Joseph Brant Hospital | Parkin Architects

The Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH) redevelopment involved the construction of a new 7-story, 400,000 square foot, 172-bed patient care tower, along with 120,000 square feet of renovations to existing buildings.

The project, targeting LEED Silver certification, includes three floors of medical-surgical inpatient units, Intensive Care, Surgical Services (including Ambulatory Procedures, Medical Day Care/Oncology Program), an Emergency Department, Laboratories, a new front entrance, and other public amenities.

Renovations were made to clinical departments, including Diagnostic Imaging, Ambulatory Care Clinics, a Level 2B Nursery, and Paediatric and Post-Partum Inpatient Units.

The project involved significant challenges, particularly in integrating the new construction with the existing, fully operational facility. To minimize disruption, the new tower was strategically located to the south of the existing hospital, and a detailed plan was developed to manage access to internal spaces during construction and demolition.

A key design focus was on creating strong connections to nature. Seventy-five percent of the patient rooms offer lake views, with the remaining rooms facing the Niagara Escarpment. Roof areas visible from patient rooms feature a green roof system, and the design incorporates a variety of plantings to provide visual interest throughout the year. Public spaces, including the main lobby and cafeteria, offer views of Lake Ontario and the hospital's protected woodlot, as well as access to landscaped forecourts, a dining terrace, and healing gardens.

The design also prioritized accessibility, aiming to accommodate patients, families, visitors, and staff with diverse physical, sensory, and psychological needs. Scale, articulation, and material choices were used to create a non-institutional environment with visual connections to nature.

Energy efficiency was a significant consideration in the design, with large windows providing natural light, and solar control strategies reducing heat gain. The project also incorporated low-VOC materials and provided bicycle storage facilities to encourage alternative transportation.

The therapeutic environment of the facility was enhanced by leveraging the natural surroundings, with all design and construction efforts focused on minimizing environmental impact.