Design Approach

The new hospital was modeled after the Sutter Santa Cruz facility, which received the top design award from Modern Hospital magazine in 1997. This design is geared to accommodate growth in outpatient services while providing flexibility for fluctuations in inpatient use.

The goal was to create a sustainable, healing environment for patients and staff. Key features for a sustainable healthcare facility include energy conservation/landscaping, non-toxic building materials, recycling and waste management, ambient interiors, and healing landscapes.

Highlights

• Natural day lighting techniques, natural ventilation and high performance glazing all reduce energy demand
• Mechanical systems, which can vary with demand, heat recovery systems, lighting systems and occupancy sensors and energy efficient lamps.
• Well placed greenery, such as shade trees and evergreens, will minimize heat from the sun and block the chill from the wind
• The use of daylight and views has proven to be very therapeutic in providing a healing environment. The new facility has skylights, balconies with doors that open; wood finishes and furniture; and beautiful, relaxing views of the hills
• Carefully designed landscaping includes special areas for patients, families and staff to go to relax and enhance the healing process