Achieving Sustainability Goals Through Materials and Design
Provença Subway Station, Barcelona
Photo courtesy of Neolith
Sintered stone surfaces were applied to the walls in Barcelona's Provença Subway Station.
Recently inaugurated, Barcelona’s well-known Provença station is the second busiest station in the rail system with more than 4,500 users during rush hours. A platform extension was necessary to improve the quality of this public transportation.
The station had a platform access problem and congestion issues at certain times because of the high number of users. This work significantly enhanced the accessibility and safety since a new entrance was built over the expanded part of the platform with fixed stairs and an elevator in addition to new emergency exits.
From an architectural perspective, the main objective was to conserve the current image of the entire line. This image features engineering that matches dignified finishes which are long-lasting and functional. Therefore, easy-to-maintain, noncombustible materials were needed in addition to vandalism-resistant and detachable materials.
Sintered stone was used not only to match the desired aesthetics, but also to comply with the applicable fire prevention standards. Different styles and variations of sintered stone were chosen to cover the 50-meter gallery, both for the curvy and horizontal areas as well as for the vertical walls.
The initial project, however, suggested vitrified steel paneling. Upon switching materials and choosing sintered stone, the existing geometry was modified as the paneling was adapted to the polygonal shapes with large-format sintered stone slabs.
The facade system perfectly matched the requirement of having to position the slabs at different angles to adjust to the steel substructure and create an arch. Luckily, this system adapted to both vertical and horizontal walls. For the extension of the lobby, white sintered stone was chosen for the vertical walls of the expanded passageway for more spaciousness and light as well as an impeccable look. To contrast with the immaculate white, a satin finish was used for the platform pillars. This sleek, noble look is perfect for the busy and important Provença station, right in the heart of Barcelona.
Fire Resistance
Many of the natural materials discussed in this article also have natural fire-resistant qualities.
Gypsum is naturally noncombustible and fire-resistant. The ASTM E119 Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials (or UL 263 Standard for Safety of Fire Tests of Building Construction Materials) are the test methods used for evaluating fire-resistance assemblies. These panels with enhanced fire resistance are manufactured in many thicknesses and core type designations. It is important to check the fire resistance-rated design to ensure the proper panel is selected.
Confirm all specifications with the manufacturer and look for items and finishes that meet ASTM E 84, the standard test method for assessing the surface burning characteristics of building products. This standard is often referenced in conjunction with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 286, the standard method for fire tests and evaluating products.
Stainless steel is also fire-resistant. While it can melt if it reaches too high of a temperature, stainless steel cannot catch fire and will not aid in the spreading or propagation of fire.
Raw materials used to make sintered stone are fused or “sintered” together using high heat, pressure, and sometimes electricity, to create the stone, making it a naturally fire-resistant material. These surfaces are ideal for kitchens and areas that are exposed to high heat because the material will not scorch or burn. Hot pots and pans can be placed directly on the surface without causing any damage or fire danger.
Sound Control and Noise Reduction
Noise control can improve the occupant experience dramatically, whether it be in healthcare, education, hospitality, multifamily residential, mixed-use, or recording studio projects. When reviewing product specifications for materials that can help damp noise, look for products that show results from ASTM E 90 Sound Transmission Loss (STL) tests.
High-quality gypsum panels contain sound-damping properties that can reduce noise between rooms. For retrofit projects, panels can be easily installed as one layer over existing walls with no demolition, reducing downtime and labor costs. Additional materials can be wrapped around electrical outlets to seal penetrations helping to ensure that the required STC results are obtained. Noise reduction is especially beneficial to patients healing in hospital settings. Conversations in hallways and at nurse’s stations, as well as the sounds of machines beeping notifications, can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate for patients. This can increase anxiety levels leading to increased healing time and the potential for introducing or perpetuating psychiatric symptoms.
California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco
Photo courtesy of PABCO Gypsum
California Pacific MedicalCenter (CPMC), a Sutter Health affiliate, constructed a 274-bed hospital located in the Cathedral Hill District of San Francisco. The CPMC Van Ness and Geary Campus was organized around comprehensive centers of care rather than traditional departments, enhancing the delivery of patient care while improving space efficiencies, workflow, and productivity. The hospital building was designed to meet LEED certification and the attached medical office to meet LEED Silver certification.
Hospitals in general are noisy. Research has proven that a quiet hospital environment improves patient healing and medical staff satisfaction. The noise from equipment, nurse’s stations, patient intake, and patient discharge areas, as well as regulatory requirements for patient privacy, make sound transmission mitigation a critical component in hospital design. The general contractor HerreroBoldt Partners, acoustical consultants Shen Milsom and Wilke (SM&W), subcontractor California Drywall, architect SmithGroup, and PABCO Gypsum worked together to design the most cost-effective medical facility that met the noise requirements designed for the projects.
In addition to designing for noise, the integrated team also needed to address mold concerns. Breathing mold-contaminated air can cause severe health effects in hospital patients, personnel, and visitors. The campus buildings are equipped with HVAC units and plumbing running through the ceilings, which may increase the risk for mold growth, so mold-resistant, sound-reducing gypsum panels were used to treat areas above ceiling height. In places where mold is not a major concern, standard sound-reducing gypsum panels were installed to reduce costs while maintaining sound transmission class (STC) performance.
