Kwalu’s resilient Protea surfacing and soothing Ethan case goods win Nightingale Gold
Kwalu’s Protea surfacing and the Ethan Collection of case goods were honored with prestigious Nightingale Gold awards in Indianapolis last week at the 2024 Healthcare Design (HCD) Conference & Expo. The annual Nightingale Awards recognize products that advance the built environment in healthcare. Named after Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing, the awards evaluate products based on their contribution to clinical or operational outcomes, aesthetics, innovation, durability, functionality and overall quality.
Protea
Kwalu’s Protea won a Nightingale Gold award in the Surfacing Materials and Finishes category. Named after the resilient Protea flower, a symbol of strength and transformation, Protea is an innovative, non-porous surface material that combines elegance with durability, making it ideal for healthcare environments.
“We are incredibly proud that Protea has received this prestigious recognition,” said Dan Davidenko, CEO of Kwalu. “This award underscores our commitment to designing furniture that supports holistic well-being. Protea’s innovation is at the heart of our products, exemplifying how thoughtful design can elevate the healthcare experience for patients, caregivers, and clinicians alike.”
Protea offers a realistic wood-like appearance without the drawbacks of traditional wood in healthcare environments. Protea includes proprietary elements that enhance the wood grain appearance, making the material more inviting while reducing shine to offer a warmer, more natural feel.
Unlike wood, Protea is completely moisture-impervious, bleach-cleanable, and compatible with ALL EPA-approved disinfectants. Capable of withstanding rigorous cleaning without losing its finish, it will not delaminate, surface crack, or swell. Protea is backed by a 10-year guarantee on finish and construction, ensuring long-term use and reducing the need for frequent replacements. Protea’s ease of care preserves the furniture’s appearance, reduces maintenance costs, and supports infection control, keeping healthcare spaces clean and welcoming.
Ethan Collection
Kwalu’s Ethan Collection took Nightingale Gold in Storage and Accessories. Designed by renowned designer Brian Graham, the Ethan Collection is a minimalist line of case goods that features soft edges and serene forms, bringing a sense of calm and familiarity to healthcare environments. Its simplicity, combined with a timeless neoclassical influence, makes the collection both functional and aesthetically soothing.
The intuitive design of the Ethan Collection ensures ease of use, featuring practical storage solutions and durable surfaces that withstand the rigors of a healthcare setting. The thoughtful consideration of patient comfort is evident in the inclusion of a bench in the Ethan wardrobe, providing a space for patients to sit and prepare mentally for medical procedures. Similarly, the elevated solid surface top of one of the bedside units brings convenience within the patient’s reach, enhancing their sense of autonomy and control over their environment.
“This collection perfectly aligns with Kwalu’s mission to design environments that inspire care, comfort, and connection,” said Jennifer Adams, Senior VP of Healthcare at Kwalu. “The Ethan Collection introduces fresh archetypes into healthcare settings, making them not only functional but also soothing spaces that promote a sense of calm and well-being.”
The Ethan Collection integrates Kwalu’s award-winning Protea surfacing materials to create an enhanced experience for patients, care partners, and clinicians. By blending durability with elegance, the collection fosters healthcare spaces that feel welcoming, comfortable, and functional. Backed by a decade-long guarantee on construction and finish, the Ethan Collection ensures long-lasting quality.
Ellie Recliner
Also incorporating the award-winning Protea surfacing is Kwalu’s Ellie, another Healthcare Design Show introduction. Ellie is a patient recliner designed to enhance the experience of healthcare environments by prioritizing dignity, intuitive use, and holistic well-being.
Created by Von Robinson of Play Orbit Studio, the Ellie Recliner is crafted to bring warmth and connection into traditionally sterile settings. The Ellie Recliner features gentle curves and a non-medical aesthetic, inviting engagement and delivering comfort for patients, care partners, and clinicians. This thoughtfully designed recliner supports the holistic needs of everyone in the healthcare setting, nurturing both physical and emotional well-being.
Learn more about these award winners and Kwalu’s latest healthcare product introductions at Kwalu.