Engineered wood is emerging as a surprising contender in the design and construction of hospitals. Traditionally overlooked in medical environments due to assumptions about cleanliness, new findings suggest that engineered wood may resist microbial growth more effectively than common materials like plastic and steel. Its natural properties, when paired with modern manufacturing techniques, offer both health-related and environmental benefits in healthcare construction.
Why Use Engineered Wood in Hospitals?
Hospital surfaces are exposed to regular contact, moisture, and airborne pathogens. Because of this, construction materials are chosen for their ability to withstand cleaning and resist contamination. While plastic and stainless steel are standard, research into engineered wood in hospitals is revealing several unexpected advantages.
In controlled testing environments, blocks of cross-laminated timber (CLT) were exposed to moisture and microbes commonly found in healthcare settings. Over a period of weeks, these samples were analyzed alongside a plastic control. Surprisingly, the wood samples had lower microbial abundance after the first two weeks, even when subjected to daily wetting events.
How Engineered Wood Responds to Moisture
Moisture is a major factor in microbial survival. To assess how engineered wood reacts under different wetting conditions, researchers tested:
- A single spray event
- Daily wetting for one week
- Daily wetting for four weeks
In each case, the engineered wood surfaces showed a decline in viable bacteria over time. Even without protective coatings, the wood performed as well as coated samples. This suggests that the material’s natural structure contributes to moisture regulation, possibly drying out surface droplets more quickly than plastic, which remains wet longer and can sustain microbes.
Microbial Resistance Properties of Engineered Wood
The ability of engineered wood to resist microbial growth may be related to several natural features:
- Porosity: Allows for rapid drying of droplets that carry bacteria or viruses.
- Natural compounds: Emission of terpenes and other compounds that may inhibit microbial survival.
- Low transfer rates: Lower rates of surface contact transmission compared to smooth synthetic materials.
When used in hospital environments, these properties may help reduce the microbial load on exposed surfaces, especially in non-clinical areas like waiting rooms, lobbies, and administrative spaces.
Air Quality and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Another factor in hospital construction is indoor air quality. Engineered wood releases VOCs, some of which are considered harmless or even beneficial, such as natural terpenes. These compounds are responsible for the wood’s familiar scent and may play a role in suppressing microbial activity. During moisture testing, a slight rise in VOC levels was observed, followed by a downward trend as surfaces dried.
Importantly, emission levels stayed well within acceptable indoor air quality limits, suggesting that engineered wood can be safely used in controlled environments like hospitals.
Design and Construction Advantages
In addition to hygiene performance, engineered wood offers several benefits to builders and architects:
- Structural strength: Cross-laminated timber is suitable for large-scale medical facilities.
- Faster construction: Prefabricated panels reduce build times and labor requirements.
- Sustainability: Renewable material with a lower carbon footprint than concrete or steel.
- Biophilic design: Supports patient comfort and well-being by introducing natural materials into interior spaces.
Common Applications of Engineered Wood in Hospitals
While its use is still limited by building codes and public perception, engineered wood is beginning to appear in several hospital-related applications:
- Ceilings and non-load-bearing walls
- Lobby and reception areas
- Staff lounges and administrative offices
- Furniture and interior fixtures
As understanding of its microbial resistance and indoor safety improves, its presence may expand into more critical care zones under careful design guidelines.
A Viable Material for Healthcare Design
Engineered wood in hospitals offers a compelling combination of hygiene performance, moisture control, and environmental sustainability. Controlled studies have shown that it can match or exceed the microbial resistance of plastic under certain conditions, while also contributing to better indoor air quality and design flexibility. With continued investigation and proper implementation, this material may become a key part of next-generation healthcare construction.