two-storey cafeteria) hard floors, high ceilings and constant foot traffic cause reverberation to build quickly.

For patients in recovery, and for staff trying to focus and communicate clearly, that background noise makes a difficult environment harder.

In the clinical areas, the ceiling has an additional requirement beyond acoustics. Operating theatres and the maternity ward demand surfaces that can withstand rigorous cleaning and disinfection without degrading, where infection control is as important as sound absorption. A standard acoustic tile isn't enough here.

The big challenge: To cover over 20 000 square metres of ceilings had to address both issues across the same building, with the right product specified for each type of space.

Project info

Project name

Päijät-Häme Central Hospital

Location

Lahti, Finland

Architecture

Raami Arkkitehdit Oy

Installation

Rakennus Kankainen Oy

Photography

Mikko Käkelä

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Products used

Rockfon CleanSpace® Pro

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Rockfon Sonar®

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A staff desk area in the hospital, with Rockfon ceiling tiles providing acoustic comfort in a busy working environment.

Päijät-Häme Central Hospital in Lahti, Finland, one of the largest hospitals in the country.

Public areas vs. clinical zones

In the corridors, waiting areas, cafeteria and general public spaces, Rockfon Sonar ceiling tiles were installed, absorbing sound and reducing reverberation to create a calmer atmosphere throughout the busiest parts of the hospital.

In the operating theatres, maternity ward and other high-risk clinical areas, Rockfon CleanSpace Pro tiles were specified. These tiles combine acoustic performance with surfaces designed for the highest levels of cleanability and resistance to humidity and bacteria, meeting the strict hygiene requirements of critical care environments.

"The new premises have very good acoustics. The main lobby area in particular has been perceived as calm and pleasant. Sound insulation in other premises has been found to be good for both customers and employees," said Johanna Aitamurto, Facilities Manager at Päijät-Häme wellness area.

Ceiling-mounted medical equipment integrated into a Rockfon CleanSpace Pro installation in a treatment room, combining acoustic performance with surfaces built for daily disinfection.

Another treatment room at Päijät-Häme, where Rockfon CleanSpace Pro handles both the acoustic and infection control requirements of a critical care environment.

A contractor who knows what to do

Installer Rakennus Kankainen was already familiar with the products and the process. They had previously installed over 30 000 square metres of Rockfon acoustic ceilings at Espoo Hospital, giving them direct experience of working at this scale in a healthcare setting.

"We have already installed Rockfon's acoustic solutions in countless different locations. Both the products and the company have become familiar, and when choosing products you should know both," said Kari Kerminen, CEO of Rakennus Kankainen.

Rockfon's readiness to deliver immediately and competitive pricing were additional factors in the specification decision.

A corridor at Päijät-Häme, where Rockfon Sonar ceiling tiles improve acoustics in a high-traffic circulation space.

Another corridor with Rockfon Sonar absorbing sound.

Positive feedback from patients and staff alike

Since completion, the facilities manager has received overwhelmingly positive responses from both staff and patients about the acoustic environment, particularly in the lobby and cafeteria. A hospital this size, handling this volume of patients and staff daily, now has an acoustic environment that supports the care happening inside it.

Also expanding or renovating a healthcare facility where acoustic performance and hygiene requirements need to be addressed across very different spaces? Get in touch, and together we'll find the right solution for every area.