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Modern hospital in a historic envelope
Overall refurbishment of Schloss Werneck Orthopaedic Hospital
The intention of the overall refurbishment was to create a modern hospital whilst at the same time re-establishing the original condition of the building. This was a special challenge, which was made even harder because some of the building fabric from the 18th century had suffered extensive damage. The client was particularly interested in re-establishing the former space concept of the garden hall, the so-called "sala terrena", and its connection with the historic stairwell, in order to be able to set up the entrance area and a café in this location. By demolishing a solid link bridge and some closed wall portions separating the garden hall, it was possible to reconnect the two areas. In addition, the formerly bricked-off wall openings were re-opened to the former stairwell, which had been lost in the middle of the 19th century by closing-in the openings in the ceiling and subdividing the space into several rooms. By removing all partition walls it was possible to re-establish the spatial impression of the stairwell, including the vaulted ceiling and composite capitals. Today, the former eye of the staircase accommodates a patient reception desk and nurse support point in a glazed-in enclosure.
In order to accommodate new functions such as emergency reception, radiology, anaesthetics and intensive care areas while retaining the original space geometry, the space was sub-divided by lightweight separating elements with high-pressure laminated panels. In this way it was possible to create a range of functional areas whilst retaining the space structure. The installation of the radiology facility required various technical installations in the ceiling area. This was a special challenge because the historic cross vault had to be retained. In order to achieve that, interference with the vaulting was much reduced and any penetrations and installations were hidden by ceiling sails. As a result, large parts of the refurbished cross vaulting remain visible to visitors and patients. The new functions of the physiotherapy unit have been accommodated in glass cubicles. The glazing of these cubicles makes them appear light and transparent so that here too the former space geometry can still be appreciated.
In order to create a comfortable atmosphere in the 62 newly furnished patient rooms in the main Schloss and in South Wing D, only natural and classic materials were used. The flooring in South Wing D consists of rugged oak parquet, which is in keeping with the historical materials. Wall panelling and furniture in walnut veneer evoke associations with the Baroque period and contribute to a convivial atmosphere. The installation of the usual media duct was omitted. Instead, a media cabinet serves as a separating piece of furniture between the beds and also hides the technical service installations.
The seemingly endless expanse of the corridors was interrupted by placing sanitary cubicles and nurse support points at certain intervals. These cubicles are faced with walls consisting of rugged facade materials such as stainless steel, fibre-cement and glass, creating a contrast to the historic interior wall finish. The light ochre on the historic interior walls creates a certain atmosphere which also evokes associations with the Baroque era.
The requirements of modern hospitals are extensive, including high-tech medicine, digital data management and sophisticated logistics, making technical installations indispensable. In order to retain the historic space impression here too, no suspended ceilings were installed and instead the installations were hidden behind ducting, cabinets and wall panelling.
Specially developed glazed sanitary cells, with integrated patient cabinets and partial imprinting that seems to dissolve towards the top, ensure that the historic space structure in the patient rooms in the main Schloss is retained. The cabinets are integrated in the sanitary cells in such a way that they are not perceived as separate pieces of furniture. The former space impression has been highlighted for visitors and patients by installing lighting that picks out the characteristic stucco coving. Materials such as oak, walnut, leather and brass create a warm atmosphere, and create a reference to the Baroque style. Following on from the space geometry of the time, there are also characteristics of the Classical repertoire such as wrap-around door framing with overdoors, and wall panelling for the protection of the lower portion of the walls. Classical features such as the console table with mirror at the wall protrusions on the window elevations were adopted and used in the context of new functions. Patient baths were installed in porcelain stoneware with a warm sandy hue, and the washstands feature calcified shell limestone.
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