Forest Park Medical Center
CREATING A RESTORATIVE ENVIRONMENT
WHEN CREATING THE NEW FOREST PARK MEDICAL CENTER IN FORT WORTH, TX, THE OWNERS ENVISIONED A HEALTH CARE FACILITY THAT WAS DESIGNED TO ADDRESS THE ENTIRE WELLBEING OF ITS SURGICAL PATIENTS.
This meant focusing on an aesthetic that had the capability to reduce stress and diffuse anxiety for patients and their families while providing efficiency for the staff. The clean look of Trespa® Meteon® Wood Decors panels fit in nicely with the aesthetic being sought for the facility. The owner, Principal architect Justin Parscale and Senior Designer Robert Ting of Perkins+Will wanted to incorporate natural lighting into the design, but knew that the warm stone, masonry and glazing needed to be balanced by a material with a less-reflective, yet unique and warm finish. The Trespa® Meteon® Wood Decors panel color they selected is available in a Matt finish, making it the perfect choice for intended look for the exterior of the building. “The Trespa® Meteon® product effectively combines the durability needed in a health care setting with a warm, inviting aesthetic conducive to rehabilitation and healing,” Parscale said.
Additionally, Parscale stated they wanted to utilize a very durable exterior cladding product. In order for the 150,000 sq ft building to preserve its polished look, the cladding needed to endure years of the Texas climate without costly and unsightly maintenance. The durability of Trespa® Meteon® panels made them an especially appealing product choice. Product selection for the construction of this project required high-quality products that would tie-in with the superior level of care that would be associated with the medical center.
“The natural look and Matt finish of the Trespa® Meteon® panels provided the perfect balance to the property’s glazing, allowing the exterior of the building to possess the same calming effect as the building’s interior.”
- Justin Parscale, Principal Architect, Perkins+Will
A LOW-MAINTENANCE, HIGH-CLASS REMEDY
Great thought was put into all products used for this project. After researching the options, the architects and shareholders chose Trespa® Meteon® panels. Trespa® Meteon® Wood Decors panels offer the highend aesthetic and the warmth of natural wood, but with greater design flexibility and longevity. Trespa® Meteon® Wood Decors mimic the organic patterns of natural wood, adding a welcoming and timeless feel to any structure. Trespa® Meteon® panels are also available in different decors and finishes, allowing for even more design possibilities.
The natural look and Matt finish of the Trespa® Meteon® panels counter-balanced the glazing perfectly, allowing the exterior of the building to possess the same calming effect as the building’s interior. They even installed a rooftop garden featuring a 55 ft wide by 18 ft high backdrop clad with Trespa® Meteon® Italian Walnut. The wall is evenly backlit and is quite dramatic to see during the day or nighttime hours. The garden is intended to be a place of serenity for families or patients alike during their stay in the Medical Center. Trespa® Meteon® panels are durable and require minimal maintenance. Because the panels can endure weathering without fading, their color will remain true for a long time, without the need of additional coating or chemicals. The smooth and closed surface of Trespa® Meteon® also makes the exterior of the building easy to clean, an important cost-savings from a facilities maintenance perspective. ‐