Gerflor Lays Foundation for Cancer Research
Almost 100,000 sq metres of Gerflor floor and wall vinyl are being installed inside Melbourne’s new Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC).
The new $1 billion purpose built facility for cancer research and treatment will comprise 120,000m2 over 13 levels on the site of the former Royal Dental Hospital in Parkville. Two bridges will link to the Royal Melbourne Hospital where a further 12,000 m2 of extensions and refurbishments are underway.
The project will promote research into new cancer treatments, attract the nation’s leading cancer researchers and provide a centre of excellence for people affected by cancer.
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre will move into its new home at VCCC in 2016 where cancer research and clinical services will also be delivered by Melbourne Health and The University of Melbourne.
Cheryl House is the Interiors Team Leader for the landmark building that is now nearing completion. She, along with her sthDI teams, have the formidable task of choosing surfaces and finishes in materials and colors that will stand the test of time.
Cheryl’s extensive experience designing for institutions and heavy traffic situations, including schools and airports, has heightened her understanding of the importance of choosing products that are appropriate for particular settings.
“VCCC is a tremendous opportunity to deliver a quality public health facility that will perform well for years to come and continue to be easy to maintain long term. As such, we need tried and tested products from well established, reputable firms that will preserve their high standards.
“We choose products on the basis that they are appropriate for the application. Here at sthDI there is a lot of emphasis on the technical properties of the product,” Cheryl said.
A variety of Gerflor products are being installed in the VCCC including Tarasafe Ultra, Nera Contract Wood and Mipolam Robust EL7. The majority, however, is made up of new generation homogenous Gerflor Symbioz. Its low maintenance and environmental sustainability features, together with market leading stain resistance, equip it well for demanding settings including pathology and cytotoxic laboratories.
But, according to Cheryl, other factors also influence product selection.
“Color is aligned to wellness and recovery. New products and technologies like Symbioz allow us to leverage the psychological benefits that color can bring to a health care setting,” she said.
“The colors available in the Gerflor’s Symbioz range are really beautiful – quite unique and not easily replicated,” Cheryl said.
Creating a comfortable, welcoming environment for patients is a priority for Cheryl and her team.
“As well as selecting products that are absolutely appropriate for this setting we are also endeavoring to introduce all of those elements that provide a greater sense of comfort and a more relaxed environment, with a sense of domesticity about it.
“The experience that people have of this building will obviously be influenced by the interiors. But a good health outcome is not limited by that. There’s also how the staff interact with you and each other and the lovely break out spaces and areas that support collaboration will really add value and have a positive impact on staff retention,” Cheryl said.
Cheryl and the sthDI team will complete their work on the project at the end of 2015. Their legacy will endure well after that as patients and staff experience the features of this new integrated cancer research and treatment centre.
“This is a landmark project that will bring together the largest concentration of cancer clinicians in the southern hemisphere. We are proud of the role we have played in bringing together one of the top 10 cancer centres in the world,” Cheryl said.
