Efficient hospital modernisation through intelligent door technology and technical building systems
Completing building renovations during ongoing hospital operations is one of the biggest challenges in the construction industry. At the Katharinenhospital, part of Klinikum Stuttgart, GEZE successfully helped design a new building as part of a comprehensive modernisation project: using modern window, door and automation solutions in the hospital improves efficiency, security and hygiene in everyday use and for the long-term.
New construction of the Katharinenhospital, part of Klinikum Stuttgart
GEZE door systems make access barrier-free for visitors, patients and hospital staff at the Katharinenhospital, part of Klinikum Stuttgart. © lake.office / GEZE GmbH
In a hospital, doors must meet a wide range of requirements for accessibility, emergency exit protection, and hygiene. © Jürgen Pollak / GEZE GmbH
Operators, architects, contractors: when it comes to renovating a hospital, everyone involved faces a wide range of challenges. No wonder, then, that hospital renovations are among the most complex construction projects there are. On the one hand, operators and planners are under enormous budgetary pressure, as financing is often determined by public funds and strict economic efficiency requirements. The time factor also plays a decisive role: delays drive up costs and put a strain on already tightly scheduled hospital routines. Added to this is the special responsibility for patient safety – medical procedures must not be disrupted; outages and interruptions are simply not an option. Because of this, building renovations in a hospital can only be successful if they are professionally planned and smoothly implemented during ongoing operations – efficiently, reliably and with no negative impacts for patients and staff.
The Katharinenhospital at Klinikum Stuttgart has faced, and continues to face these challenges: the hospital is ageing and is being rebuilt in stages to provide more space for care and research.
As an expert in building automation, GEZE supported the construction of Building F, which was rebuilt as part of the building renovation. Similar to the renovation of existing buildings, the task here was to overcome the enormous challenges posed by construction projects in the health care sector.
Challenges posed by construction projects in the health care sector
- High cost pressure due to limited public budgets
- Increasing requirements for hygiene, security and accessibility
- Need to optimise the use of personnel
- Energy efficiency as a key requirement for sustainability
Born from experience: New construction at the Katharinenhospital as part of the overall renovation
A successful example of modern hospital architecture: Klinikum Stuttgart – Katharinenhospital © Jürgen Pollak / GEZE GmbH
At Klinikum Stuttgart – Katharinenhospital, GEZE door systems ensure barrier-free accessibility, emergency exit protection and hygiene. © Jürgen Pollak / GEZE GmbH
In addition to various renovations of existing buildings, new buildings are also part of the modernisation concept for the Katharinenhospital. Building F is part of the new construction and was built on an area of approximately 40,000 square metres. Since early 2022, the building on Kriegsbergstraße in the heart of Stuttgart city centre has served as the first point of contact for all patients at Katharinenhospital. The new building houses the radiology clinics, internal medicine departments and wards with around 250 beds.
At its heart lies the large interdisciplinary intensive care unit with over 60 beds meeting modern hygiene standards. Here, specialist departments such as internal medicine, neurology, anaesthesiology and surgery work closely together in a state-of-the-art unit. A haematological-oncological transplant ward and one of the largest endoscopy departments in southern Germany were also established.
The construction of the new building wing presented a particular challenge: doors had to be planned during the construction phase, even though the functions of some large areas were not finalised until late in the process. Because of this, the architect handled the lion's share of the planning and had to respond flexibly to new requirements. GEZE was able to provide targeted support for this process with three key solutions that are crucial for everyday hospital operations.
Different hospital areas place different demands on door systems. © Jürgen Pollak / GEZE GmbH
Lock solutions for secure transitions
The ability to bring persons through interlocking door systems is essential in hospitals, especially at transitions to operating wings, intensive care units or clean rooms. These systems ensure that only authorised personnel are granted access, while also preventing the introduction of germs. Automated door systems in interlocking doors not only improve hygiene, but also increase efficiency by supporting staff workflows. Once integrated into building automation, access rights can be flexibly controlled, processes documented and security and hygiene seamlessly monitored.
The GEZE TS 5000 R-ISM overhead door closer system with guide rail can be used to set a closing sequence control. This holds the active leaf in a waiting position until the passive leaf is closed. An integrated smoke switch control unit signals the automatic closing of the door in the event of a fire. This airlock solution thus ensures security and hygiene in sensitive areas of the hospital.
SHEV air inlet systems for safety in the event of a fire
Another key element is the controlled supply air for smoke and heat extraction (SHEV) systems. In the event of a fire, the SHEV control panel for smoke and heat extraction drives GEZE MBZ 300 supplies power to electrically operated window/ventilation drives. This ensures that rescue routes remain functional by systematically removing smoke and supplying fresh air. At the same time, the GEZE RWA K 600 retractable arm drive supports the smoke and heat extraction system on the door side. This not only facilitates evacuations, but also supports the work of emergency services personnel. By connecting to the building automation system, SHEV air inlet systems can be intelligently linked to fire protection and alarm systems – for maximum security and a coordinated response in an emergency.
