This critical access hospital, located on the shoulder of Mt. Rainier, manifests a commitment to community through a sensitively and sustainably designed environment of care. The new St. Elizabeth Hospital increases clinical capacity, driven by the burgeoning local population. Despite the tight site area, zones of flexibility were designated for future growth, and environmentally and socially sustainable design strategies were integrated into every facet of the design.
The 90,000-square-foot facility supports 25 beds, with a shelled upper floor zone sized to accommodate an additional 13 beds. Sustainable design is evident at all levels: in the choice of materials, incorporation of natural daylight, orientation towards and views of Mount Rainier – even the placement of the hospital on the site. All main floor core clinical departments offer views outside from the main work areas, creating a healthy work environment for clinicians and connecting them to the surrounding natural environment.
At the project initiation, measurable sustainable performance goals were identified. During each phase of design, those metrics were tracked and evaluated; with cost-benefit analysis informing which would be retained and which were of lower priority. The buildings energy performance will be measured on an on-going basis, beginning at occupancy, to ensure the building systems achieve the performance goals identified during design.
The St. Elizabeth replacement hospital fills a critical need in this rural community. The project is projected to earn Silver LEED certification this year, reflecting a respect for the environment common among Enumclaw residents. The design reflects the rich natural resources surrounding the site, and will provide a strong foundation for health and healing for years to come.
Enumclaw is located in a pastoral setting
between farmlands and the Cascade Mountains. The site for the new hospital is located just outside of downtown Enumclaw and is surrounded by small, single family and multifamily residences. The hospital is three stories in height but utilizes the existing site slope to minimize the overall scale of the building and its impact on surrounding neighbors.
Sustainable features within the new hospital include the utilization of regional building and plant materials, recycled building materials, lighting controls, and water saving plumbing fixtures. These features have reduced waste during construction and will assist in reducing waste for the life of the building.
For example:
The sandstone used at the main entry and in the healing garden was sourced from Wilkinson Quarry located just outside of Enumclaw and operating since 1886.
Water efficient landscaping will provide a
56 reduction of potable water for landscape use. Low flow fixtures and dual flush toilets provide a 32 water savings.
Optimizing energy performance HVAC, lighting, hot water will provide a 16 energy reduction. We estimate a 70,000 savings per year on energy costs for St. Elizabeth Hospital.