Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, a landmark medical campus adjacent to Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, has grown since its opening in 1902 to become the largest nonprofit hospital in the western U.S. When they implemented a “transformational development project,” the hospital needed to spruce up their office towers and they asked their local coating consultants to recommend a system for the project. Cedars-Sinai decided to specify a waterborne system from Tnemec.
“We initially coated the Spielberg Pediatric Research Center on the campus with great success,” stated Tony Hobbs of TPC Consultants, Inc. “That project went so well, we were asked to recommend the repaint system for the entire hospital.”
One of the main concerns with coating a highly public area like this hospital is overspray, and to that purpose, the hospital needed a product with “dry-fall” characteristics and the ability to be brushed and rolled. Furthermore, because the buildings are located in a strict air district, the coatings had to be low-VOC to comply with area regulations. Considering the vast experience with a variety of products, Tnemec was able to narrow the search down to two waterborne coatings ideal for the project.
“We worked with the specifier by applying test patches and performing adhesion tests to showcase the products,” explained Hobbs. “We even supported specific warranty requirements because we were confident in the system.”
After all surfaces were power-sanded, the first product applied was Series 115 Uni-Bond DF. Series 115 is a waterborne, self-crosslinking hydrophobic acrylic with “dry-fall” characteristics and excellent adhesion properties. The finish coat applied was Series 1029 Enduratone, water-based acrylic polymer. Series 1029 was chosen because of its versatile, long term protection and its gloss and color stability. Once completed, the project used more than 4,000 gallons of “Champagne” Enduratone.
Cedars-Sinai accommodates 18,000 to 20,000 patients, medical staff and visitors on a typical day. In June 2012, its proposed beautification project – which includes the above coating project and installation of lush gardens, fountains, and several works of art around the campus – was awarded a Community Impact Award from the Los Angeles Business Council. 2013 marked the 18th year in a row that Cedar-Sinai has won a national consumer award for best overall healthcare quality, image, reputation, doctors and nurses in the Los Angeles area.