Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne

Custom Solutions for Royal Children's Hospital

The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) in Melbourne, Victoria, has seen a mix of new and existing Knauf products and associated systems integrated throughout the 165,000 square metre, seven level structure. The engineering team at Knauf worked closely with Lend Lease Project Management Construction and the consultant team during the design and construction phase. This ensured the most economical solutions were adopted to meet project specifications.

Glenn Ford, Knauf's state sales manager, believes the paediatric facility is an example of meeting performance and design outcomes as a result of close working relationships, particularly on site.

"On a job of this scale, where at its peak the project workforce exceeded 2100 people, it's crucial to maintain a physical presence and dialogue with the client to monitor the quality of work undertaken.

During construction, Knauf's engineering team used its expertise in fire, structural and acoustic outcomes to enable plasterboard systems to be readily modified to suit site conditions. Structural testing for plasterboard ceilings which needed to accommodate heavy fixtures was carried out, helping the purpose-built facility to house a variety of medical equipment. Technical support for the plasterboard contractors made installation of Knauf plasterboard systems simple, providing flexible and practical design solutions as required.

Knauf 's building solutions address a variety of interior applications commonly encountered within hospitals and other healthcare facilities, from fire rated and acoustic systems, to impact and radiation protection linings. Knauf's FIBEROCK® Aqua Tough™ wall lining, an impact resistant product for high traffic areas, was used extensively at RCH. Offering the impact toughness of masonry, combined with the design and installation convenience of plasterboard, it also helps to minimise the growth of mould.

However, despite the large portfolio of plasterboard solutions, the RCH project also threw up a challenge requiring Knauf to develop a new product to help the architect achieve acoustic and design objectives.

"The architect specified a product that was not locally available," explains Ford. "We were quickly able to develop and produce a new 13.5mm round hole perforated plasterboard - with the help of our engineering team."

Lend Lease Senior Construction Manager, Bill Alexandrakis, commented, "Knauf is a preferred supplier and a national alliance partner with a long-standing and successful relationship with Lend Lease. The success at the new RCH is evidence of this."

"Knauf was involved very early in the procurement, selection and specification process and provided a number of design initiatives that reduced costs and improved on site production. Their management and technical team were very pro-active in ensuring the quality of workmanship was to their and our standards. As an alliance partner, they demonstrated a strong commitment to ESD and our Green Star accreditation. 

"Knauf participated in design reviews and assisted the project consultant team to specify wall systems that met the brief and the acoustic criteria of the project. We were very happy with their service throughout the four-year project, and the technical advantages and innovative design systems they offered helped us achieve our goals and project milestones."