Caen University Hospital: They take care of us, and we’ll take care of them
The Caen University Hospital is getting back on its feet and has entrusted its HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) and plumbing expertise, as well as the cybersecurity of its networks, to the experts at Axima, part of Equans—and that’s a source of great pride. Since the pandemic, public health issues have been at the forefront of everyone’s concerns.
Ensuring the hospital’s well-being means valuing life.
By integrating a major HVAC engineering firm, Axima is able to analyze, design, and install solutions that take into account all the parameters and requirements necessary to ensure impeccable air and water quality.
Yes, you read that right: IR-RE-PRO-DUC-IBLE!
Would you like to know how to make history?
In operation since 1975, the Caen University Hospital will soon be replaced by a new hospital complex on its current site. The new buildings will welcome their first patients in 2026. As the lead contractor for a consortium with the Normandy-based company Fouchard, Axima, a subsidiary of Equans France, is carrying out the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) and plumbing work with the highest standards for air and water quality. AIA Life Designer is serving as the project manager for the entire project.
As Roger Modoloni said: “To change the world, you have to start by changing yourself!”
A performance that’s anything but dull
Isn't it nicer to avoid spreading viruses throughout the entire ward?
Indeed, since the pandemic, healthcare facilities have been eager to adjust the direction of airflow in patient rooms based on the conditions being treated, which involves managing pressure gradients.
Recognizing that airborne viral transmission in healthcare facilities is a major safety concern, our experts will implement an indoor air partitioning system.
When you go to the hospital for surgery, it's not so you can come out with a virus!
Each of the 35 operating rooms and 26 imaging rooms will therefore be completely independent. These rooms are classified according to the risks associated with specific conditions and the degree of contagiousness. Specifically, the ventilation systems will be separate for each hospital sector, with one air handling unit per risk level and per operating room.
When it comes to air quality, the hygiene of the air being circulated is of paramount importance. As a result, the highest standards are required for operating rooms, resuscitation units, intensive care units, and medical imaging facilities. This quality requirement is reflected right from the preliminary design phase.
We may not be medical professionals, but we share the same view as doctors: to provide treatment, one must first correctly analyze the symptoms.
Goodbye, organic and digital viruses
Since IT security is also a top priority for the university hospital, Axima will provide air conditioning for the mini data center housed within the facility.
“ We need to rethink the hospital. Having a sustainable and adaptable hospital is essential today. We must strike the right balance between incorporating more new technologies and controlling energy consumption. Of course, this has significant implications for the HVAC system; air-handling solutions and heat recovery technologies were incorporated during the design phase of the future Caen University Hospital. ”
Proper water treatment to prevent pizza scraps from clogging the pipes
As with air, water quality is a major concern in hospitals.
It must fully comply with health and safety requirements. Wastewater disposal is also critical, particularly in certain areas such as those exposed to X-rays. The system implemented by Axima will treat radioactive wastewater, which is directed into tanks specifically designed for this purpose. Thanks to this technology, we might just avoid an invasion of ninja turtles!
Back to the Future
“ In 2026, with 929 beds and 97,000 m² of equipped space, the Caen University Hospital will serve as a model for meeting the region’s healthcare needs. As part of Equans, Axima is pleased to contribute to its reconstruction by drawing on a range of unique expertise to meet healthcare requirements. With secure solutions, Equans remains true to its mission of protecting, connecting, and powering the infrastructure and facilities that are essential to our daily lives. ”
Do you have a need? Let's talk about it!
Do you have a need? Let's talk about it!
