The original inception and concept phase of this project began in 2011 when Netcare started exploring options in refurbishing the Union Hospital located in Alberton , Gauteng . After various design and feasibility iterations it was decided that a new greenfield facility would be needed in order to reduce the operational impact of the current facility while providing a blank new canvas for which Netcare could roll out their newest design philosophy .

The original premise of the project was to combine the Union and Mulbarton Hospitals into the new facility , while also incorporating a few beds from Clinton Hospital . All three hospitals serve the Alberton area and are critical to Netcare ’ s operational focus .

Concepts on the revised scheme began in earnest in the beginning of 2016 . Considering the need by Netcare to create a flagship facility , there were numerous engineering workshops that refined the proposed design .

Earthworks began in late 2019 with the mechanical subcontract tenders ( HVAC and Medical Gas ) awarded in June and Sep 2020 respectively .

Practical completion of the facility was achieved in February 2022 . This included the project being severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic , and associated nationwide shutdowns .

The hospital officially opened its doors to the public on 11 April 2022 .

VRF central controller .

One of the decentralised server rooms . Each room at the site is serviced with either DX or VRF units based on room positioning .

DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS / CLIENT BRIEF As mentioned in the preceding section , the client wanted to create a flagship facility that showcases their design philosophy and the efforts they have made in furthering their sustainability initiatives .

Netcare have focused heavily on optimising the energy usage of their facilities and look to an average of 35 VA / m ² of total

One of the VRF control box .

A theatre AHU humidifier . One of the MCC panels . The anaesthetic gas scavenging system .

RACA Journal August 2022 | Page 35

www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I August 2022 33

www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I August 2022 33