Our biggest success story: House-Matic builds a prefab hospital

One of the achievements that the House-Matic team is most proud of is the prefab hospital we built in Kenya.

House-Matic has often been employed to provide prefabricated buildings for emergency situations, but our biggest success story had a longer term goal.

We were commissioned by the Emalaikat Foundation for an ambitious project to manufacture a state-of-the-art prefabricated hospital building in Spain and transport it to the remote location of Lokitaung, Turkana, Kenya.

Even more so than when constructing temporary buildings, this was a huge challenge, and we had to be at the top of our game to see this project through successfully.

The brief – to manufacture and transport a prefabricated hospital building

Our client, the Emalaikat Foundation asked us to prefabricate a fully modular hospital with 2 operating theatres in our factory in Spain and transport it to a very remote location in Kenya. Far from an easy task, let us tell you!

The first challenge – transportation

After we had built all the components of the hospital, our journey began with a logistical puzzle – we had to solve the complex task of transporting the prefabricated hospital from Spain to Lokitaung, an extremely remote area on the border of South Sudan and Ethiopia.

The solution was like a giant Tetris game, as we meticulously packed all the components into 40′ HQ shipping containers before hitting the road.

The second challenge – assembly under the African sun

Upon reaching the scorching heart of Kenya, House-Matic faced another formidable challenge – working in blistering temperatures of up to 45ºC. Undeterred, the team powered through, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability that prefab construction demands.

The next challenge – providing more than a temporary construction

Although prefab buildings are often thought of as temporary constructions, we wanted to prove that our buildings are resilient enough to provide lasting solutions. We weren’t constructing a health building for emergencies this time – this was going to be a fully functioning, long-term hospital, capable of withstanding the harsh desert environment. So we needed to create a hermetic structure, using top-quality materials that were capable of withstanding the heat and dust outside.

Top-quality materials to shield against heat and dust

In environments as harsh as the Kenyan desert, there is no room for cutting corners on building materials. We made sure to use the best quality materials throughout to make sure that this hospital was up to the tasks facing it:

• Double-skin sandwich panelling with 50mm thick polyurethane foam for superior insulation

To combat the relentless African desert conditions, we used double-skin sandwich panelling with 50mm thick polyurethane foam for superior insulation. This ensured that the hospital remained a sanctuary, impervious to the harsh external elements.

• Daikin multi-split air conditioning

Recognising the need for a cool and comfortable environment for both patients and medical staff, we incorporated Daikin multi-split air conditioning systems. This not only provides relief from the relentless heat but also creates a conducive space for medical operations.

• Aluminium windows with mosquito nets

The devil is in the detail, and we left no stone unturned. Aluminium windows, equipped with mosquito nets, not only allow for natural light but also ensure a pest-free environment – a crucial consideration for healthcare facilities in harsh regions such as the Kenyan desert.

• High-resistance vinyl flooring

In the quest for excellence, House-Matic didn’t compromise on aesthetics. We chose high-resistance vinyl flooring not just for its durability but also for its aesthetic appeal, contributing to a modern and functional healthcare space.

The results – a fully operational hospital

As well as the exterior resilience of the hospital, our task also included ensuring its interior functionality.

Fully equipped to serve a diverse range of medical needs, the completed prefab hospital includes:

•  Two operating theatres equipped with cutting-edge technology
• Pre and post-operative rooms ensuring comprehensive care for patients before and after surgery
•  A sterilisation room, critical for maintaining aseptic conditions
• A waiting room, providing a comfortable space for patients and their families
• A staff room to prioritise the well-being of the medical team
• Toilet facilities

Prefab hospital diagnosis – a resounding success!

The result of our efforts? House-Matic assembled the hospital in just 5 weeks, a testament to our team’s drive and determination.

The official inauguration drew political figures like a magnet, with the Minister of Health and the Governor of Lodwar making their presence felt.

Today, the hospital is fully operational. It caters to the healthcare needs of Lokitaung and the surrounding villages, benefitting approximately 13,000 people.

We are delighted to have been involved in this project. We hope it shows that modular construction can offer more than just temporary constructions and health buildings for emergencies!