An innovative and sustainable bed for Ter Heide
In Ter Heide’ s new construction, the presence of underfloor heating presented a unique challenge. Safely anchoring beds in the floor was no longer possible, even though this is essential for some residents. Sanny Zwerts of Ter Heide’s paramedical team therefore made a call through In4Care Community to find a partner to develop an innovative bed: heavy enough to remain securely in place without additional fixation, yet easy and ergonomic to move.
Collaboration and sharing expertise
Steven, business manager of Pilipili, saw this call as an opportunity for his team to contribute to the healthcare industry. With a passion for innovation and user-friendly designs, he set to work. The goal was clear: design a bed that met Ter Heide’s requirements and met the needs of the residents. With the GES Reference Team, the technical department and the team partners of the paramedic team began to work together. The result? A bed that is sturdy enough not to shift, but through a clever, invisible mechanism is easily set on wheels to move and positioned back into fixed position.
Durable and ergonomic design
The bed is built with a robust metal inner frame and a fully enclosed mechanism that is easy to operate. The design is circular: eco-friendly materials such as wood and steel have been used, making the bed fully recyclable at the end of its life. Where less sustainable materials such as full-core boards were first considered, the team ultimately opted for biologically sound alternatives. This made the bed not only functional and sturdy, but also aesthetically pleasing without being stigmatizing.
Testing and adjusting
After initial prototype tests, it was found that the 400-kilogram bed could still shift on ceramic tiles. This was solved with non-slip feet, ensuring complete stability. The production of the wooden parts was done with precision by vzw Constructief, a social customization company. This collaboration ensured that the bed was not only of high quality composition, but was also produced inclusively, with an eye for social commitment.
Sustainable cooperation
The GESproof bed is more than a product; it is a symbol of how collaboration, design and social responsibility come together. The bed also meets the high standards of both residents and caregivers, offering a durable and ergonomic solution that perfectly matches Ter Heide and Pilipili’s vision.
With the GESproof bed, Ter Heide has taken an important step in improving the well-being of its residents while contributing to a more sustainable future. This project shows how shared expertise, close collaboration and a common commitment to sustainability can lead to a tangible, beautiful and functional end product that everyone can be proud of.
