CREJ - Healthcare Properties - January 2018
This time of year, we often turn our thoughts toward our health. Yes, that includes protecting ourselves from the flu and putting snow tires on our vehicles, but we’re primarily referring to how our interior design approach can impact senior living residents’ health and wellness. Not only that, but we’re always thinking about how smart design and sustainable materials can impact the health and future of our environment. You may think that implementing these types of design upgrades would cost a fortune or delay your project, or even be impossible to retrofit within existing buildings. None of this is the case. There are several ways you can keep the health and safety of your residents top of mind, while also doing right by the environment. • Solid surface countertops. Already prevalent in health care design, solid surface countertop material is becoming more and more popular in senior living environments. That’s because they offer a smooth, fully engineered and extremely low-maintenance product that falls somewhere between plastic laminate and quartz countertop material in terms of cost. There’s even a new technology with metallic ions infused within, which effectively self-cleans, meaning residents with physical impairments can rest easier. Look for brands like Corian, Meganite and EOS.
• Photocatalytic tile floors. Another health-conscious product comes in the form of photocatalytic ceramic tile. Photocatalytic technology uses a light-activated process to promote antibacterial properties on the tiles’ surface. Using it on bathroom floors and walls and in common spaces can help reduce the spread of germs within an aging and immune-sensitive community. Active is one brand that manufactures this type of antibacterial floor and wall tiles. • PVC-free flooring. Vinyl flooring is known to contain the synthetic plastic polymer PVC, or polyvinyl chloride. Rather than use this form of manmade plastic, some designers prefer to use linoleum, which is both natural and durable, and it is made from renewable materials. For a more modern look, however, PVC-free floor tiles that mimic vinyl planks or sheets are gaining popularity. These utilize natural materials that are free of PVC, chlorine and volatile organic compounds. Unlike vinyl composite tile, they don’t need to be waxed yet they boast solid durability and antistatic, anti-combustion properties – plus, a subtle texture makes them more slip-resistant for resident safety. One brand to look for is Upofloor. • Quartz rather than granite or marble. When designing countertops or other stone features, eco-savvy designers usually favor quartz, since it is an engineered stone. It resembles granite or marble, but doesn’t need to be mined from an Italian quarry, making it more environmentally friendly. Quartz also is incredibly strong, and since it is created with resinous binders, it is nonporous and therefore resists bacteria for lower maintenance and durability – ideal for installation in senior living environments where low-maintenance, high quality and long-lasting products are highly desirable. As you move forward in 2018, consider the ways in which your design choices and small upgrades can make a big difference when it comes to resident health and environmental impact.