Stairs and railings provide identity and ease of use

Smart steelwork in top clinical hospital

The new building of the Franciscus Hospital in Rotterdam promises to be a paragon of modern healthcare. Hektracon is making an important contribution to this innovative hospital building, with steelwork that is not only functional, but also an architectural eye-catcher.

Hektracon, a specialist in steel stairs and balustrades, handled the entire process in this project: from engineering and production to assembly. “We do everything in-house,” explains director Martijn Kouwenberg. “With our draftsmen, workshop employees and fitters, we keep the lines short and the planning tight. That is greatly appreciated on the construction site.”

The showpiece of Hektracon's work at Franciscus Hospital? Five impressive steel staircases that wind through the building as eye-catchers. “They are cantilevered mounted to the storey floors. Each staircase weighs 4.5 tons and had to enter through a temporary wall opening before the summer. That was a logistical puzzle.”

More than just stairs

In addition to the sculptural main staircases, Hektracon also realized glass balustrades for the roof, including the supply of the glass. Steel railings and balustrades were installed in the escape stairwell. “Our strength is thinking along in solutions. In the engineering phase, we look practically at how something can be made and assembled. That prevents surprises later.”

Steel is not only a structural choice, according to Kouwenberg, but also a sustainable one. “We calculate everything in consultation with the structural engineer. Architects often choose steel because of its freedom of form and value for money. And it is easily recyclable.”

Safety first

Safety is a fixture at Hektracon, both for its own people and for end users. “We are VCA certified and provide a safe working environment. Our products also contribute directly to building safety.”

Proud of the team

The new Franciscus Hospital will soon offer space for an emergency room, a Woman & Child Center and a state-of-the-art surgical complex, among other things. The fact that Hektracon was allowed to realize a visible and functional part of this building makes Kouwenberg proud. “But I am most proud of my colleagues. They make it. Without them no stairs, no balustrades and no satisfied client.”