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© Kingspan Timber Solutions Versatile timber is a healthy choice


The construction and materials used in mental health facilities are at the core of how care is ultimately delivered – a critical factor with a direct effect on the physical and psychological wellbeing of the end-users. Timber technology can be highly beneficial in this environment, says Ian Loughnane, business unit director of Kingspan Timber Solutions


to specifying materials for the construction there are many factors that must be taken into consideration. With the right design and building materials, service


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providers are able to offer a comfortable and therapeutic environment that can greatly benefit potentially distressed and vulnerable patients. When selecting building materials we have to ensure they are


suitably robust and appropriate for the operation of the facility. Although wear and tear is expected in all buildings – some mental health units require enhanced mechanical robustness in certain areas. The maintenance of a high-quality, well


he design of any mental health care building has a direct effect on both patients and the overall efficiency of the care delivered to service users. So, when it comes


maintained and functionally efficient building is a fundamental part of the service delivery and architects have long understood the impact of space on people.


Uniquely placed


Timber is uniquely placed to deliver these requirements. Lining walls with plywood or Oriented Strand Board (OSB) provides a continuous support to hard wall finishes, resulting in a strong and resilient wall while allowing easy servicing within the struc- ture. It’s also possible to combine the pleasing visual character- istics of timber with enormous structural strength and robustness of cross laminated timber (CLT).


Continued overleaf... www.architectsdatafile.co.uk


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