Building the Future of Healthcare: Passive Purple Airtightness for a Modular New-Build Hospital in East Anglia

Project Overview
A pioneering new-build hospital in East Anglia, constructed using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), has set a benchmark for airtightness, energy efficiency, and sustainability in healthcare. Built from 2.7 m × 13 m off-site modules in Norfolk, the hospital demonstrates how combining MMC precision with liquid-applied airtight membranes creates buildings that are faster, greener, and future-proof.

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MMC + Airtightness: The Perfect Partnership

Modular construction is all about precision. Each unit is factory-engineered to exacting standards, dramatically reducing waste and speeding up delivery. But when modules are assembled on-site, the connection points—between floors, ceilings, and walls—become potential weak spots for air leakage.

That’s where airtightness steps in. By pairing MMC with Passive Purple liquid membranes and Airtight Fleece Tape, this hospital ensured that the precision of modular construction was matched with a seamless, high-performance airtight envelope. The result? An ultra-low 0.2 ACH airtightness score that surpasses the most demanding energy standards.

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Airtightness in Action

To achieve this airtight build, the team installed:

• Airtight Fleece Tape – applied to all joint steels and key junctions for continuous coverage
• 3,500 m² of Passive Purple Internal and Brush membranes – sprayed and painted over two days, forming a flexible yet robust vapour-control layer

This approach eliminated gaps where traditional tapes and membranes often fail, ensuring airtightness without compromising breathability.

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Why Passive Purple is Ideal for Modular Hospitals

Hospitals require continuous operation, stable indoor environments, and strict control over energy use. Passive Purple is the ideal complement to MMC hospital projects because it delivers:

• Seamless Performance: Liquid application bridges complex junctions effortlessly
• Speed of Application: Up to 300 m² per day by a single operative—keeping MMC projects on schedule
• Energy Efficiency: Reduces heating and cooling demand, saving NHS trusts energy and operational costs
• Health & Comfort: Prevents uncontrolled air movement, boosting indoor air quality for patients and staff
• Future-Proof Sustainability: VOC-free, Class C fire-rated, and aligned with net-zero building goals

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Results That Speak for Themselves

• Airtightness: 0.2 ACH achieved (well below Passivhaus requirement of 0.6 ACH)
• Scale: 3,500 m² sealed in just two days
• Construction Method: Modular off-site build using MMC
• Performance: Strong, flexible airtight layer tested against healthcare’s toughest demands

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Client Feedback

“It’s inspiring to know that patients will receive world-class care in one of the most environmentally advanced healthcare buildings I’ve ever seen.”

This hospital is proof that combining MMC precision with airtight innovation can transform the future of healthcare construction.

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Conclusion

This East Anglia hospital is more than a building—it’s a glimpse into the future of sustainable healthcare design. By merging Modern Methods of Construction with the airtight power of Passive Purple, the project has delivered exceptional results in speed, performance, and environmental responsibility.

Looking to integrate airtightness into your MMC project? Contact Intelligent Membranes to see how our liquid-applied airtight paints can unlock next-level performance for hospitals, schools, and sustainable developments.

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