Flexible track systems deliver on form and function in expansion of an Ohio hospital emergency department.
The renovation and expansion of the Akron City Hospital Emergency Department adds 85,000 sq. ft. of space with 44 beds and 10 triage rooms. Akron City Hospital, a member of Summa Health System, is a Level 1 Trauma Center.
Approximately 15,000 linear feet of 3 5/8 inch, 20 gauge Flex-C Trac and 1,200 linear feet of 20 gauge Flex-C Angle were used to frame prominent radiuses and soffits.
AS ABOVE, SO BELOW
Design for the project was provided by HFP/Ambruske Architects, Inc., Cleveland. “The use of curves followed the form and function of the building,” says Mike Serafin, vice president of HFP/Ambruske. “The soffits mirror the floor traffic pattern and help with the flow. We also used curved soffits over key doorways as way-finding devices.”
According to Serafin, the greatest challenge of the renovation was keeping the ER functioning smoothly while the construction was underway.
Installation of the Flex-Ability Concepts products was done by Competitive Interiors Inc. Based in Ravenna, Ohio, the company is a union-based subcontractor serving northeastern Ohio since 1989. The company has completed a number of large projects in the Cleveland, Akron, Canton and Youngstown areas.
Competitive Interiors’ main scope of work includes interior and exterior metal stud framing, insulation, drywall, plaster, EIFS, acoustical ceilings, rough and trim carpentry, doors and hardware. The company is also capable of design engineering projects.
Jack Walden, director of construction at Competitive Interiors, is a regular Flex-C Trac user. “These types of projects have become pretty commonplace as architects seem to include more and more curves in their designs, Walden said. “The flexible track is a really efficient way to frame them. I’m a carpenter with 25 years doing this and I remember the old days when we would cut the track and use track benders and tools like that. Flex-C Trac definitely saves time.”
The Flex-Ability Concepts distributor on the project was Diamond Building Supply Inc., of Diamond, Ohio.
Flex-C Trac is made of galvanized steel and is available in 16, 18 and 20 gauges in a wide variety of metal framing widths. Flex Lite, a new light duty alternative, is available in 25 gauge steel. Versatile Flex-C Angle is available in 16 and 20 gauges. 20 gauge Flex-C Arch is available in a range of widths for both wood and metal framing. Flex-C Plate is available in 20 gauge and is used for wood framing applications.
