October 26, 2022
New Caen University Hospital: Equans France Selected for Plumbing, Heating, and Ventilation Contracts (Phase 2)
As the lead contractor for a consortium with the Normandy-based company Fouchard, Axima—a subsidiary of Equans France—will be responsible for part of the reconstruction of the Caen University Hospital, specifically for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and plumbing systems. The hospital environment imposes specific constraints and requires specialized expertise in these fields. Work on this new university hospital began in September and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026. AIA Life Designer is serving as the project manager for the entire project.
Air Quality Requirements and Technical Expertise
Given the public health implications, complex rooms (35 operating rooms
and 26 imaging rooms) are classified according to the risks associated with each condition and the degree of
contagiousness. The hygiene of conveyed fluids is of paramount importance. Each operating suite is
self-contained to prevent transmission. The highest standards apply to the
operating rooms, resuscitation units, intensive care units, and medical imaging areas in terms of air quality.
This quality requirement is incorporated from the preliminary design phase onward. As the largest
HVAC design firm in Europe, Axima is capable of analyzing and accounting for
all parameters, particularly air pressure.