Boasting a wide range of modern healthcare facilities, the newly created Newton Abbot Community Hospital in Devon has also benefitted from a low-maintenance, high performance paint specification from leading paint manufacturer Johnstone’s.
With hygiene standards paramount, appointed decorating company Westdex Ltd of Plymouth was tasked with identifying a paint finish able to withstand rigorous cleaning regimes whilst at the same time providing architect Murphy Phillips with a spectrum of colour choices to meet the modern design brief. Following numerous consultation meetings with advisors at the Plymouth based Johnstone’s Decorating Centre, Westdex Ltd initiated the move to change the original specification of a competitor brand after Johnstone’s Acrylic Durable Matt was found to be a more effective choice for use on the internal walls throughout the new hospital. The suggestion to specify Johnstone’s was then agreed by main contractor Rydon Construction, which is part of the Rydon Group whose property maintenance division is operating a 30-year maintenance contract for the site.
Lyndon Harvey from Westdex Ltd comments: “For such a high-profile and challenging project, it was essential that we had the best products for the job and after several meetings at our local Decorating Centre, it soon became clear that Johnstone’s could provide everything we need. The final paint specification not only exceeded our expectations but hopefully, also those of the client and main contractor.”
Boasting a special washable formula, Johnstone’s Acrylic Durable Matt emulsion allows walls and ceilings to be regularly cleaned between redecoration programmes and as it retains a true matt finish even when it is scrubbed. The coating meets the standards of Class 1 of the ISO 11198 scrub test, which is based on the effects of two hundred simulated scrubs, and is ideally suited to even the most challenging of hospital environments. The low-odour matt finish also provides exceptional coverage and can be used to help disguise minor imperfections to achieve a high quality and attractive finish that is resistant to both yellowing and condensation.
Through the use of Johnstone’s innovative tinting machine, which is the most advanced in the UK, the practical benefits of the Acrylic Durable Matt have been combined with a vibrant modern colour scheme. Helping to create a warm and welcoming environment, strong shades of red and orange have been used to add interest to accent walls in the corridors and walkways.
The new Newton Abbott Community Hospital replaces the town’s original Victorian hospital which despite being periodically adapted and modernised, had become outdated and in need of refurbishment. Constructed on a new site, the architectural design of this new building is extremely modern throughout. The exterior comprises a contemporary flat roofed structure with large glazed panelled areas, angled cladded facades and vast white wall areas. The internals of the building carry on the modern spacious feel with high ceilings, crisp white walls and glass atriums to bring in extra light, all brought together with curved, wooden panelling to soften the straight edges.