Pre-Engineered Buildings in Healthcare 1
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Pre-Engineered Buildings in Healthcare: The Bhutan Quarantine Centre Case Study

 

Building the Future of Healthcare Infrastructure in Bhutan: Saxena Marine Tech Pvt. Ltd.’s Pre-Engineered Quarantine Centre

 

Introduction: Bhutan’s Leap in Modern Healthcare Construction

In a time where rapid-response healthcare infrastructure has become a global necessity, Bhutan is setting an example by investing in advanced, sustainable building technologies. At the heart of this transformation is the partnership between M/s Penjor Construction Pvt. Ltd and Saxena Marine Tech Pvt. Ltd. (SML)—a leader in Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEBs)—to construct a 1000-bedded Permanent Quarantine Centre at Dekiling, Sarpang, Bhutan. This blog explores the entire scope of the project, its engineering brilliance, economic viability, and how it stands as a model for future healthcare construction globally.

Section 1: Understanding the Project Scope

The project involves designing, fabricating, supplying, and erecting multiple Pre-Engineered Building (PEB) structures tailored to Bhutan’s unique healthcare demands. This facility, with a capacity of 1000 beds, is strategically structured into Package-A and Package-B, covering various essential blocks like quarantine wards, service areas, medical units, staff housing, and support facilities.

Key Stakeholders:

  • Client: M/s Penjor Construction Pvt. Ltd
  • PEB Provider: Saxena Marine Tech Pvt. Ltd. (SML)
  • Location: Dekiling, Sarpang, Bhutan
  • Project Nature: Permanent Quarantine Centre

Section 2: The Role of Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEBs) in Healthcare

PEBs are revolutionizing how nations respond to healthcare infrastructure demands:

  • Speed: Rapid erection and reduced construction timelines
  • Flexibility: Modular and expandable building designs
  • Sustainability: Reduced carbon footprint and recyclable materials
  • Insulation & Hygiene: Superior wall and roof insulation improve energy efficiency and hygiene standards
  • Cost Efficiency: Less wastage, controlled cost

SML’s engineering approach aligns seamlessly with Bhutan’s healthcare vision, making PEBs the ideal solution.

Pre-Engineered Buildings

Section 3: Design Philosophy and Standards

SML’s design standards follow:

  • IS Codes (Indian Standards) for structural and design integrity
  • AWS D1.1/D1.1M:2008 for welding standards
  • Site-Specific Loads & Deflection Limits per Bhutanese climate and soil conditions

The buildings are optimized for durability, thermal performance, and adaptability to regional weather extremes ranging from -5°C to +35°C.

 

Section 4: Package-A – The Core Quarantine Blocks

Quarantine Block Type-1 (20 Bedded):

  • Quantity: 16 Identical Buildings
  • Area per Block: 805.33 sqm
  • Roof: Double-sloped with XLPE insulation
  • Wall System: Cement Fibre Boards with LGFS (Light Gauge Framing System)
  • Flooring: Mezzanine with GI Deck Sheets
  • Wind Bracing: Diagonal cross bracing for lateral stability
  • Rate: ₹14,000/sqm

The focus here is on high-capacity, hygienic, thermally regulated wards with zero interior columns, ensuring flexibility in room layout.

 

Section 5: Package-B – Supporting Infrastructure

This package ensures the quarantine centre functions as a self-contained ecosystem.

Facility Breakdown:

  • Service Block: 332.5 sqm
  • Office Block: 172 sqm
  • Laundry: 143.5 sqm
  • Kitchen & Dining: 245 sqm
  • Isolation Units: 205.5 sqm (x3)
  • 1-Bed & 2-Bed Quarantine Blocks: For critical and intensive care
  • Accommodation: 1BHK, 2BHK, 6-Bedded Blocks for staff
  • Security & Mixed-Use Blocks: For administrative and safety functions
  • Rate: ₹14,400/sqm across all structures

These facilities ensure not just medical care but also operational support, infection control, and administrative efficiency.

 

Section 6: Superior Material Engineering

Structural Steel:

  • Primary Members: ASTM A572M Grade 50
  • Secondary Members: IS 2062 E250, pre-galvanized

Roofing & Wall Cladding:

  • Roof: PPGL with 13mm XLPE insulation
  • Wall Panels: Cement fibre board sandwich with Rockwool insulation

Bracing & Connections:

  • Rod and angle bracing, high-strength bolts (ASTM A325), anchor bolts (IS:2062)

Painting:

  • Red oxide primer + synthetic enamel paint for corrosion resistance and long life

Section 7: Key Features and Inclusions

  • Flashings, gutters, and downpipes
  • Bracing systems and anchoring
  • Hardware and sheeting fasteners
  • Water discharge systems
  • Full thermal and moisture barrier detailing

Not Included:

  • Civil and electrical works
  • Doors, windows, HVAC, fireproofing, etc.

