An architect’s vision for a ‘wave-effect’ building with no roof protrusions, to mirror the sinuous lines of nearby hills, has been achieved with the help of drainage ventilation expert, Studor.
Italian building engineering architects, in conjunction with multi-disciplinary company STEAM, designed the €130 million, 447-bedded Monselice Hospital in north-eastern Italy to ensure it met the highest operational requirements, but also had a profile in harmony with the adjacent sloping hillside landscape. Achieving the right aesthetics meant maintaining the integrity of the rooftops, with the design precluding roof protrusions to interrupt the flow of the roofline.
Recognising the need for input from a drainage ventilation specialist, MEP contractor, Gemmo, asked Studor – which has over 40 years’ experience in the field – to advise on the drainage system design. “Our solution was to cap as many stacks as possible with the Studor Maxi-Vent Air Admittance Valve (AAV), which fits discretely within the roof space”, said Studor’s UK technical sales director, Daniel Rath. “The MaxiVent protects the trap seals within the drainage system by allowing the intake of air so each soil pipe can maintain the right pressure within the system. This is critical, especially in a hospital environment, ensuring no crosscontamination from the drainage system into the habitable space.
“The Maxi-Vents also eliminate the need for roof penetrations, reducing the amount of pipework required, which saves both time and money. Not only is the integrity of the roof maintained, but heat loss is minimised, and time saved on site.” Over 100 Studor Maxi-Vents were installed at the hospital,.
