GBHLS
Turning Hospital Spaces into High-Performance Surgical Environments

Operating rooms are at the core of modern healthcare. Precision, reliability, and speed define the care that takes place inside them every day.

As surgical techniques evolve and medical imaging technology advances, the expectations for operating room performance continue to rise. Many hospitals, however, face the challenge of upgrading their facilities, often within the constraints of aging infrastructure.

At GBHLS, the solution doesn't always involve expensive expansions or demolitions. Through thoughtful engineering and integrated modular design, the company has pioneered the transformation of existing hospital spaces into cutting-edge surgical environments that meet today’s demands without requiring a complete overhaul.

How does GBHLS approach operating room upgrades when hospitals cannot expand or shut down operations?

Modular Solutions for Operating Rooms

"We believe that the performance of an operating room is decided long before the finishes are installed," says Jack Conway, Vice President of GBHLS. "By engineering airflow, pressure, structural support, and future flexibility from the start, we create rooms that not only integrate modern equipment but also help hospitals provide the high level of care they aspire to deliver for years to come."

GBHLS sees the operating room not just as a standalone space, but as part of an interconnected system. This includes mechanical rooms, air distribution pathways, pressure relationships, and temperature controls, all of which must align for the room to perform effectively under real clinical conditions.

Why does GBHLS place such emphasis on engineering fundamentals like airflow and pressure stability?

Engineering Excellence Drives Performance

With an extensive background in HVAC systems, GBHLS applies a deep understanding of airflow dynamics, humidity management, and pressure stability to every healthcare project. This expertise is critical in surgical environments, where the consistency of the space is just as vital as cleanliness.

The company draws inspiration from the cleanroom environments used in semiconductor and pharmaceutical manufacturing, where precise environmental controls are necessary. These lessons are adapted thoughtfully for healthcare settings, ensuring that operating rooms not only meet cleanliness standards but also perform reliably, day in and day out.

Modular Solutions for Real-World Conditions

Modular construction is at the heart of GBHLS’s approach, supporting their mission of simplification through integration. Their modular wall and ceiling systems are designed to streamline installation within active hospitals, minimizing disruption to ongoing patient care.

A recent project in a New York City hospital transformed an outdated operating room with low ceiling heights into a modern, fully functional surgical suite. Using modular ceiling systems, GBHLS maximized available space and integrated essential medical equipment directly into the ceiling structure. This solution enhanced workflow efficiency and reduced construction time, enabling the hospital to maintain uninterrupted operations.

What role does early collaboration play in GBHLS’s project success?

Collaboration from the Ground Up

The success of any modular healthcare project starts early in the design process. GBHLS works closely with architects, engineers, and healthcare leaders to ensure that the space meets all performance requirements while adhering to budget and timeline constraints. This collaboration helps avoid costly redesigns and ensures that the operating room performs as intended from the outset.

One notable example of this collaborative approach involved a multi-building healthcare facility in a metropolitan area. The hospital system was struggling with outdated facilities that didn’t meet the needs of modern surgical procedures.

GBHLS assessed each building's structural challenges and developed customized modular solutions, resulting in updated operating rooms that could accommodate new imaging systems and advanced procedures without disrupting ongoing patient care.

Making Existing Spaces Work Smarter

GBHLS is adept at navigating the complexities of healthcare campuses, which often include buildings of varying ages, structures, and ceiling heights. One of the company’s specialties is adapting spaces that were never designed for surgery into fully functional operating rooms.

In another project, an older building with low ceiling heights was converted into a state-of-the-art operating room. By combining multiple systems into a single, modular solution, GBHLS minimized the space required for structural support, leaving more room for essential medical equipment and patient services.

Partnerships Built on Trust and Experience

At GBHLS, the company’s reputation has been built on long-term relationships with manufacturers, healthcare providers, and design teams. These partnerships allow GBHLS to access high-quality, reliable components and provide customized solutions that meet the unique needs of each healthcare provider.

“Our ability to deliver reliable, high-quality solutions has earned us the trust of healthcare organizations across the country,” says David P. Golden, Head of Marketing. "We often come into projects at the early stages when hospitals and architects are struggling to find solutions for complex problems. Our relationships with both the manufacturers and healthcare systems give us the ability to propose practical, effective solutions."

A Team with Real-World Experience

Behind every successful project is the dedicated team at GBHLS. Their healthcare group includes mechanical engineers with decades of experience, professionals who previously worked in hospital design and construction, and new engineers who bring fresh ideas and technical expertise.

This diverse team combines technical rigor with real-world expertise, delivering solutions tailored to the fast-paced hospital environment. From early-stage planning to installation, their expertise ensures smooth and reliable project execution.

How is GBHLS preparing hospitals for the future of surgical care?

Adaptability for the Future

Medical technology continues to evolve, and operating rooms must evolve with it. GBHLS remains focused on providing adaptable solutions that help healthcare providers meet the challenges of tomorrow without relying on constant expansions. As more hospitals turn to advanced imaging systems and minimally invasive procedures, GBHLS is prepared to provide flexible, scalable solutions that allow healthcare systems to keep pace with these advancements.

The company’s approach to modular construction and HVAC integration ensures that hospitals can continue to deliver cutting-edge surgical care, even in spaces that were not originally designed for these high-tech procedures. As the healthcare landscape changes, GBHLS remains committed to engineering systems that support the growth of the healthcare system while respecting the limitations of existing buildings.

For hospitals looking to modernize their surgical environments, GBHLS offers an innovative, cost-effective solution that combines engineering excellence with modular construction. Its systems-driven approach allows healthcare providers to enhance performance, adapt to new technology, and maximize the utility of existing spaces.

With a reputation for reliability, a collaborative design process, and a focus on customer success, GBHLS continues to transform the way operating rooms are built and ultimately, how healthcare is delivered.