Blog

Raising healthcare ceiling standards

Published: 11 March 2024

Suspended ceiling systems play a key role in creating appropriate room acoustics and as interior design and wellbeing are inextricably linked, it’s important specifiers know how to make sound choices. In our latest blog we take a closer look at the requirements of the healthcare sector.

The importance of acoustic design

Good acoustic design is vitally important to all healthcare settings and this is addressed in Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 08-01: Acoustics and the Health Building Note 00-10 Part B: Walls and Ceilings. Both highlight the importance of good design and outline the policy and performance requirements for walls and ceilings used in healthcare settings.

From specialist clinics and hospital wards to doctor’s surgeries, patient waiting areas and administrative offices, the healthcare sector comprises many different types of facilities, each with their own design requirements which in turn influences the building materials required. Although the specific acoustic requirements vary depending on the function of the room, the overall guidance is clear – good acoustic design is essential in creating a safe space in which patients can rest and recover. They need to be protected from loud or disturbing noises, either from outside or from within, and with many healthcare buildings incorporating often noisy equipment and a high level of footfall, the need for adequate sound proofing can’t be underestimated.

There is also the issue of privacy, in terms of maintaining both patient dignity and confidentiality, whilst also ensuring speech intelligibility. In communal areas specifically, it’s also vitally important that staff and patients can clearly hear any announcements and alerts.

Aesthetic appeal is another key consideration and this is particularly important in non-critical areas and visitor spaces where the overall design of a room needs to enhance, rather than diminish the experience of its users. In terms of ceiling designs, this is where the use of acoustic ceilings, baffles, rafts and canopies can make a real impact.

Suspended ceilings

A suspended ceiling can provide excellent sound proofing between rooms that are above, below and adjacent.

In adjacent areas, careful consideration needs to be given to the use of wall partitions which in many cases, extend to the suspended ceiling but not as far as the ceiling slab above. The ceiling construction needs to be planned in such a way to avoid an ‘acoustic shortfall’ between rooms caused by the transmission of sound through the ceiling cavity.

Acoustic suspended ceilings also have the added benefit of concealing essential pipework and utilities or, in the case of refurbishment projects, disguising an unsightly original ceiling.

Ceiling tiles

Suspended ceilings combined with a high-performance ceiling tile with excellent sound insulation properties is an effective choice for healthcare schemes.

The type of ceiling tile depends greatly on the functionality of the room in question but a popular option for healthcare environments is the use of mineral ceiling tiles. These tiles may comprise of a mineral fibre ceiling panel with a uniform, smooth, fleece covered visible surface which can be disinfected and wiped when required. The mineral fibre tile density can vary depending on the acoustic requirements. Lower density products offer great sound absorption, thus reducing noise and echoes, whereas denser products offer good sound insulation to reduce sound travelling from one space to another.

Acoustic ceiling tiles can also aid internal light reflection and can be integrated with bespoke lighting solutions, not only improving the look of an area but creating a more comfortable and accessible space that may boost wellbeing amongst all its users.

Metal ceilings

Metal ceiling tiles are also an effective choice and as they offer exceptional design flexibility and enhanced durability, they can also help reduce maintenance costs. Constructed from robust metal such as galvanised steel or aluminium, metal ceiling tiles can be fitted with a sound absorbing fleece backing and an acoustic pad to effectively maximise sound absorption and are available in a wide range of perforations to achieve different levels of acoustic performance.

Hygienic solutions

Acoustic performance is a key consideration for the effective design of healthcare buildings but must be viewed alongside the other significant challenges. These include fire safety, sustainability, cost, the reduction of ongoing maintenance requirements and of course, hygiene.

It’s important to choose ceiling tiles that are durable enough to withstand regular cleaning but it is also advisable to look for specialist solutions that can also offer enhanced hygiene through the use of specialist coatings that can inhibit the spread of bacteria and fungi. Such products can bring benefits to all areas within a healthcare setting but are particularly suited for use in theatres, laboratories and other cleanrooms.

Please contact our team to discuss your next project.