Altro Orchestra smooth flooring has been used to create two child-friendly woodland-themed reception and play areas as part of a refurbishment in Milton Keynes Hospital Paediatric Emergency Department.
The company’s Suprema safety flooring was also fitted in the new unit’s observation areas, treatment bays, examination rooms, and toilets.
AD Architects designed the new unit and chose Altro Orchestra to create two colourful, reception play areas. Interior Architect Ashley Hughes, said: “The overall aim was to create a child-friendly environment that would appeal to children of all ages.
“Our design focus was nature as it is a universal subject matter, so we developed an enchanted woodland forest theme. I think children in particular have a very powerful connection to nature, and it can be very calming in stressful times.
“Altro Orchestra was the ideal choice for flooring because it has excellent colour and texture choices, which enabled us to be creative and flexible with the design. The product is also perfect for an Emergency Department and paediatrics because at 2.85mm it’s very comfortable to walk and sit on, and it’s designed to reduce noise reverberation, these are both qualities we were looking for.
“Our design enabled us to use Altro Orchestra throughout, with a variety of different shades and textures to create the forest floor design. For the play areas we chose the fresh green colour ‘Punk’. The main flooring was ‘Trombone’ grey, which provided a great backdrop for the overall design.
“A pathway leading to the reception desk and some circular stepping stones were inset within the main flooring using a dark grey called ‘Piano’.
“Also inset within the main flooring are two types of randomly-scattered green leaf patterns, and for these we chose the colours ‘Jungle’ and ‘Jazz’. The overall effect is fresh, bright, playful, and designed to distract children’s minds away from the fact that they are in hospital.”
For areas where comfort and sound reduction are important, 2.85mm the Orchestra range has been engineered to create the ideal environment to learn and live. Low residual indentation means equipment and furniture, including hospital beds, can be moved without leaving marks. At the same time the integrated impact sound insulation system cuts impact sound by up to 15dB.
It offers comfort underfoot and a palette of 40 colours and designs — varying from calming neutrals reflecting tones of nature to vibrant shades — to help create the right atmosphere.
“Using Altro Suprema in the new unit was an easy choice because it’s great for general areas in hospitals where safety underfoot is important,” Ashley continued. “We specify it often for this type of environment; it has as a stylish non-sparkle finish with a great colour range and is easy to clean.”
John Brierley, Head of Capital Projects at Milton Keynes Hospital, commented: “The Altro Orchestra flooring has helped to transform the Paediatric Emergency Department to a wonderfully bright, colourful area that children love to play in. Our staff are thrilled with it.
“The overall look is fantastic, plus the acoustic and cushioning benefits of the products contribute to the comfort of everyone using the area. It just goes to show how using the right products can create a lovely, creative and calming environment for children.
“The Altro Suprema flooring also looks superb. It’s a great, practical flooring which is ultra-safe, but also very stylish and it really adds to the environment.”
The new unit was built by Parias Commercial Interiors, and the Altro flooring fitted by Total Flooring.
