Context

The Vila Nova de Gaia / Espinho Hospital Centre in Porto, Portugal has a new 8000m2 maternity building which includes an Obstetric and Gynaecological Emergency Service, a delivery block equipped with nine individual delivery rooms, two operating theatres, a Neonatology unit, and 82 patient rooms.

Designed by Manuel Abreue Lima Architects and built by Ferreira Build Power contractors at a cost of 14.6 million euros, the facility was constructed to the highest standards.

Requirements

The facility was designed with patient well-being, durability and ease of maintenance in mind. An important aspect of this was ensuring internal walls were hygienic and protected from impact damage.

Wall protection solution

Walls specified with CS Acrovyn wall protection range help maintain the highest levels of  hygiene and protect interiors from impact damage.

• Hygienic, impact-resistant wall finishes

CS Acrovyn® Bactericide Sheet was selected to provide a hygienic, impact-resistant wall  finish. A total of 6542m2 of this 2mm-thick wall covering was applied to full wall height in the hospital’s corridors and waiting areas. 

Acrovyn Bactericide has been third party tested to ISO 22196 and proven to be effective against 7 of the most common species of hospital and food bacteria. The anti-microbial additive incorporated in the sheet  remains effective throughout the product’s long lifespan and will not be affected by most stringent cleaning regimes.

This durable, through-coloured material has a lightly textured surface which helps to hide the effects of impact and abrasion.

Installed flush with vinyl flooring, Acrovyn® Bactericide creates an environment that is easy to clean and maintain.

• Wall protection profiles

A selection of Acrovyn wall protection profiles was chosen to provide additional protection against impact damage from beds and other hospital equipment.

1100m of Acrovyn SCR-80 crash rails were installed at mid-wall height throughout the circulation areas. The 203mm-high profiles offer a modern aesthetic and feature a curved cover and internal bumper cushion to effectively absorb the force of impact.  

Acrovyn TP-200 Rub Rails and Acrovyn SO-50 corner guards used on external corners complete the wall protection scheme.

• Neutral, calming colour scheme

All Acrovyn products were specified in a neutral eggshell colour, complementing other interior finishes and helping to create a soothing and calming environment for patients, staff and visitors.

Outcome

The specification of CS Acrovyn wall protection in the new maternity building in Porto will offer savings throughout the building’s lifecycle, while providing a clean and welcoming environment for the safety and wellbeing of patients and staff.