The Power of Healing Architecture

The Sct. Hans Hospital in the Danish city Roskilde is a psychiatric facility specifically designed to provide the healthiest of environments for staff and patients and which has just won the prestigious Danish ‘Health Building of the year’ award.

Forming a larger extension to the original hospital, the new 21,000 m2 complex, designed by KHR Architects, includes a new 126-bed psychiatric ward and therapy facilities built into the side of a hill and nestled within carefully landscaped grounds to provide privacy while maximising the views. The use of nature and light along with modern and effective design and building materials makes for a calm, tranquil and light environment.

As part of the design, Troldtekt wood wool acoustic panels in different colours have been used for the ceilings to link various zones in the communal areas and activity rooms. In the therapy baths, the panels are a muted grey colour to exude a sense of calm. This choice of materials plays a key role as materials like wood adds warmth and naturalness. The materials, together with the good acoustics, contribute positively to the healing process.

Research from the Swedish Chalmers University of Technology proves that the right interior design, including perfect acoustics, can reduce both the use of physical restraint on psychiatric wards as well as the number of sick days among employees.

Founded on the Cradle-to-Cradle design concept and recently attaining Gold certification, Troldtekt’s natural and inherently sustainable panels are available in a variety of different surfaces and colours and contribute positively to a building’s BREEAM, DGNB and LEED ratings. In addition to their high sound absorption and tactile surface, they offer high durability and low-cost lifecycle performance. Available in various sizes and in four grades, from extreme fine to coarse, the panels can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour.

Samples, case studies and technical guidance are available by contacting Troldtekt directly.

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