Through close collaboration with both architects and the main contractor Knauf Drywall has enabled Linear Projects to handle the biggest project in its 18 year history – installing more than 100,000m2 of partitioning in a major new acute hospital in Scotland – with a set of standardized components that rationalised its supply chain.

The £10 million partitioning, ceilings and external steel framing contract included partitioning with a wide range of acoustic specifications, walls for shafts and risers and dry lining for the operating theatres in the new £300 million Forth Valley Royal Hospital at Larbert, Falkirk – the largest NHS project in Scotland.

Knauf – the UK’s leading manufacturer of lightweight building materials and systems – was able to draw upon its extensive experience of drywall solutions for hospitals to standardize components as far as possible across all partition types and so simplify supply chain and inventory management; an important factor in constructing this flagship development.

The partition specification is based on Knauf Performer partitioning solutions, using 15mm Knauf Soundshield high performance plasterboard and 70mm Knauf ‘C’ Studs in various configurations to provide airborne sound reduction from 42dB Rw to 63dB Rw.

“Using the same basic components, we provided a range of acoustic specifications from 42dB Rw to 58dB Rw,” explains Mark Thorburn, Knauf Drywall Project and Specification Manager. “The higher specifications are achieved by progressively adding Knauf Crown Partition Roll, and a second layer of Knauf Soundshield on each side. The same components are used in a twin frame Knauf Isolator partition to provide 63dB Rw.”

The specifications also include the Knauf Shaftwall system for shafts and risers, with 92mm Knauf ‘CT’ Studs supporting 19mm Knauf Coreboard and one or two layers of 15mm Knauf Fireshield. Knauf Shaftwall not only provides excellent fire resistance in vertical shafts but enables all board layers to be installed conveniently and safely from the ‘room’ side. The Knauf MF Suspended Ceiling System is specified for the operating theatres, while steel columns and beams are encased in Knauf Fireshield plasterboard to provide 60 minutes’ fire resistance.

The Knauf Independent Wall Lining System on 70mm Knauf ‘I’ Studs is used to finish external and blockwork walls – and to provide a sacrificial lining that conceals service pipes in operating theatres. Partition specifications are enhanced for additional safety and security in key locations by the addition of lead sheeting, steel weldmesh or 12.5mm plywood.

The multidisciplinary practice Keppie designed the 95,115m2 hospital. The hospital, which is opening in phases from August 2010 to July 2011, has 860 beds, 16 operating theatres, 4,000 rooms and 25 wards. It will centralise acute healthcare and mental health services in the Falkirk-Stirling region.

Linear Projects’ Director Stephen Holmes says: “We were presented with the specification developed, and we are very happy with the way it has worked.”

Knauf Drywall manufactures a full range of plasters, plasterboards, insulating laminates, dry flooring, drywall accessories, and metal sections for domestic, commercial and public sector applications. Knauf Drywall pioneered carbon neutral plasterboard in the UK with Knauf Futurepanel. Knauf Drywall also actively promotes recycling from building sites and has a zero waste policy in its energy efficient factories at Sittingbourne in Kent and Immingham on Humberside.

For further information ring the Knauf Drywall Literature Line 08700 613 700 or visit www.knaufdrywall.co.uk