Centre for Mental Health, Alexius/Josef Hospital, Neuss | Germany

Client: St. Augustinus-Fachkliniken gGmbH, Neuss

Architect: a|sh sander.hofrichter architekten GmbH, Ludwigshafen

Project period: 2018 - 2021

Service: Planning and site supervision of sanitary systems, heating systems, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, electrical systems, IT and communications systems, lift and conveyance systems, use-specific installations, building automation systems

Net costs building services in €: 4,000,000

Extension building for modern and patient-oriented care

With the extension building at the Centre for Mental Health, the spatial and functional capacity of the St. Alexius/Josef Hospital in Neuss was significantly expanded. The objective was to create 
contemporary structures for interdisciplinary and patient-oriented care while harmoniously complementing the existing healthcare centre.

The result is a compact, three-storey atrium building with a usable floor area of around 4,600 m². The new building integrates sensitively into the existing ensemble – referencing the adjacent energy centre, the connection to the historic main building dating from 1858, and the modern ward blocks completed in 2012. In addition to outpatient areas, treatment and therapy rooms, and a geriatric psychiatry ward, a total of 46 beds in single and double rooms were created. The spatial programme is complemented by communal areas, sports and exercise rooms, and a generous roof terrace with wellness facilities.

ZWP was responsible for the design and site supervision of the building services. Heat supply is provided by a new technical plant room on the second floor, equipped with a gas condensing boiler and a natural gas-fired combined heat and power unit. With a total output of around 200 kW, this ensures an energy-efficient, resource-conserving and simultaneously reliable supply. All areas of use are fitted with underfloor heating, which provides uniform and comfortable heat distribution.

For cooling, a sustainable concept was implemented: in patient rooms and functional areas, surface heating in combination with the ventilation system provides the required comfort. This is supplemented by recirculating  air cooling units. The combination of these systems reduces energy demand and enables cost-efficient operation.

The building automation is based on a freely programmable, interoperable system in accordance with DIN EN ISO 16484-5 with BACnet/IP. All components are intelligently networked and connected to the central management and monitoring system. This not only ensures a high level of user convenience but also guarantees transparent and efficient control of the entire building operation.

With the new construction, a functionally, technically and energetically high-quality Centre for Mental Health has been created, optimally complementing the existing structures, sustainably strengthening care capacities and ensuring cost-efficient operation in the long term.

Images: © FELIX MEYER - FOTOGRAFIE