Sustainable from floor to ceiling

The health centre Sundhedshus Sæby has been designed on the basis of high standards for sustainability and the protection of resources and with a strong focus on energy efficiency, environmental considerations and flexibility.

Photo: Helene Høyer Mikkelsen, architect

The North Denmark Region, the Municipality of Frederikshavn and the Organisation of General Practitioners in North Jutland have worked together to establish the health centre in Sæby, which extends over two storeys and a total floor area of 3,200 square metres. The health centre was built by HP Byg A/S and awarded a German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) certificate in Silver. The centre is one of the first DGNB-certified buildings in Denmark, and the DNGB principles have been part of the planning process from start to finish.

One wing has been designed for the GPs, while the other wing houses the municipal health and training centre with facilities for physical and vocational rehabilitation, preventative and health-promotion activities such as, for example, quit-smoking courses, a nurse clinic and much more. The training facilities are of an extremely high standard, with rooms for group training as well as rooms for fitness machines. The rooms have large window sections overlooking a green area, and doors that provide access to fresh air and outdoor training.

The ceilings are clad with white-painted Troldtekt acoustic panels with a fine structure, which, in addition to their unique sound-absorbing qualities, also contribute ‘points’ towards the DGNB certification. As a material, Troldtekt panels contribute points towards many of the DGNB requirements - e.g. Life Cycle Cost, Acoustic Comfort, Life Cycle Impact Assessment and Responsible Procurement.

Søren Gravesen from HP Byg A/S explains that building according to the sustainability requirements of the DGNB certification scheme is an interesting challenge, and he is looking forward to more companies being able to certify their products based on the points system. The use of recycled bricks (from Gamle Mursten) for the façade also makes a positive contribution to the sustainability of the building.