Several Dulux coatings were supplied for the Royal Hobart Hospital redevelopment with the products specified to meet the Green Star-rated project’s challenging requirements.

Designed by Lyons Architects and built by John Holland and Fairbrother as a joint venture for Tasmania’s Department of Health and Human Services, the redevelopment of the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) in 2020 was the largest health infrastructure project ever undertaken in Tasmania. Following the completion of this project, the 207-year-old hospital has been transformed into a state-of- the-art trauma, teaching and referral facility.

Spanning 11 storeys with 37,000m² of new construction and approximately 4,000m² of refurbished spaces, the hospital required many unique colour and surface coating specifications for various interior and exterior substrates, all tailored to meet product and colour performance goals.

The brief for the paintworks also included the need for the hospital to remain open and functioning, which meant specific lower odour products were required to help minimise disruption on site.

Hospitals have many areas that undergo frequent cleaning such as wards and waiting rooms. Harsh cleaning agents including chlorine and benzalkonium chloride are used by facility managers in areas where maintenance is critical to the health of the environment. Dulux products specified, therefore, must be suitable for these conditions. Various product systems were tested to inform the right specifications.

Dulux SteriGuard Ultra was specified for some of the interior surfaces. This product is specifically designed to support internal environments in clinical settings. Such environments use strict cleaning programs in order to maintain a healthy and sterile state.

Several lower odour products were selected including Duration T74, a water-based 2 pack polyurethane coating for metal column protection. These products can be applied with minimal impact on the local air quality and importantly, deliver on the performance to help maximise time to next maintenance.

While working with the Lyons architects from the onset of the design process, various Dulux technical representatives also visited the site during the construction phase to help modify specs where required, assist with problem solving and support contractors during application.

Project Outcomes

Dulux is proud to have helped deliver this stunning transformation of a flagship hospital.

Multi-surface solutions

Dulux Construction Solutions was able to provide specifications for a variety of applications including premium paints, renders, clear timber coatings, concrete coatings and metal protective coatings.

Designed for healthcare

Dulux Professional SteriGuard Ultra is a two part durable polyurethane that when mixed, uses Bayhydrol Water Based Technology from Bayer MaterialScience to produce an ultra- tough, chemical resistant interior finish designed to withstand high intensity cleaning cycles in clinical environments. The low VOC, low odour formula ensures quick return to service with less disruption.

Consultation and collaboration

The design was fully reviewed from both operational and construction perspectives, which meant only the most effective coatings were implemented and programmed.

Customised colour

While Dulux has an extensive range of 4800+ colours, various customised colours that supported the architects’ design philosophy were created for this project.

Minimal disruption

Hospital operations continued throughout the construction. A number of lower odour products were specified so that application work could continue on-site with minimal disruption to workers and public in the vicinity.

Lasting performance

Products and systems were specified to meet the durability requirement of this important development project, including withstanding clinical cleaning regimes and the impacts of external weather conditions, protecting surfaces and providing beautiful aesthetic appeal.

Products Specified

Dulux Paint:

Plasterboard & Ceilings

These premium products were specified to meet the various requirements for surface preparation, low odour, opacity, durability and colour.

  • Dulux Prepcoat Acrylic Sealer Undercoat
  • Dulux Professional SteriGuard Ultra Low Sheen
  • Dulux Professional envirO2 Interior Flat
  • Dulux Professional envirO2 Interior Acrylic Sealer Undercoat
  • Dulux Wash&Wear Low Sheen

Doors & Trim

  • Dulux Professional Total Prep
  • Dulux Professional envirO2 Interior Acrylic Sealer Undercoat
  • Dulux Professional SteriGuard Water Based Enamel Semi Gloss
  • Dulux Aquanamel Gloss

Dulux Protective Coatings:

Stairs, Paths & Railings

Stairs, paths and railings require protection from foot traffic, moving equipment and abrasion, while also delivering an appealing aesthetic. The following protective coatings products were specified for the application:

  • Dulux Durebuild STE 2 Pack epoxy
  • Dulux Quantum 221 2 Pack High Gloss
  • Dulux Luxeproxy 4 White Two Pack Primer
  • Dulux Duration P23 Primer
  • Dulux Duration T74 Gloss

Dulux Acratex:

Concrete Walls

Colour range, weatherproofing, crack bridging, flexibility, dirt and mould resistance are important performance factors to consider when specifying coatings for facades.

  • Dulux Acratex Tiltwash Cleaner
  • Dulux Acratex Green Render Sealer
  • Dulux Acratex AcraShield Advance

Intergrain:

Timber panelling

Timber adds a warm and natural element to design. Clear coatings provide the protection timber needs, while showcasing its beauty.

  • Intergrain Ultraclear Interior Gloss