Rockfon is desired perfect fit throughout Barnsley Blood Centre

Designed by architects IBI Group, Manchester, construction of the new 7000sqm. two storey Barnsley Blood Centre at Capitol Park, Dodworth, was commissioned under the Department of Health and Social Care’s ProCure 22 (P22) Framework. Rockfon retains ProCure22 preferred supplier status and we are very pleased our ceiling tiles and systems are installed throughout the centre’s four laboratories, open plan offices, meeting rooms and catering facilities.

NHS Blood and Transplant is a joint England and Wales Special Health Authority. It provides the blood donation service for England and the organ donation service for the UK. Environmentally controlled laboratories will be used in the study of advanced cell therapies.

Helping provide a great working environment

Those working at the new centre include healthcare scientists, specialist nurses in organ donation and support staff, alongside transport, facilities, administration, technology and digital teams. The Barnsley facility will be recognised as one of the most advanced cell research centres in the world.

Chris Sims, Planning and Management Accountant NHS Blood and Transplant, said, “It has been fantastic to see the building taking shape. We’re very proud of our new centre which is going to provide colleagues with a really great working environment. Barnsley will be a great place from which to deliver our life saving and life enhancing services.”

Specialist product ranges

Rockfon^® MediCare^® Standard ceiling tiles have been used to great effect at the centre. The resilient, dirt resistant tiles have an easy to clean surface and are resistant to all ubiquitous bacteria. The range ensures low particle emission (ISO Class 5), offers best in class sound absorption (Class A) and the highest fire safety rating (Class A1).

Rockfon^® MediCare^® Plus was also specified here as it is ideal for demanding applications and is durable enough to withstand specialist steam and high-pressure cleaning (HTM 60 compliant). In addition to the performance characteristics of the Standard range, Medicare Plus is resistant to diluted solutions of ammonia, chlorine, quaternary ammonium and hydrogen peroxide. It also embodies enhanced hygiene and dirt resistance with its bacteriological M1, NF S 90-351:2013 classification.

Rockfon’s Chris Carr-Elliman, “This was a fantastic project and a great opportunity to showcase some of our specialist ranges. Rockfon MediCare offers very impressive performance characteristics and can be installed using concealed, semi-concealed or visible grid options. All Rockfon ceiling tiles will remain dimensionally stable throughout their life-span, even at humidity levels of up to 100% RH.”

Working as part of a team

CDP Marshall were appointed to build the 75,000sq. ft. facility. They worked closely with Barnsley Council and Enterprising Barnsley to develop the project. A spokesperson for CDP Marshall said, “We are delighted this high-quality building is now complete. It underlines that Marshalls are able to respond quickly to occupiers’ requirements by offering bespoke build to suit options.”

Kier was appointed to deliver the full a £13.9m internal fit out at the centre. Regional Buildings Northern Managing Director John O’Callaghan, commented, “I am pleased we have been appointed to deliver phase two of this state-of-the-art facility. It is a crucial development for the people of North of England and hospitals in the region.”

FIS Member, Brebur, offer expertise and advice on design development, value engineering, program, quality and health & safety. They were responsible for installation of the ceiling systems. Commercial Director Tommy Burke, “Rockfon products were used throughout, mostly 600x600mm square tiles except for the corridors where longer planks were installed together with their MaxiSpan grid. This was a gratifying project to be involved in. The whole process went very well with no issues and very positive feedback from the client.”

Rockfon^® System MaxiSpan™ was used with Rockfon Medicare Plus 1800x600 mm tiles at Barnsley. The robust grid system can be suspended wall to wall, up to 3m wide, allowing for the installation of long planks. This provides easier access to the voids, reducing the risk of damage. The use of longer tiles also creates a more seamless appearance and is cost effective due to there being less grid components.

The Rockfon team has a proven track record of helping deliver solutions to help achieve your design vision. If you’re interested to learn more about our acoustic ceiling and wall solutions for specialist environments, we have dedicated CPDs which can be delivered in person or face-to-face via the internet direct to your office or anywhere you happen to be. For advice and inspiration visit www.rockfon.co.uk or call all us on 0800 3890314.