Healing architecture - The consotium proposal for the extension of Kolding Hospital is designed using research based conecpts like ’Evidence based design’ and ’Healing architecture’. As an example, all bedrooms will have access to daylight as experience shows that this results in reduced need for medicine and shorter hospital stays. A view to green winter gardens also contributes positively. Illustration: schmidt hammer lassen architects
The Region of Southern Denmark chose a consotrium with Balslev, NIRAS, Creo Architects, schmidt hammer lassen architects and GBL Architects & Landscaping to extend Kolding Hospital with acute care unit and other facilities
The project is phase 2 and 3 of a comprehensive 32,000 m2 extension. It comprises among other things:
- A new, large main entrance
- A new ward for reception of acute patients
- A new X-ray department
- Extension of the operation ward
- A new auditorium building
- A new 5 storey building for general patient care, to be placed on top of the existing hospital built from 1968-75. The new treatment ward will host 216 beds, mainly in single rooms with own bathroom.
The construction, which begins early 2012 and is anticipated to end by 2014, will transform Kolding Hospital into an acute care hospital for the 300,000 citizens in the triangle area connecting Southern Jutland and Funen. The total budget is 573 mill. DKK (approx. 76 mill. EUR). Balslev is, together with the lead consultant NIRAS, responsible for the engineering services. We are in charge of the design and detailed specifications as well as project management related to power supply, lighting and ventilation.
"We look forward to continue our excellent cooperation in the consortium in the realisation of the vision of a sustainable, energy efficient super hospital, which meets the requirements for low energy class 2015 stipulated in the Danish Building Regulations BR10 and offers a pleasant indoor climate," says Tommy Steen Møller, Head of department, Health, Energy and Indoor climate. ”For this assignment we will draw on our solid experience from numerous projects concerning extension and energy optimisation at hospitals in e.g. Herlev, Aabenraa, Bispebjerg and Copenhagen.”
According to the chairman, Carl Holst, the Region of Sourhern Denmark emphasized in their announcement of the winning project, that it fulfilled their vision of a top class hospital characterized by key words like holistic, coherence and flexibility. The vision poses high demands on the hospital's physical structure, which contributes to the patients' sense of wellbeing and tranquility. The hospital should offer a pleasant total experience for patients as well as relatives and employees.
Integrated energy design, uniting demands for pleasant indoor climate and low energy consumption
The extension of the hospital has been designed according to the method Integrated Energy Design (EID), where considerations for energy and indoor climate is integrated into all elements of the construction. ”Balslev was therefore deeply involved in the initial design process in order to ensure optimum physical structures, allowing us to select innovative and energy efficient solutions, which will provide the most pleasant indoor climate with least energy consumption," Tommy Steen Møller emphasizes.
A pleasant indoor climate is created using mechanical ventilation with efficient heat recovery according to the variable air volume (VAV) principle of needs based ventilation; the amount is controlled by temperature and CO2 sensors in all rooms.
The ventilation is divided into zones and will be controlled by the hospital's general building management and monitoring system in order to keep operational costs at a minimum.
Flexsible and future proof with focus on optimising building operations
The power supply installations are planned with future proofing, flexibility and spare capacity in mind, allowing later modifications and extensions. The LED based lighing systems will have energy efficient fittings and light sources with movement sensors and adjustment according to daylight in order to minimize the energy consumption.
Systems for power, lighting and ventilation are designed in a way to make modifying these possible according to e.g. changed room size or use, or temporary closure during vacation periods.