FEATURED PROJECT
Performance-Driven Design for Healthcare Education
St. Edward’s University Fleck Hall – School of Health Sciences
- Architect: PBK Architects
- Contractor: Hill & Wilkinson
- Client: St. Edward’s University
- Vertical: Education / Healthcare
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Product: Ekoa in Essential
- Installation: Walls (clinical labs and support spaces)
- Scale: 600 SF
Impact
CO2 sequestered
equivalent annual carbon uptake
The design challenge
As part of Fleck Hall’s transformation into a state-of-the-art home for St. Edward’s University’s nursing program, the design team created clinical training environments that mirror real healthcare settings. Simulation labs, exam rooms, and teaching spaces needed to support constant movement, equipment use, and rigorous daily wear.
The challenge was delivering a wall surface that could withstand hospital beds, rolling equipment, and high-touch zones, while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic appropriate for a next-generation learning environment.
Material solution
Ekoa in Essential was applied across 600 square feet of wall surfaces in clinical training areas, providing a durable, plant-based finish engineered for impact resistance. Its subtle grain and grounded tone bring a refined, contemporary look that aligns with both academic and healthcare settings.
Used in high-contact zones—including areas surrounding large handwashing stations—Ekoa functions as a protective surface that holds up to repeated use and cleaning without compromising its appearance.
Experience in the space
The interiors balance performance with clarity. Ekoa introduces a consistent, design-forward surface that supports focus and wayfinding across simulation rooms and teaching labs.
Its neutral tone complements medical equipment and casework, creating an environment that feels professional and composed—preparing students for real-world clinical settings without the harshness of traditional materials.
Sustainability & healthy interiors
In a healthcare training environment, material choices play a direct role in supporting occupant wellbeing. Ekoa contributes to a healthier indoor setting with Red List Free and Clean Air GOLD certifications, helping reduce exposure to harmful chemicals in spaces where students and staff spend extended periods of time.
Its listing on the Mindful Materials platform and published HPD (Health Product Declaration) provide transparency into what’s in the material—supporting informed decision-making in a setting where health is the priority.
Made from sustainable flax fibers, Ekoa aligns with a more responsible approach to building materials, reinforcing a learning environment centered on care, wellness, and long-term performance.
Installation & detailing
Ekoa was installed as a continuous wall surface in high-impact areas, including zones subject to frequent contact from hospital beds and equipment. Careful detailing around handwashing stations ensures durability in high-use conditions.
The result is a resilient wall system that integrates seamlessly into clinical environments—supporting both function and design intent.
Outcome & impact
The Fleck Hall renovation delivers a high-performance learning environment that reflects the realities of modern healthcare. Ekoa provides a durable, design-forward surface that supports daily training while maintaining a refined architectural presence.
The result is a space built for hands-on education—where durability, material health, and design clarity come together to support the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Take a closer look at Ekoa in Essential.
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St. Edward’s University Fleck Hall – School of Health Sciences