This segregation ensures crystal-clear scope management and seamless multi-vendor integration.

 

Section 8: Commercial Terms and Execution Timeline

Delivery Schedule:

  • Drawings: 2 weeks from PO
  • Material Dispatch: 8–10 weeks from approval

Erection: 8 weeks + 2 weeks finishing

 

Section 9: Division of Responsibilities

SML (Seller):

  • Fabrication, delivery, erection
  • Site coordination, safety compliance

Penjor Construction (P) Ltd (Buyer):

  • Site leveling, bolt setting
  • Electricity, water, material safety, permits
  • Grouting and civil interface works

Section 10: Impact and Legacy

The Permanent Quarantine Centre at Dekiling is a benchmark in South Asia. It:

  • Strengthens Bhutan’s pandemic preparedness
  • Sets a template for modular healthcare campuses
  • Demonstrates Indo-Bhutan engineering collaboration
  • Inspires future PEB-based government infrastructure

 

peb manufacturers in bhutan

Final Thoughts

This visionary project between Bhutan Buildware and Saxena Marine Tech Pvt. Ltd. is more than construction—it’s a symbol of modern healthcare infrastructure done right. It balances speed with safety, cost with quality, and design with durability.

If you’re seeking to construct scalable, efficient, and future-ready healthcare or institutional buildings, PEB is the solution. And SML is your partner in precision.

 

📞 Contact Saxena Marine Tech Pvt. Ltd. for your next infrastructure project. 🌐 Visit: www.smlpeb.com ✉️ Email: info@smlpeb.com  📞 Call: +91-9899860602

 

📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. What is the purpose of the quarantine centre built by Saxena Marine Tech Pvt. Ltd. in Bhutan?
    The facility serves as a 1000-bedded permanent quarantine centre in Dekiling, Sarpang, Bhutan. It is designed to enhance the country’s healthcare infrastructure and support future pandemic or emergency response needs.
  2. Who are the key stakeholders involved in this quarantine centre project?
    The project is a collaboration between M/s Penjor Construction Pvt. Ltd (client) and Saxena Marine Tech Pvt. Ltd. (SML) (PEB design and execution partner).
  3. What is a Pre-Engineered Building (PEB) and why was it chosen for this project?
    A PEB is a factory-built structure made from standardized components. It was chosen for this project due to its speed of construction, cost-efficiency, energy performance, and adaptability to Bhutan’s climatic conditions.
  4. What building types are included in the project under Package-A and Package-B?
  • Package-A includes 16 identical 20-bedded quarantine blocks.
  • Package-B includes service blocks, isolation wards, staff accommodations, laundry, kitchen/dining, infirmary, waste management units, and security facilities.
  1. How much area does each quarantine block cover?
    Each 20-bedded quarantine block under Package-A spans approximately 805.33 square meters.
  2. What materials are used for structural integrity and insulation?
    The project uses high-strength steel (ASTM A572), PPGL roofing with 13mm XLPE insulation, and cement fibre boards with Rockwool insulation to ensure thermal efficiency and durability.
  3. How long does it take to deliver and erect the entire PEB structure?
    From drawing submission to completion, the project follows a timeline of about 10–12 weeks for material readiness and another 8–10 weeks for erection and finishing, depending on site readiness.
  4. Are these PEB structures resistant to extreme weather conditions in Bhutan?
    Yes, the buildings are designed as per Indian Standards and engineered to withstand temperature variations from -5°C to +35°C, along with appropriate wind bracing systems.
  5. What is the cost per square meter for the structures in Package-A and Package-B?
  • Package-A: ₹14,000/sqm
  • Package-B: ₹14,400/sqm
  1. What is excluded from the scope of work provided by SML?
    Excluded items include civil works, electrical and plumbing, fireproofing, doors, windows, HVAC systems, and architectural finishes.
  2. What are the responsibilities of Bhutan Buildware as the client?
    The client is responsible for anchor bolt setting, site preparation, supply of utilities (electricity, water), permits, and overall site security.
  3. How does this project benefit Bhutan’s healthcare infrastructure in the long term?
    This facility provides scalable and resilient healthcare capacity, enables rapid response to future health crises, and stands as a model for modular, sustainable healthcare development in South Asia.