unicel architectural
Project Mission and Vision
The Syracuse VA Medical Center needed to renovate its 6th Floor B wing (Ward 6B) space for use as a new medical/surgical inpatient ward. The new ward was to have 20 bed units with 16 private patient rooms and private baths, two double patient rooms and baths, and all the necessary appurtenances for an inpatient surgical care area. Sliding doors were a primary opening/entry feature for easy and efficient access.
Project architects selected integrated cord-free louvers from Unicel Architectural to ensure flexible privacy options along with sound attenuating qualities - specifically, 68 Vision Control Mini units in 17 Assa-Abloy sliding ICU doors. Vision Control Mini is the slimmer interior privacy glazing version of Unicel’s Vision Control product. Perfectly suited for healthcare environments, Vision Control Mini is a patented, hermetically sealed glass unit with operable louvers that can be customized for virtually any application. Its advanced technology eliminates strings, ensures alignment and requires no maintenance. Made with a 1” (25.4mm) airspace that is ideal for sliding doors and other interior door applications, it comes with a Universal Door Trim Kit made of extruded aluminum, designed to adapt to any 1 ¾” (44mm) thick sliding doors. Components of the Syracuse VA Medical Center Ward 6B sliding doors included:
• 3/16’’ (5mm) clear tempered glass
• 1” (25.4mm) airspace
• 3/16” (5mm) regular interlock blades
• 1 ½” (38mm) gray at aluminum knobs, operable from one side only
• Aluminum universal trim kits, with clear anodized finish
Following renovations, the Syracuse VA Medical Center Ward 6B features state of the art sliding doors that operate noiselessly and automatically for easy and tranquil function. They can further be adjusted readily for various levels of visibility ranging from fully opened to completely blocked. Patients are assured of privacy and calm at a time when they need it most. The efficacy of this solution further prompted the Syracuse VA Medical Center to order an additional 64 Vision Control Mini panels for 16 new sliding doors to be installed as part of another renovation project in the hospital’s Ward 6C.
