Innovative lighting products from Whitecroft Lighting, used at the Bromley PFI Hospital Project, were a key factor in the project winning a Major PFI Project award and a high commendation in the Building Better Healthcare awards.Charles Lever, director of building services for main contractor Taylor Woodrow, commented: "There is no doubt that the innovative lighting design solutions helped to impress the judges, particularly the excellent balance of superior quality, whilst ensuring a sustainable design solution that offers not only a better value capital investment by designing a minimum of installed points, but also much lower energy and maintenance costs during the building's life cycle."
The new £155m 525 bed PFI hospital, called the Princess Royal University Hospital, is part of the Bromley Hospitals NHS Trust. It was constructed by Taylor Woodrow, which is also providing planned life cycle maintenance on the hospital for 33 years. Key considerations in its design included life operating costs, a lighting system that was efficient in performance and undemanding in terms of maintenance.
A wide range of Whitecroft luminaires was supplied to the project, using T5, T8 and compact fluorescent light sources to reduce energy consumption and cost of ownership. All non-emergency luminaires were supplied complete with a flying lead and plug for ease and speed of installation.
For corridor street areas, Whitecroft developed the Broadspread T5 Asymmetric luminaire, especially for this project. Offering the lowest overall cost based upon installation, energy consumption and maintenance costs, this luminaire's asymmetrical light distribution provides high levels of vertical illuminance, creating a bright and spacious ambience for patients.
In office and ancillary areas, Broadspread Contenda recessed luminaires were specified to combine high quality, glare-free lighting with value for money. Broadspread Contenda uses a cross-blade louvre with a perimeter flange to minimise light spillage. Nurse stations are fitted with Mirage compact fluorescent downlighters, fitted with dimming control gear so that lighting can be reduced at night.
In operating theatres, DTFA modular recessed luminaires have been installed, recessed into the ceilings grid. With the luminaire cover on, these provide IP65 ingress protection, with IP54 with the front cover removed.
Working closely with the design team, Whitecroft was able to offer solutions for each area of the hospital, modifying existing luminaires where necessary. It was this attention to detail that contributed to the hospital's award winning performance.
