Enhancing Bathroom Performance

Healthcare facilities need sanitary, approved materials to be used on the surfaces of bathroom walls and floors. Ceramic and Porcelain tile has been a common and effective choice but to perform properly, it needs to be designed and installed properly. Earl Maicus, Vice President, Commercial and Architectural Sales, Schluter-Systems has noted “Tile is one of the most sustainable, hygienic and durable finishing materials that can be used, so it is ideal for health care facilities. Good performance, though, is all about using products that make tile installations better, meaning they protect the installation, last longer, provide moisture management, look better, and are easier to keep clean.” Selecting manufactured products that work with various sizes and types of tile while providing these performance requirements can assure that the best possible tile installation can be achieved.

Moisture management is the foundation of a successfully performing tiled bathroom. Substrates must be protected from water and vapor penetration. Since the key to mold control is moisture control, the potential for mold growth is high if effective moisture management is not provided. An effective means to obtain that control is to use an integrated family of products which together are designed to create a fully waterproof and vapor tight enclosure in tiled showers, steam showers, and bathtub surrounds. At least one of these systems is unique because the waterproofing layer is installed at the top of the assembly, directly behind the tile, rather than below. This eliminates the potential for moisture to seep into the mortar bed or the tile backing on walls, and allows the tile covering to dry between uses.

Water and moisture proof membranes usually require seams and connections, so it is always important to understand the means to cover or seal those seams in order to create a completely waterproof bathroom. Some products are available that are rigid, waterproof boards suitable to be cut, fit and once proper seaming is completed tile can be installed. These products can be coordinated with other components of a system to create a fully integrated and successfully performing result, often in less time than it takes to build a traditional shower installation. A typical integrated line of products includes waterproofing membranes for shower walls and bases, as well as specialty pieces for all the hard-to-protect areas, such as pipe protrusions, inside and outside corners, and curbs. This way, all the detail areas of a bathroom can be treated to ensure the entire room is waterproof.

Photos courtesy of Schluter Systems

The preparation and waterproofing of shower and bath surfaces is critically important to the control of moisture and prevention of mold.

CASE STUDY #1

Photos courtesy of Forms+Surfaces

University Hospital Capital Improvement Program

Location: San Antonio, TX
Architect: Perkins+Will, RVK Architects
Year of Installation: 2014
Contractor: Zachry | Vaughn | Layton

Background: In one of the largest construction projects in San Antonio history, University Health System’s (UHS) Capital Improvement Program committed over $778M for the development of a new Sky Tower at University Hospital. Designed by architectural firm Perkins+Will, with local partner RVK Architects, the new ten-story tower is a state-of-the-art Level I trauma center with 35 surgical suites, 66 emergency room treatment/ trauma areas, and 420 new patient rooms.

Design Approach: To enhance the human aspects of the facility, UHS set aside over $6 million to incorporate functional artwork throughout the space and commissioned more than 1,200 original pieces from 275 artists for the Sky Tower, including a custom piece of glass artwork in each patient room. The mission was to create peaceful settings that promote healing, positive distraction, and inspiration while reducing anxiety.

Solutions: Local graphic artists recommended a color graphic interlayer between two transparent lites of glass to protect and preserve the integrity of the art for the long-term. The largest and perhaps most impressive piece of artwork in the hospital is the 120 ft. long, two-story interior curtain wall that overlooks the lobby and backs the operating room waiting areas on the second and third floors. Designed by artist Angel Rodriguez, Diaz, the vibrant abstract mural was reportedly inspired by the make-up of his own DNA. Andrew Thompson, Assistant Project Manager at Vaughn Construction, said that they had considered a cheaper alternative for this artistic curtain wall, namely having a film of the artwork applied to the surface of the glass. “For overall longevity and maintenance, I think we definitely made the right choice. Everything in a hospital has to be built to last.” “Everyone who walks into the hospital is awed,” said Thompson. “That curtain wall is a key element in the lobby and a great design enhancement to the space.”

On levels of the building where there were no windows, the architects specified lighted panels to make up for the lack of natural light. They chose edge-lit LED panels that incorporate glass and allow the seamless illumination of walls, columns and other vertical surfaces. The panels were made to the same dimensions as the windows on the upper floors, and bring a natural glow to the artwork, which was taken directly from local botanical and animal prints.