Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland

In the first half of 2024, the foundation was completed and the construction of the superstructure began. The current status? You can follow it closely here via the live webcam.

Foundation research

Special attention was given to the foundation in this project due to the construction on a former landfill site with thick layers of rubble up to 10 meters deep. A foundation drilling test determined the best method to penetrate these layers. To achieve a construction with minimal disruption, a vibration-free foundation system was chosen. During the execution, ABT also coordinated the monitoring for the surrounding area to minimize disruption to the operational hospital’s care processes. Additionally, the foundation was optimally aligned with the superstructure by ABT, with precisely the right capacity for potential future extensions.

ABT also played a proactive coordinating role in implementing the stringent environmental conditions in the design and execution of the excavation, earthworks, dewatering, and foundations. This was done in both the design and execution phases, as well as in obtaining the necessary permits.

Future-proof construction

Sustainable structural design requires conscious choices, such as steering towards a future-proof design with maximum lifespan and optimal flexibility. These are all aspects of great importance for hospitals. ABT has ensured a robust concrete structure that meets current structural safety requirements and provides ample room for future flexibility. We have introduced optimizations in both the design and execution phases to make the ambitions financially feasible. For example, a clean water cellar has been integrated into the basement, eliminating the need for costly excavations elsewhere on the site.

Integrated coordination

The basis for the structural design consists of a concrete structure with, among other things, a load-bearing facade. Because the facade elements also serve as stability provisions, the floor fields remain freely divisible. The floor plan has a regular grid of 7.20 m x 7.20 m, allowing for varying layouts with partition walls, aligned with the facade pattern. The construction with stacked wide slab floors creates floors with linear spans, avoiding conflicts with installations. This provides the necessary flexibility for openings and future adjustments of installations. The structure is also integrally coordinated with requirements for daylight and privacy in the rooms.

Sustainable solutions

ABT always has an eye for sustainability and continuously seeks ways to design environmentally consciously. For example, at the Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, we critically examined the environmental impact and material-related CO2 emissions of concrete compositions. This alone saved 100 tons of CO2-eq in the facade. Of course, we always carefully align the applied solutions with the financial framework.

Building physics research

From a building physics perspective, ABT conducted specific research into views (experience) and privacy for patients. In the patient rooms, aspects such as construction, view, daylight, and fire safety were examined and considered. In this integrated view of facade construction, we also paid much attention to sound insulation, considering the nearby traffic arteries and the influence of installations.

Official start of new construction at Gasthuis

On Thursday, May 11, 2023, the final construction contracts were signed by Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland and the consortia for the construction of this state-of-the-art hospital building. The realization of the replacement new construction will start after the summer of 2023.

Three essential functions

The new building will house three essential functions of the hospital. On the ground floor, there will be an Emergency Plaza Rotterdam North. Healthcare professionals from the Emergency Department and the General Practitioners’ Post will work together in one environment. Above that, there will be an operation and intervention center: future-proof and equipped with the latest surgical and X-ray techniques, ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate treatments in every situation. There will also be a Women & Children Center, where midwives and maternity care organizations will collaborate.

Start of the design phase based on current sustainability requirements

In 2020, the first steps were taken towards the realization of a new hospital building for Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland.

The replacement new building will meet the latest technological innovations and operating room techniques, be designed to provide optimal care, and comply with the latest sustainability requirements. There will be plenty of daylight, efficient walking routes, and natural color use. This ensures that patients feel at ease and staff have a pleasant workplace. The roof of the new building will have 794 solar panels, and the existing building will have an additional 319 panels. The energy supply for the replacement new construction is completely gas-free and energy-efficient. Heat pumps are used, and the site is equipped with an ATES doublet that sustainably utilizes geothermal energy through various sources.

For more information, you can look here.

Images © Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland / a/d Amstel architects