Rockfon Acoustic Systems have been installed throughout the Bassetlaw Emergency Village In Nottinghamshire. The major initiative increases capacity for both emergency and 24/7 inpatient paediatric care, encompassing an Emergency Department, Acute Medical Unit, and Children’s Assessment Unit.
Andy White, Head of Capital Infrastructure at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation, “The Trust is rightfully proud of the fantastic new environment in which our patients can now receive care. The quality of the construction and the timely delivery of the project were important factors in creating the new care environments, and Rockfon has helped achieve this goal.”
Award-winning P+HS Architects were design principle. with the main contractor role for the project awarded to IHP, a joint venture between Vinci Construction and Sir Robert McAlpine. Rotherham-based Ace Partitions and Ceilings were responsible for the installation of Rockfon Acoustic Systems.
HBN 10 Part B compliance requirements
In common with many healthcare projects, the choice of ceiling system is driven by required compliance with HBN 10 Part B. Two different module dimensions – 600x600mm, 600x1200mm – were used at Bassetlaw. The versatility and performance characteristics embodied in Medicare Standard simplified the specification process as it was used throughout the facility, from circulation and reception spaces, through to consultation, examination and treatment areas, resus and in-patient rooms, and everywhere in between.
Healthcare specification made easy
In addition to Class A sound absorption and the highest fire safety (Class A), this specialist range delivers additional antibacterial safeguards – vitally important for healthcare and medical settings where infection control is paramount.
As with all Rockfon ceiling systems, Medicare is made from a core of basalt stone wool, which, in addition to being innately non-combustible, naturally offers protection against microbial spread. Its high light reflectance helps create light-filled spaces and the successful control of sound, aids recovery and wellbeing. Low particle emission (ISO Class 5-) and simple cleaning also mark it out as the perfect choice for healthcare specification.
Rockfon Specification Manager, Scott Hamilton, “Initially, project architects P+HS contacted our Technical Manager, Tim Spencer. I then collaborated directly with them regarding various design and technical aspects of the ceiling systems, including transitions to plasterboard margins and the use of clips to mitigate wind uplift in the corridors. A comprehensive specification pack was presented to them at that time. I then attended site and met with IHP and Ace Partitions and Ceilings, where I recommended the use of MaxiSpan and I-Profiles, in certain spaces, to solve the issue of congested services hindering the use of traditional soffit suspension fixing points.”
Wide-span ceilings – MaxiSpan grid
Rockfon MaxiSpan grid is a unique and cost-efficient installation where the grid is suspended from the walls. It is perfect for corridors and large, single spans, typically up to 3m wide, providing more flexibility and freedom to install and maintain the services above. MaxiSpan is ideal for use with a variety of tiles including wide planks to create a more seamless appearance than traditional grids.
Enhanced Corrosion Resistance
In clinical and non-clinical ‘wet’ areas, Enhanced Corrosion Resistance (ECR) grid has been used at Bassetlaw. To meet the highest Class D corrosion resistance requirements of EN13964, all ECR grid components and accessories are made of pre-painted galvanised steel Z275.
Ace Partitions and Ceilings Project Manager, Nathan Kerry, “A project of this type and scale has its challenges, but looks great now completed. One main obstacle was the myriad of services preventing us from getting hangers to the soffit. Scott Hamilton was on hand with advice and technical expertise, offering a solution that mitigated the issue.”
