Altnagelvin Hospital, Londonderry

PROJECT: Complete Internal Refurbishment of the existing High Dependency Unit at Altnagelvin Hospital.

CHALLENGES:
A generic challenge for all contractors was the High Dependency Unit’s location within a highly sensitive area of the hospital. Noise, dust, and vibration control needed to be maintained with surgical theatres adjacent to the site in full use throughout the project.  The specific challenges to Axis involved working with the limitations of the existing building and its internal layout and structure.

This included negotiating and working with small openings and immovable concrete pillars, while still trying to achieve the design and operational goals of the project.

SOLUTION:
For this tricky project, a selection of our own, award-winning, FLO-MOTION® DOORS were the answer. Our inhouse flexibility and skills enabled us to make the necessary manufacturing adjustments to each door, to provide the required bespoke solution.

For one of the doors, a clear opening of 1500mm was the desired outcome. However, with limited space because of the request for a full-length panel on the leading-edge of the door and a concrete pillar on the other side, a conventional solution was not going to be possible. In addition, there was a small opening window beyond the concrete pillar to consider.

To make this work, we proposed replacing the small window with a full-length screen to provide a consistent and improved aesthetic and enable us to slide a door across the wall and the new full-length panel. The bespoke door we made to do this was a hybrid of our F01 and F18 types. This rarely seen solution achieved the 1500mm opening and made maximum use of the space available – something architects will find of huge benefit when refurbishing hospitals.

Other doors for this refurbishment included: F11 single door sliding over a glazed screen; E32 single door sliding over a wall; and B32 automatic bi-parting doors sliding over walls.

OUTCOME:
The new recovery unit has provided several significant benefits, including:

• Optimised use of space within the unit
• A brighter and more efficient working environment
• Enhancement of the original project design