Panafric Universal Hospital – Full Conversion to Level 4 Facility

Client: Panafric Universal Hospital
Location: Kiambu, Kenya
Scope: Design & Build

Transforming a Commercial Block into a Modern Medical Facility

This project involved the complete redesign and structural transformation of an existing commercial block, originally occupied by rental rooms and retail shops, into a fully functional Level 4 hospital. The upgrade was commissioned by Panafric Universal Hospital as part of a broader vision to bring essential healthcare services closer to the community in a well-equipped and compliant environment.

At Healthcare Designers Ltd, we specialize in healthcare architecture and design solutions that prioritize safety, efficiency, patient flow, and user experience. This project reflects our dedication to turning underutilized spaces into impactful, code-compliant medical institutions.

Scope of Work and Spatial Planning

The scope included the complete overhaul of the interior and exterior layout to accommodate various medical departments and support areas. The new design integrates:

• A spacious and welcoming main entrance and reception area for smooth patient intake
• General and private wards, carefully zoned for infection control and patient privacy
• A fully functional pediatrics unit, designed for child-friendly care delivery
• Consultation rooms, diagnostic areas, and treatment spaces equipped with clear circulation paths
• An open atrium space enhancing natural ventilation and lighting
• Staff lounges, administrative offices, and waiting bays for improved workflow
• Provision for vertical and horizontal expansion in the future

Each space was designed with healthcare functionality and flexibility in mind, ensuring the facility can evolve with medical advancements and community needs.

Structural and Engineering Compliance

The transformation demanded rigorous compliance with Kenya’s healthcare building standards and international guidelines such as BS497 and BS5255. Every dimension and elevation was cross-verified before construction to ensure structural integrity and safety.

Key construction and structural features included:

• Foundation depth determined on-site, based on soil conditions
• Anti-termite treatment of all soil under slabs and around external footings
• Use of UPVC pipes for underground foul and drain systems, in compliance with BS5255
• Concrete encasement (150mm thick) for all drains passing beneath buildings and driveways
• Reinforcement of walls under 200mm thickness with hoop iron at alternate courses
• Strict coordination between mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) teams before implementation
• Installation of cast iron inspection chamber covers and frames, following BS497 standards
• Excavation, backfilling, and compaction conducted as per the structural engineer's guidelines

We ensured zero tolerance for dimensional errors, with all discrepancies reported directly to the project consultant, ensuring that the construction process stayed on schedule and within quality benchmarks.

Design Intent and Impact

The main objective of this project was to maximize the functional output of a previously commercial space, adapting it into a high-performance medical facility without compromising on spatial quality or regulatory compliance.

This redesign supports:

• Patient-centered care through intuitive layouts and efficient space usage
• Staff well-being via circulation clarity and dedicated operational zones
• Community access to healthcare in a central, familiar location
• Future upgrades, with core systems and structural provisions in place for expansion

Besides converting a rental and retail block into a healthcare facility, Healthcare Designers Ltd demonstrated how smart adaptive reuse can play a vital role in sustainable urban development and medical infrastructure expansion.

Conclusion

The Panafric Universal Hospital project is a testament to what can be achieved through thoughtful planning, engineering precision, and a deep understanding of healthcare needs. At Healthcare Designers Ltd, we continue to lead in hospital design and renovation projects across Kenya and East Africa, blending functionality, compliance, and design excellence.

If you're seeking an experienced partner in medical facility transformation, contact us today to turn your vision into a high-impact, future-ready reality.

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