FLOORING IN HEALTHCARE THE NATURAL CHOICE
When the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust were looking to develop a new Oncology outpatients department, natural imagery and calming colours were a central part of the brief. To this end, architects specified a range of Forbo Flooring Systems’ floorcoverings.
First built in 1902, Hammersmith Hospital is a major teaching hospital located in Acton, West London. With renowned clinical research facilities and specialised renal, haematology, cancer and cardiology care services, the Trust made the decision to expand its oncology service with a £2.9m investment into a new outpatient department for cancer patients.
This involved the complete refurbishment of the former vaccination centre and medical records store, located on the ground floor. Denise Cloutt, project architect from Ansell and Bailey, said: “There are always challenges when it comes to redeveloping an existing space; however, in this case we had a great open-plan layout to work with right from the off. We were really keen to maximise the amount of natural light coming into the space, helping to brighten the area and have a positive impact on the wellbeing of those visiting the department. We also wanted to use colour and natural imagery to both stimulate those within the space, but also to aid with wayfinding around the area.
“Working with Georgia Burt, who has successfully delivered many healthcare projects, we looked to incorporate lots of natural imagery, tones and textures too. Georgia developed the plant imagery throughout the project, as we collaborated to produce corresponding colourways for the different areas around the department. Input from the users, who really engaged in the process, was so valuable for the final design. The flooring, furniture and other interior finishes needed to reflect
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the continuation of these pathways, requiring a wide palette of colours from a natural floorcovering to work in harmony with this and allow us to bring a softness into the scheme.”
In looking for this natural product, Denise realised that the Marmoleum collection, Forbo’s own brand of linoleum and one of the most sustainable and natural floorcoverings on the market would be ideally suited. The large range provided an array of options which work together in terms of Light Reflectance Values, and with the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) ratings, making it a great fit for healthcare design.
Denise continued: “Forbo’s Marmoleum flooring was perfect for this project as it is an inherently natural product, manufactured from up to 98% natural raw materials and 43% recycled content. It worked well in conjunction with the wider imagery we utilised to bring nature into the space, and we really liked the fact that Marmoleum incorporates ecologically friendly pigments – reflecting the theme throughout the wider design scheme.
“We specified Marmoleum across a variety of the build, including in the offices, consultation and exam rooms and all of the circulation areas. This was in the Rocky Ice, Bluemoon, Leaf, Sage, Blue Heaven, Moonstone, Orbit and Calico colourways from across the Striato, Fresco, Concrete and Splash ranges.”
She continued: “As well as complementing the natural and light theme, the designs and colourways we developed with Georgia Burt created clear wayfinding around the department, assisting
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