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RAIN
Those who live by the sea can hardly form a single thought of which the sea would not be part . ― Hermann Broch
IMPACT
The ecological solutions selected for the project result directly from local conditions and respond to the actual demand determined by the function of the building . Due to the difficult construction conditions of Lower Sopot , including flooding , high groundwater levels , and the presence of non-bearing soil , the site remained undeveloped for years .
HEAT MANAGEMENT
In a facility with such a high saturation of technological equipment , many of which have to work 24 hours a day , it is very important to protect the rooms from overheating . Overly high temperatures inside the building not only cause discomfort , but can also trigger a sudden shutdown of laboratory equipment . This , in turn , usually leads to the discontinuity of the analysis cycle , as well as the loss of the precious research material .
In order to avoid such threats , and to prevent enlarging the cooling systems , a number of passive solutions were used . For instance , the architects resigned from large glass surfaces . Instead , the surface area of the designed windows provides optimal natural lighting conditions for the laboratory rooms . The largest room , in which the technological line generating the greatest amount of heat was placed , is located on the North side .
Furthermore , the building façade consists of two layers . The outer layer of the facade acts as a continuous protective barrier over the building , shielding the exterior wall from heating up , and thus preventing the interior rooms from overheating . This barrier also has a positive effect on its surroundings and guards against urban heat island phenomenon .
FAAB ARCHITEKTURA
WATER MANAGEMENT
Several solutions to rainwater management were introduced . An extensive rainwater retention system and buffer tank were installed . The water collection from the tank is used to flush the toilets , thereby limiting the use of water from the municipal network . Additionally , to avert rainwater contamination , external wooden elements were used that do not require chemical treatments .
ADAPTATION
The interiors , in particular the lab rooms , were designed to adapt to the frequent technological advances in medical diagnostic services that will inevitably be introduced in the future . As such , rooms where laboratory tests are performed inside closed automated lab devices have exposed ceiling installations . Partition walls in the laboratories are built in a way to ease their dismantling . The resin floor is easy to repair and supplement in the event of a room rearrangement . The structure of the building itself allows for the implementation of new system shafts and , in those already made , there is a reserve for new installations . A reserve was also left for the installation of new systems on the technical terrace . All of these procedures will significantly reduce the time needed to install new laboratory equipment in the future .
CONCLUSION
Construction continues on three out of five buildings planned for the site . The final building ( Wave Three ) is in the design phase . Once completed , the ECR complex of health care facilities will comprise : an outpatient hospital with an operating theatre , a treatment unit and an IVF laboratory ( Wave Two ), a specialist inpatient hospital with a gynecology and obstetrics profile , a delivery and neonatal unit ( Wave Three ), and a rehabilitation center including hyperbaric and cryo chambers ( Wave Four & Five ). Construction is expected to be completed in 2023 .
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Photos : © FAAB , Photographer : Maciej Lulko PAGE 13 - ARCHETECH