
The healthcare industry plays a major role in taking care of public health and well-being. When it comes to hospital elevation design, the first thing that comes to mind is the grand entrances, sleek glass façades, and calming colors. These are all essential to boost confidence and provide assurance. But the architecture and appearances are only the tip of the iceberg. There is a deeper objective when it comes to choosing the material for the front elevation. It is to create a safe, hygienic, durable, and supportive environment for patient well-being and fast recovery.
In recent years, Aluminium Composite Panels (ACP) have become a popular choice for hospital elevation design. In this blog, we will discuss how ACP sheets help to create a durable, safe, and aesthetically pleasing environment suitable for hospitals:
Why Aesthetics Alone Aren’t Enough for Hospitals
Hospitals are spaces that make people feel safe. So, it is essential to add elements that look and feel welcoming and reliable for patients and visitors. But these are not the only factors; contractors should choose materials that help with:
● Infection control: There are several types of patients who come into a hospital. So, it becomes essential to keep the space clean to avoid contamination. During hospital elevation design, contractors need to choose surfaces that don't harbor germs or encourage bacterial growth.
● Safety and compliance: Fire can be devastating for a place filled with patients. So, the materials must meet fire safety standards to protect patients who cannot evacuate quickly.
● Weather resilience: Hospitals operate 24/7, no matter the scorching heat, chilling winter, or rain. The exterior of the building gets impacted the most. Thus, it becomes important to use materials that can withstand heat, rain, dust, and pollution without frequent maintenance.
● Longevity: Frequent renovations can disrupt regular hospital operations and patient comforts. Builders, therefore, opt for materials that are durable for a longer life span.
How ACP Panels Bring Functionality Beyond Looks
ACP sheets are modern construction materials that have been used for various types of projects, including hospital elevation design, commercial construction, facade, signage, and so on. Here are a few properties that make them ideal for a hospital environment:
1. Fire Resistance: Protecting Patients in Emergencies
Hospitals must choose materials that are resistant to fire. This is because there are patients who are immobilized, on life-support equipment, or undergoing surgery. In a place where minutes count in an emergency, patient safety takes the first priority.
How ACP Panels Help:
● Viva’s FR class A2 and FR class B ACP panels are fire-retardant, accredited with NFPA 285, EN 13501, ASTM D1929, and ASTM E84. All these panels are made of high-quality material and offer 2 hours of fire safety, so patients can safely evacuate the place.
● These panels also limit the spread of flames and reduce the release of toxic smoke, which is critical for patient survival.
● Their structural integrity ensures façades remain intact longer during a fire, giving rescue teams more time.
2. Antibacterial Properties: Supporting Infection Control
Hospitals are high-risk zones for bacterial and viral transmission. While it may not seem like much, the exterior of a building can also play a role in infection control. Especially in areas with open corridors, entrances, and ventilation points, choosing the right materials becomes very important.
Viva’s ACP panels are:
● Specially coated with antimicrobial finishes that offer protection against bacteria such as coliform, staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, E. coli, black mold, salmonella, enteritis bacterium, etc.
● The panels are covered with the fluorocarbon PVDF paints using high-tech nanotechnology, which means dust, dirt, and microorganisms have fewer places to settle.
● The sheets are also self-clenable. This reduces the time and effort required for maintenance, ensuring hygienic conditions are maintained.
3. Weather Resistance: Keeping Hospitals Operational in All Conditions
The Indian climate is diverse. From scorching summers to monsoon downpours, the exterior of the hospital has to withstand the harsh weather. Choosing the wrong material leads to fading, corrosion, or leaks in the exterior. If no action is taken, it can lead to structural issues and increased maintenance costs.
Why ACP Panels Help
● Their UV-resistant coatings keep colors vibrant and surfaces intact even under prolonged sun exposure.
● They are resistant to moisture, preventing swelling, warping, or corrosion.
● High wind resistance ensures the cladding stays secure even during storms, protecting patients and equipment inside.
4. Durability with Minimal Maintenance
As we already mentioned, hospitals can’t shut down for frequent repairs or façade replacements. So, the materials you choose must withstand the test of time without constant upkeep.
Benefits of using ACP sheets for hospital elevation design:
● ACP panels are durable. They can retain their structural strength for years. The panels are resistant to dents, scratches, and chemical exposure, so hospitals don’t need to spend much on renovation.
● They require minimal cleaning. Just water and mild detergent will do the job, making them cost-effective over their lifespan.
● Their modular design allows for easy replacement of damaged sections without disturbing the entire façade.
5. Energy Efficiency: Creating a Comfortable Healing Environment
The environmental impact is a serious concern, and hospitals are increasingly promoting sustainability. Many places prefer sustainable and energy-efficient materials like ACP panels.
● The panels provide thermal insulation, helping maintain indoor temperatures and reducing reliance on air conditioning.
● This contributes to energy savings, lowering operational costs without compromising patient comfort.
● A more stable indoor climate supports patient recovery and staff productivity.
6. Design Flexibility Without Compromising Safety
Hospitals require a unique design approach balancing calming aesthetics with professional credibility. Viva’s ACP panels come with 500+ shades and customization.
● Designers can choose from solid colors, metallic finishes, stone textures, or even custom prints.
● The panels can easily be shaped into curves, angles, or complex geometries for signature hospital designs.
● Designers can create a soothing, modern look while adhering to health and safety regulations.
The Bottom Line
Hospital elevation design is not just an architectural requirement. When you choose the right material, it becomes a crucial element to keep the hospital environment safe and visually appealing. Amongst the other materials, ACP panels have become the top choice for engineers and architects due to their exclusive fire-retardant, weather-resistant, antibacterial, and self-cleaning properties.