P R O J E C T R E P O R T
D I S CREET E L EC TRON I C LOCKS FOR AN I MPROVED PAT I ENT EXPER I ENCE
NEIL SUMMONS ASSA ABLOY
Middlemore Hospital’s Mental Health Acute Unit, Tiaho Mai is a step change in New Zealand for this building type. With its focus on well- being and the journey to recovery, spaces are less institutional, with security layers managed in subtle and often invisible ways. Based on salutogenic (or health promoting) design principles, the environment puts greater emphasis on the well-being of the individual with natural light, fresh air and community spaces. ‘By increasing the quality of the environment, the patient can see the value placed on their health and wellbeing, ’ says Melanie Mason, project architect from Klein. ‘There was a strong drive on behalf of the client to create something beautiful and as home-like as possible to enhance people’s recovery. ’
according to the time of day and the security of the resident. This also allows the use of a traditional high- security key in the case of a power outage or intentional damage to the electronic lock. All locks are linked to the security system and fire alarm.
a ‘home-like’ space. With layers of building security to keep both staff and residents safe, the solution was found in a combination of zoned planning and flexible spaces, all activated by electronic locking systems by ASSA ABLOY. Bedrooms were the first area of focus and the hospital mocked up two full-scale suites with a complete entry door frame and assembly. Door and bathroom hardware pose the greatest risk to patients who may want to self-harm, so locks and handles needed to be flush, smooth, tamperproof and anti-ligature, while not looking heavily institutional. The primary requirement for the door hardware was the welfare of the patient and their room security. Locking on each room is electronically managed with fob keys and wrist bands, so that only the resident and their support staff have access. Electronic locking with the high- security Protec 2 manual key override means staff can change settings
technology enables a multi-mode building
Building zoning was also a core part of the brief and unobtrusive patient management. ‘As a person moves along their journey to recovery, their security access can be progressively opened up allowing them to access more communal spaces,’ says Mason. ‘Staff can run the facility in different modes, including how wings are setup and connected. It’s very flexible, but not overly complicated and one of the features the staff believe will be most useful. From design for well-being to a home-like interior to subtle zoning and access, the whole approach is transformational for this sector in New Zealand.’
how the architecture supports best practice in care
‘Rather than looking institutional, at every level we have selected home-like details, materials and experiences, ’ says Mason. ‘This puts a high value on getting well, as opposed to the old model of treating disease. It’s a very different focus and message. ’
invisible layers of security
This high-security environment posed challenges when achieving
WANT TO KNOW MORE ? Nei l Summons | nei l . summons@assaabloy. com
CONNECT | 43
Powered by FlippingBook