Location: Charlottesville, VA
Project Type: Healthcare
Area Supplied: Patient and public restrooms
Product: Lava Custom Pattern 12″x24″ | White, Light Grey, Dark Grey; 2″x2″ Mosaics | White, Dark Grey; 6″x12″ Cove Base | Dark Grey, White
Quantity: 50,000SF
Design Firm: Perkins + Will, Washington, DC
General Contractor: Skanska
Tile Installer: McDaniels Contractor Services, LLC, Earlysville, VA
Certifications: Seeking LEED Silver Certification
With the number of patients visiting the emergency department at UVA steadily increasing, UVA decided to undertake a significant expansion to increase the capabilities of the Level I trauma center and expand inpatient care at the University Hospital campus. The project began in 2015 and is anticipated to be completed in 2021.
Creative Materials was excited to be brought in during the design phase of this significant hospital expansion. Perkins + Will’s design called for a modern looking tile with subtle movement for the patient and public restrooms. A compatible cove base would also be critical due to the healthcare environment, and the design team was looking for a coordinating mosaic. A budget-friendly solution was a must.
Lava, a tile collection inspired by the natural beauty of volcanic stone, was proposed to the Perkins + Will design team as it would meet all of the desired criteria including budget price. The design team was drawn to the tile’s movement and simple, modern look. However, since the 12”x24” tiles were being installed horizontally, Perkins +Will did not want the vertical graining pattern that was mixed in on some of the faces of the tile.
By leveraging a strong relationship with the domestic manufacturer that produces Lava, Creative Materials determined that custom production of the tile would be a viable option and that the pricing could be upheld. A custom run eliminated those undesirable faces and made Lava a perfect fit for the designers. Oversight of the master control samples and final production was managed by Creative Materials’ Quality Assurance & Technical (QA&T) team.
The custom Lava tile was delivered in the Summer of 2018 and the Perkins + Will design team and UVA were both happy with the price point and the look. We hope patients and staff will enjoy the look of this tile for many years to come.
[su_button url=”https://www.creativematerialscorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Case-Study_UVA-Health_rev2022.pdf” target=”blank” background=”#0d0d0d” size=”7″]Download the UVA Health System Case Study[/su_button]
