Athens Regional Reaps the Benefits of Corian

Atlanta Kitchen’s reach extends beyond the metro Atlanta area and beyond what most people first think of when they think of Atlanta Kitchen’s work. The company recently completed an installation of Corian solid surface vanity tops in patient rooms at Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens, Ga.

We’ve talked about Corian solid surface products before; about its versatility, durability and style and how its a great choice for commercial uses, such as at a hospital. In addition to things like efficiency, flexibility, circulation, security and accessibility, there are some important considerations in healthcare design, including sanitation, therapeutic environment, sustainability and aesthetics, which we’ll quickly address here and show how Corian countertops and their installation by Atlanta Kitchen was a smart choice for Athens Regional Medical Center.

Sanitation: Hospitals must be easy to clean. A clean, sanitary environment can be facilitated by durable finishes, careful detailing on features to avoid bacteria- and dirt-catching and hard-to-clean cracks, crevices and joints. Corian is durable, stain-resistant, non-porous (which means it resists mold and mildew growth) and food safe and easy-to-clean and maintain, with a smooth seamless appearance and no grout lines to catch dirt and bacteria.

Therapeutic Environment: Patients in a hospital are many times scared and confused, which can slow down their recovery; so hospitals are designed to create a therapeutic environment that ensures a patient’s stay is as unthreatening, comfortable, and stress-free as possible. This can be achieved by use of familiar and culturally or locally relevant materials and cheerful and varied colors and textures wherever possible and consistent with sanitation, functional and assessment needs. Corian is available in over 130 colors from whites to neutrals to darks and bright, energetic yellows and warm reds.

Aesthetics: Aesthetics, like therapeutic environment has to do with making a hospital more homelike and attractive. This is important in enhancing the facility’s public image. Would you rather be in a cold, sterile hospital or one with natural materials and textures, art on the walls and countertops and cabinets that remind you of home? Aesthetics is not only important as a marketing tool, but it is important to staff comfort and patient care.

Sustainability: Hospitals are large, public buildings that have a significant impact on the environment  of the surrounding community. As heavy users of energy and water and large producers of waste, hospitals today are seeking solutions that minimize their impact on the environment. Corian, along with the adhesives and sealants used to install it, is GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified® as low emitting materials. Durable, easy to maintain, and low-emitting, Corian solid surfaces help buildings achieve LEED® credits and can contribute to sustainable design goals in a variety of applications.