The series Emotion of the German brand Agrob Buchtal lives up to its name at a project in the medical university town of Marburg: ceramic tiles of this collection have a significant influence on the emotional atmosphere in the new building of the rehabilitation clinic “Sonnenblick“ situated there and simplified planning and coordination processes in addition. The consistent, comprehensive use of these tiles creates an agreeable ambience and demonstrates how ceramic wall and floor coverings can make valuable contributions to modern architecture.
Because of serious constructional and static defects as well as insufficient fire protection, the rehabilitation clinic “Sonnenblick“ of Deutsche Rentenversicherung Hessen built in the 1930s on a forest hill near Marburg was replaced by a new building put into operation in the second half-year of 2015. With a ground area of 120x40 m, the building is subdivided into a two-storey base with functional areas (entrance hall, dining hall, cafeteria, swimming pool, gymnastics and treatment rooms) and a three-storey superstructure with a total of 190 patient rooms.
The intention
One of the most important objectives of Lucas Architekten GmbH (Hainburg) was the creation of an inviting, light and friendly building with a close relation to the spacious park. Two central inner courtyards, patient rooms with windows reaching down to the floor as well as corridors flooded by natural light are exemplary signs for this.
Because of serious constructional and static defects as well as insufficient fire protection, the rehabilitation clinic “Sonnenblick“ of Deutsche Rentenversicherung Hessen built in the 1930s on a forest hill near Marburg was replaced by a new building put into operation in the second half-year of 2015. With a ground area of 120x40 m, the building is subdivided into a two-storey base with functional areas (entrance hall, dining hall, cafeteria, swimming pool, gymnastics and treatment rooms) and a three-storey superstructure with a total of 190 patient rooms.
The realization
With the light-green plaster and the dark-green metal panels of the base as well as the red clinker facade, the new clinic is harmoniously integrated in the surrounding nature. Via the main entrance on the south side, the visitors arrive at the two-storey entrance hall, which is rather reminiscent of a representative hotel lobby than of a clinic. In the direct line of sight, there is the eastern inner courtyard, so that the guests look in the direction of light and brightness, although they have just entered the building.
The sand-coloured floor tiles of Agrob Buchtal essentially contribute to this pleasant room atmosphere.
Laid exclusively in the format of 30x60 cm or in free bond with the filigree strip format of 10x60 cm, they convey the impression of a “discreetly vivid“ rhythmic structure. No matter in which direction the guests continue their way: the ceramic floor covering is to be found throughout the building as connecting element.
However, this cross-storey concept is not only visually convincing but also perfectly meets the practical requirements thanks to the aesthetic and functional qualities of the series Emotion, which covers the complete slip-resistance spectrum from R9 to R12V4.
The basis
Thanks to this consistent use of colour, the diverse sections of the clinic convey the impression of a harmonious ensemble.
This comprehensive architectural concept could be realized with wall and floor tiles of the series Emotion of Agrob Buchtal. The collection is an extremely versatile “modular ceramic system“ of numerous formats, colours and surfaces matched to each other with different slip resistances: from the silky softness of ground stone slabs (slip resistance R9) to the finely grained sandstone look (R10/A) and on to the surface variant resembling coarsely furrowed mountain rock (R11/B).
With the additional version Emotion Grip, the spectrum is further enlarged: slip resistances up to class R12V4 and practice-oriented formats in normal and extra thickness also permit the attractive design of rooms which have to satisfy very specific requirements. The clinic at Marburg impressively shows the possibilities resulting from that.
The details
As already mentioned, the floor covering in the entrance hall was realized with representative large and filigree strip formats (slip resistance R10/A). 10x10 cm mosaics (R10/B) were laid on the swimming pool surround, in the changing rooms as well as in the treatment, utility and caretaker’s rooms. In the food counter and the receiving area of goods delivered for the kitchen, 20x20 cm tiles (R11/B) were used, just as in the commercial kitchen - there, according to the relevant regulations, in the profiled version and with slip resistance R12/V4. A special feature is the ceramic skirtings at the bases of the stationary stainless steel cooking facilities.
Thanks to this intelligent solution, the susceptible silicone joints are shifted from the floor into the vertical plane, which is exposed to far less stress. In this way, the efficient cleaning of this hygienically sensitive area is effectively supported.
Grey-blue floor tiles (R11/B) in the size of 30x60 cm were used in the patients’ bathrooms of the upper storeys, and in the shower area, the architects decided on an attractive format change to 10x10 cm mosaics in the same colour. This slip-resistant shower area is bordered by sophisticated ceramic special pieces. They form the smooth edge of the shower tub, which is conveniently accessible on foot or with a wheelchair - and also looks good at the same time.
The additional benefit
Just as in the swimming pool, the changing rooms, the toilets and the therapeutic baths, the light-beige wall tiles of the patients’ bathrooms in the size of 30x60 cm are provided with the innovative HT coating already in-plant (Hydrophilic Tiles, i.e. tiles with hydrophilic “water-loving“ surface).
Durably baked onto the glaze, the HT coating extremely facilitates cleaning: the water spreads to form a thin film, dirt is infiltrated and washed down and can then be easily removed. In addition, HT has an antibacterial effect: following the principle of the photocatalysis, light causes a reaction by which activated oxygen is produced, which decomposes microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi without using chemical agents and inhibits the formation of new ones.
Last but not least, the coating even eliminates air pollutants and thus effectively improves the indoor climate. All of these advantages are particularly important and useful above all in buildings of the health care sector - day after day. The photocatalytic effects of HT are not used up but permanently re-activated by light.
Thus, they are available a whole tile life long and are another positive characteristic of this project, which is impressive because of its harmonious consistency and therefore may be considered as trend-setting.