Rijnstate Ziekenhuis

Projectinformatie

The new Rijnstate Elst building is a 13,000 m² GFA hospital designed to provide a wide range of outpatient and diagnostic services and day treatments, with (limited) evening and weekend opening hours. The building has been designed in such a way that expansion, including the addition of a short-stay ward, can be realised relatively easily.

Rijnstate Arnhem remains the main site, particularly for complex care. The hospital in Elst is the main location for the specialisms of dermatology, the pain centre, ophthalmology and Vitalys (a clinic for obesity). There will also be a diagnostic and care coordination centre and a freely accessible meeting place with catering facilities.

Structural design

The design we produced for the main structural framework fits seamlessly with GAF’s architectural design.
During the design process, we considered various structural options and kept a number of choices open. At the start of the detailed design phase, we made final decisions in consultation with the design team and the prospective contractor, based on flexibility, cost and feasibility. Taking all factors into account, we designed the main supporting structure using precast concrete columns with in-situ concrete floors featuring post-tensioning without bonding. This allowed us to provide the relatively large floor spans with a slender, economical floor structure.

As the hospital is located close to the railway line, vibrations from the track play a significant role. Together with Cauberg Huygen, we examined the influence of the various structural components on the building’s stiffness. Through various adjustments, we have designed the structure – according to Cauberg Huygen’s calculations – in such a way that vibration nuisance from the track will be minimal.

First climate-neutral hospital in Europe

What makes Rijnstate Elst truly unique is that it is the first climate-neutral hospital in Europe. More than 1,300 solar panels on and around the building generate electricity; the surplus energy is then stored as hydrogen and used when the sun is not shining. An inspiring example of sustainability.

Our collaboration with Berghege and the suppliers during the engineering and construction phases went smoothly thanks to short lines of communication and close contact.