Architecture brings safety and warmth to the Kymenlaakso Central Hospital

Sweco’s architects have been renewing the Kymenlaakso Central Hospital in Kotka since 2014. The ever-changing facility and service requirements are met in cooperation with users. The key objective is to promote the rapid healing of patients and the well-being of staff.

Kymsote offers social and health care services for around 163,000 people in Kymenlaakso. Sweco’s architects have been involved in renewing the Kymenlaakso Central Hospital in Kotka since 2014. Most of the original buildings date back to the 1960s.

“Many buildings are reaching the end of their technical and functional life,” explains Kymsote-Kiinteistöt Oy’s Project Designer Taru Saarelainen. New technology requires more space, and one-person patient rooms are now considered the norm. “We want to offer patients a smooth and safe high-quality care environment.”

The challenging project has required meticulous work, and the architectural design has been adapted according to the ever-changing functional needs of the hospital. “Hospital projects always have a tight budget, meaning that the facilities must be designed in utmost detail,” describes Architect Mikko Vuorenhela from Sweco. “Even so, the design cannot neglect humanity either.”

In 2014, Sweco’s architects drew up a project plan for the entire hospital area. Implementation planning started with the so-called ‘hot hospital’ that includes the emergency room, intensive care unit and operating facilities.

“The goal was to bring the hot functions close to each other and ensure that modern hospital technology fits in the facilities created at different times,” Vuorenhela says. The design and construction of the hospital area will progress in stages, and the building containing the in-patient ward and logistics and laboratory facilities will be completed in winter 2023. The renewal of the old main hospital is the final part of the project. “The smooth operation of the hospital is ensured at all stages.”

Facility users have a say in the functionality planning

Hospital design requires continuous dialogue with users, since functional needs can change even during the project. According to Taru Saarelainen, Sweco’s architectural designers have listened to the users carefully. “The competence and opinions of different professional groups have been valued, and the plans have been adapted together according to the wishes of end users.”

She also finds it important that the architects are able to question solutions and challenge the views of users. “This results in solutions that are functionally satisfactory, but keep the costs in check.”

Among other things, user opinions have had an impact on centralised equipment maintenance, the location of support services and the care process of critically ill patients. “The prevention of infection and respecting patient privacy are also particularly important. We have also been able to strengthen the cooperation between multi-professional teams,” Saarelainen says.

Hospital environment has a proven effect on healing

The architectural design of Kymenlaakso Central Hospital has followed the principles of a healing environment. They have influenced e.g. the material and colour choices and solutions regarding natural and artificial light. The new facilities are a far cry from the former institutional hospitals. “The same things can improve the well-being and comfort of both patients and employees,” Vuorenhela states.

Humanity can be created by using wooden surfaces and nature photography and by offering views outdoors. “Other issues evident in the everyday lives of staff and patients include bringing daylight into the care and break rooms and managing noise,” Saarelainen says. She also praises the calming overall appearance of the break rooms that provide a change from the care facilities. “It helps employees to break away from the work.”

New buildings incorporated into the urban landscape

The architects have acknowledged the fact that the hospital area has an impact on Kotka’s urban landscape. “Such a significant construction must fit into its environment, while finding its own place,” Vuorenhela says.

The facade cladding of the new construction uses single tone ceramic tile. The tiles of different shapes create a multi-coloured impression. “Changes in light bring the facades to life according to the weather and time of day.”

It also honours the existing building history that provides roots to new buildings. The ceramic facade cladding was inspired by the varied tones of the old hospital’s brick walls. Copper cladding has been used in the new entrances just like in the old ones.

“Many buildings are reaching the end of their technical and functional life. We want to offer patients a smooth and safe high-quality care environment.”
– Taru Saarelainen, Kymsote-Kiinteistöt Oy