Project Overview:
Regional Clinical Laboratory Renovation
Polished Concrete Overlay for Healthcare and Clinical Laboratory Environments
A confidential healthcare client aimed to redesign their current location to expand and improve throughput of the clinical laboratory space. The facility was designed to include more laboratories and incorporate meeting and staff break spaces for collaboration. While laboratories needed to be closed to natural lighting, the common areas and hallways needed a bright, durable, and natural finish to accommodate the 24/7 traffic and attain LEED Gold status. The flooring finish for these areas was also designed to flow from the natural features found in the exterior (courtyards and patios) into the interior. A polished concrete overlay was chosen to achieve the desired light grey (almost white), natural, and LEED certified finish.
Work with Hyde
After a few discussions with the project team and architects involving the desired look of the polished concrete we made samples.
The main challenges with this project were obtaining the space necessary for a large pour and coordinating zero foot traffic with other trades for 24+ hours. Our scope of work was vast, it included all the hallways and extended to all four of the buildings exits, making it a difficult task. Despite the challenge, the GC was extremely accommodating, and we were able to complete the 6,000sf in only two pours during regular business hours.
Successful coordination with the general contractor and other trades allowed us to install the entire project smoothly and without interference. The result of installing this new product and color is beautiful! Our Hyde Concrete team can achieve exceptional results with concrete overlays.
Are you working on a healthcare or commercial project in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC? Contact Us.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Polished Concrete for Healthcare & Clinical Environments
Is polished concrete a good flooring choice for healthcare and clinical laboratory facilities? Yes. Polished concrete is an excellent flooring solution for healthcare environments. Polished concrete has fewer seams than most flooring systems, significantly reducing the grout lines where bacteria and contaminants can accumulate. This is a critical advantage in clinical settings. It is also highly durable, chemical-resistant, easy to clean, and can be installed using low VOC products, making it compatible with green building and LEED certification requirements.
Can a polished concrete overlay meet LEED Gold certification standards? Yes. When the right products and installation processes are used, a polished concrete overlay can contribute meaningfully to LEED Gold certification. Hyde Concrete has direct experience delivering LEED-compliant polished concrete finishes for commercial and healthcare clients, including this regional clinical laboratory project.
What is a polished concrete overlay and how is it different from standard polished concrete? A polished concrete overlay is a thin cementitious layer applied over an existing concrete substrate and then ground and polished to a smooth, refined finish. It allows for a fresh, consistent appearance like the light grey finish used in this project (without the need to remove or replace the existing slab). This makes it an efficient and cost-effective solution for renovation projects.
Does polished concrete hold up in high-traffic commercial and institutional environments? Absolutely. Polished concrete is one of the most durable flooring systems available for commercial use. It is engineered to withstand 24/7 foot traffic, heavy equipment, and the demanding cleaning and sanitation protocols required in healthcare settings. With proper maintenance, polished concrete floors can last for decades.
Can polished concrete be used in both interior and exterior spaces within the same facility? Yes. One of the design advantages of polished concrete is its ability to create a seamless visual transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. In this clinical laboratory project, the interior polished concrete finish was specifically designed to flow from the natural materials found in the facility's exterior courtyards and patios into the common areas and hallways. This design created a cohesive and calming environment for staff and visitors.
Does Hyde Concrete work on confidential or institutional healthcare projects? Yes. Hyde Concrete regularly works with healthcare clients on projects where confidentiality is required. We are experienced in coordinating within active or sensitive facility environments and can discuss your project parameters during a consultation.