In healthcare settings, where privacy and cleanliness are key, prefabricated wall systems offer a fast and versatile solution.
Take Bellin Health’s Surgery and Specialty Center for example.
Bellin’s latest development in Green Bay, Wisc. brings together multiple specialties under one roof where different medical disciplines can collaborate. The goal was to create a space that fosters teamwork while still offering the privacy needed for patient consultations.
To strike the right balance between open, collaborative spaces and private, enclosed areas, Bellin opted for prefabricated wall systems that situate providers around care team pods and procedure rooms, while care teams have dedicated workspaces that encourage smooth interaction and efficient order drop-offs.
This configuration breaks down barriers between clinicians and staff and fosters a quieter environment for occupants. Plus, walls can be rearranged to quickly meet future needs.
“For example, if a large conference room is underused, it can be divided into smaller provider offices by reconfiguring the existing walls or adding new panels,” says Nathan Quintal, KI Wall product manager. “This is a significant advantage over stick-built drywall, which would need to be torn down and replaced, creating unnecessary waste.”
Quick Installation and Flexibility
Unlike traditional construction methods, which involve cutting and assembling materials on-site, the prefabricated panels arrive ready for installation. This is particularly beneficial in healthcare facilities where renovations or new construction projects must be completed quickly to minimize disruption to patient care. And the ease of installation means less dust and debris are generated in a space where maintaining a sterile environment is vital.
“Minimizing dust and particulates in the air is especially in healthcare environments and by doing a lot of the work in our factory—painting, cutting, assembling—we reduce the amount of on-site labor and environmental disturbance,” Quintal says.
Aesthetic and Functional Customization
Healthcare facilities need to balance functionality with aesthetic appeal, especially in spaces where providers require privacy yet want an open, welcoming atmosphere. Materials include glass and solid options that can be tailored to fit the vision of the architect or interior designer.
For example, Evoke solid walls made from steel panels, such as those used in Bellin Health’s Surgery and Specialty Center, provide acoustic privacy between provider offices. Quintal highlights that these walls also offer additional functionality: “The steel surface is magnetic, allowing healthcare staff to hang accessories like coat hooks or marker trays, offering more versatility than traditional drywall.”
Bellin’s facility also utilizes Lightline glass walls treated with a film to allow natural light while providing privacy. These walls form semi-private alcoves that offer a feeling of seclusion while keeping individuals connected to the larger space.
Electrical and Data Integration
One of the major advantages of using prefabricated wall systems in a healthcare setting is the ability to integrate electrical wiring and data conduits directly into the walls during manufacturing. Quintal explained that healthcare facilities have increasing demands for electrical outlets, data ports, and technology integration, and the KI Wall system was able to meet those needs seamlessly.
Pre-wired walls with integrated electrical and data capabilities meant that Bellin Health could avoid the time-consuming and costly process of having electricians wire the walls on-site, speeding up the construction timeline.
Sustainability and Future-Proofing
These wall panels are made from materials like steel, aluminum, and glass, all of which can be recycled, and because the walls are demountable, they can be reconfigured as needed, offering long-term flexibility that is often lacking in traditional construction. The ability to future-proof a facility means that as the needs of a healthcare provider change, they can easily alter their spaces without generating waste or requiring extensive new construction.
Improving the Patient and Provider Experience
Ultimately, the use of prefabricated wall systems like KI Wall contributes to a better experience for both patients and providers. For providers, having a workspace that is quiet, private, and customized to their needs helps them perform their work more efficiently and with greater focus. For patients, the resulting environment is more welcoming, calm, and conducive to high-quality care.
As healthcare facilities continue to evolve, solutions like these will likely become more common, providing the flexibility and efficiency required in today's fast-paced medical environments. Learn more.
