Zentia’s Biobloc Acoustic ceiling solution integral part of QEQM hospital refurbishment

The Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother Hospital in Margate, Kent has recently undergone an extension and refurbishment on its Emergency Department. The project included a new entrance to the department, reception, treatment areas, waiting area, and staff spaces. The new facilities will enable the busy hospital to continue providing its vital healthcare services amidst growing pressures.

CHALLENGE

The new Emergency Department required a ceiling tile solution that could not only support, but enhance patient health and wellbeing. To achieve this, architects HMY and main contractors WW Martin needed a ceiling tile that would provide an acoustically comfortable environment, whilst also meeting the strict hygiene requirements that are necessary for a safe healthcare setting.

SOLUTION

The project team specified 2500m2 of Biobloc Acoustic (previously known as Bioguard) due to it being a medical tile that has been specifically designed for use in healthcare environments. Particularly useful in settings where there is an average to severe risk of infection, Biobloc Acoustic tiles have an additional coating which actively inhibits the growth of micro-organisms.

Designed to complement existing infection control measures, they are water-repellent, making them easy to clean by wiping with a damp sponge, or by fogging. The Biobloc Acoustic tile offers enhanced support for patient wellbeing by also reducing noise annoyance with Class C sound absorption and a sound attenuation performance of 36dB.

The tiles were successfully installed by KRS Interiors in December 2023. As a member of Zentia’s Pinnacle Partnership Scheme, KRS Interiors benefitted from Zentia’s off cut recycling scheme for the project, increasing the project’s overall sustainability credentials.

The development was incredibly successful, and the interior design scheme went on to be shortlisted for the ‘Best Interior Design – Refurbishment’ category of the Better Building Healthcare Awards 2023, highlighted for its inclusion of design features that increased accessibility for those living with dementia as well as visual impairments.

Mike Darling, Director at WW Martin commented on the project “We needed a ceiling tile that would meet the unique needs of a hospital setting, including enhanced hygienic properties. We found Zentia’s Biobloc range and was impressed by its acoustic properties whilst also being able to enhance the hospital’s existing infection control properties. Zentia were great to work with, and were always on hand to provide technical information and advice. The tiles not only look great now they are installed, but we can be confident in their ability to meet the space’s needs.”

Zentia’s Biobloc Acoustic ceiling solution was an integral part of the overall vision for the QEQM, offering a ceiling tile solution that places patient health and wellbeing at the very heart of its design. With the doors now open, the emergency department’s new expansion will provide vital treatment to more patients in need.