Inspired by nature, the materials used in Al Salam Hospital were warm, progressive, sustainable and environment friendly – turning this healtcare facility into a welcoming, healing environment.

Located in the beautiful Eastern province of Saudi Arabia, the Al Salam Hospital project was subject to strict national and stringent healthcare regulations and requirement. Despite these requirements, a key project goal was to remove the boundaries between patients, guest and employees by creating a hospitality-like environment that would embody the feeling of connectivity, warmth and healing, all while addressing space separation.

While in close communication with our Spanish-based architectural partner during the planning phase, we were adamant about instilling a feeling of openness that would be perceived as welcoming and create a sense of comfort throughout the hospital. Our solution; inspired by nature, we set to redefine the old concept of cold, sterile healthcare design and transform Al Salam Hospital into a welcoming, healing environment through the use of warm, modern and progressive materials that are typically only found in high-end hospitality environments and public settings. All materials used throughout the project were sustainable and environmentally friendly, including the resilient and seamless flooring and washable wall surfaces, which were used in the clinical areas to keep the integrity of a hygienic environment.

To meet national requirements, three distinctive privacy levels needed to be considered – families, men and women. Our solution was the creation of private “micro-spaces” within a variety of settings throughout the facility. The luxurious VIP and royal suites needed to balance luxury and beauty with stringent healthcare regulations. Sealed marble floors were used along with washable wood panels, all surfaces treated with a special coating to assure the integrity of healthcare requirements. The royal suites enjoyed uninterrupted, relaxing views from the top floor of the hospital and provide ample extra space and privacy for visits and over-night stays of family and friends, igniting faster recovery.