GEZE solutions play a key role in ensuring hospitals are secure, hygienic, and barrier-free. © lake.office / GEZE GmbH
Barrier-free and safe: handicapped accessible access and emergency exit protection
Even in the entrance area we can see how important accessibility is in everyday hospital operations. All user groups benefit from a handicapped accessible entrance, as it provides all patients, visitors and staff with equal and convenient access as well as secure escape routes – regardless of mobility restrictions. The GEZE Powerturn IS/TS swing door drive system with emergency exit protection, in combination with the RWA K 600, is the ideal solution for handicapped accessible access and emergency exit protection, as it ensures ease of use, reduces staff workloads and ensures smooth operation in high-traffic areas. Integrated into the building automation system, these entrances can also be monitored and controlled centrally, ensuring security and accessibility at all times. At GEZE, our door systems are always certified in accordance with DIN standards for barrier-free building (DIN 18040).
Conclusion: Future-proof and efficient thanks to GEZE hospital solutions
GEZE solutions play a key role in ensuring hospitals can be operated safely, hygienically, accessibly and efficiently. The strength of the products lies not only in their individual functions, but above all in their integration into a building automation concept, which intelligently networks all systems and supports smooth hospital operations.
From the outset, our collaboration with GEZE in building automation and door and window technology has been characterised by professionalism and solution-oriented thinking. With these modern systems, we can offer our patients, visitors and staff the highest level of comfort and security.
Daniela Feindor, Department Head at the New Building, Katharinenhospital, Klinikum StuttgartWhat is the best way to complete hospital renovations during ongoing operations?
Door systems must function smoothly during everyday use in the hospital. © lake.office / GEZE GmbH
Building renovations in hospitals almost always have to be carried out while the hospital is still in operation – a complete shutdown is unthinkable. For this reason, planning and implementation of hospital modernisation projects are usually carried out in stages: individual parts of the building are renovated one after the other, while others remain in operation. This approach reduces downtime, ensures continuous patient care and minimises disruption to everyday hospital operations. For managers, this means precise scheduling, close coordination of all trades and maximum efficiency in implementation.
When handling technical planning of doors, windows and building automation control systems, GEZE likes to work with architects and managers from the start of the project to discuss the best possible solutions and timelines.
Solution concept for efficient hospital processes: smart building automation
Our experts find the right solutions for healthcare facilities. © lake.office / GEZE GmbH
Building automation should always be the overarching goal of any hospital building renovation: intelligent networking of all systems – from doors and windows to access controls and air conditioning – creates uniform control and enables optimised processes.
Efficiency, hygiene, security and accessibility: building automation in everyday hospital operations
- Increase efficiency – reduce costs: Modern building automation networks all hospital systems. This simplifies processes, optimises workflows, reduces staff workloads and lowers energy consumption over the long-term – a tangible benefit for day-to-day operations and the budget.
- Enabling sustainability: Modern door automation enables the use of visionary technology and robotics, which can be used for cleaning or food delivery, for example, and improves staff efficiency.
- Ensuring hygiene: Automatic door systems and non-contact operating solutions minimise contact points by reducing the risk of germ transmission and improving infection control and cleanliness. Combined with intelligent ventilation technology, they support the highest hygiene standards and actively help protect against infections. At the same time, access areas can be controlled according to hygiene zones and infection control measures can be easily supported.
- Ensuring security: Networked access solutions allow doors to be controlled specifically for staff and patients, while at the same time securing escape routes and reliably protecting particularly sensitive areas such as operating theatres or intensive care units. To this end, the doors can be networked with access and safety systems via the building automation system. Manual interventions and personnel costs are reduced at the same time.
- Implementing accessibility: Intuitive operating concepts, easily accessible doors and flexible solutions for all areas of the building enable barrier-free use – for everyone. Automated door systems and intelligent window controls facilitate access for patients, visitors and staff alike.
- Increasing energy efficiency: Intelligent control units for doors, windows and air conditioning systems prevent energy loss, improve indoor air quality and permanently reduce operating costs. The smart technology can be optimally coordinated with heating, ventilation and air conditioner systems. In this way, the technology not only contributes to sustainability, but also helps reduce the financial burden on operators.
Integration into existing structures is simple and efficient – without long downtimes. The result: greater operational efficiency, lower energy costs, increased security and noticeably better comfort for staff, patients and operators.
GEZE Services in health care
In addition to product-related solutions, GEZE also provides advice and support throughout all phases of hospital renovation – from planning and implementation to maintenance and service during ongoing operations:
To ensure that all the advantages of modern building automation can be utilized, GEZE provides advice right from the start of the project.
GEZE specialists provide support throughout the process and work closely with all product groups and the contractor. GEZE can also take care of the installation and assembly of all products if required.
To ensure safe operation, GEZE trains staff on site.
GEZE is available to provide ongoing support as required to ensure the long-term reliability and performance of the solution.
