Designing Comfort in a Children's Hospital

Improving Acoustics in Poland’s Largest Kids’ Hospital

The Children’s Memorial Health Institute in Warsaw - Poland’s largest paediatric hospital - recently modernised its emergency and reception areas to improve comfort for patients, families and staff. Acoustic performance was a central focus of the redesign, with Rockfon products chosen to help reduce noise, support hygiene standards and create a calmer healing environment in a space that welcomes thousands of children every year.

Designing calm and clarity for young patients

Hospitals are often stressful places - especially for children. In redesigning its reception and emergency areas, the Children’s Memorial Health Institute focused on making the space more welcoming, less clinical, and better suited to the needs of young patients. Acoustics were a key part of this goal. Reducing noise helps children feel safer and makes it easier for staff and families to communicate clearly in moments of urgency.

Kuryłowicz & Associates led the redesign, guided by a “space without exclusions” philosophy - where every patient, staff member and visitor has their needs considered. Rockfon donated acoustic ceiling solutions tailored to healthcare: Rockfon MediCare Plus in treatment areas and Rockfon Eclipse islands in waiting zones and public corridors. Each product was matched to acoustic, aesthetic and hygiene requirements.

The architects’ key challenge was to reorganise the space to serve many functions while reducing noise. According to Aleksandra Czubaszek-Siluch, “In this project, Rockfon ceilings play a very important role - they emphasise the character of the interior.” Full white suspended ceilings were used in sanitary areas to create visual clarity, while floating islands in the café and staff rooms softened the environment and reduced the “hospital look.”

Rockfon MediCare Plus is specifically designed for demanding healthcare environments. Made from mineral wool, it resists mould and bacteria, doesn’t support MRSA growth, and allows for thorough cleaning. Installed throughout the clinic, the ceilings help manage sound and support infection control without compromising visual comfort. Rockfon Eclipse adds a decorative element while improving acoustics in busier open spaces.