Visitors to a hospital in Kent are being greeted by a much-improved entrance – enhanced by a solid wood Hunter Douglas ceiling.
Queen Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup, is undergoing a series of developments and Hunter Douglas, the leading architectural products company, was specified to manufacture and supply 650m2 of solid wood open linear ceiling for the external canopy and entrance lobby at ground and first floors.
The panels were supplied in western red cedar in open module 111, 92mm timber with a 19mm gap. Internal panels were varnished on three sides, while the external panels received treatment on all four sides to safeguard against harsh weather conditions.
They were supplied with standard non-woven felt, providing superior acoustic performance up to alpha w 0.70 with optional rock wool – a Class C sound absorber – for the internal ceiling. The external ceiling used black metal infill to close the gaps and prevent insect ingress.
Hunter Douglas worked with London-based Murphy Philipps Architects, advising on the best materials and systems to use internally and externally. It also worked with installers from Lateral Concepts, which had to create a ‘bridge’ with the metal carrier rail to go over the long linear luminaires.
Kevin Taylor, Specifications Sales Manager, at Hunter Douglas, said: “The refurbishment of the 1980s-style entrance meant the architect was able to bring it up to date with a fresh and modern look that will stand the test of time.
"Western red cedar is a great choice because it is warm and inviting. It’s a large area to cover but solid wood works very well and is both a long-lasting and environmentally sound choice, too.”
Hunter Douglas’s open linear wood ceilings are an all-natural and sustainable option that comes with FSC/PEFC certification. It has fire classification B-s2,d0 according to EN 13501-1, and achieves acoustic performance up to alpha w 0.70 without optional rock wool.
Queen Mary’s Hospital Sidcup celebrated its centenary on Saturday, September 9, at the site in Frognal Place, they had a host of free family activities, tours and entertainment enjoyed by many.