Replacing a 1960s-era medical campus, the Weed Army Replacement Hospital compressed the footprint of Fort Irwin medical services from 17 to 4 buildings, allowing a more streamlined, modern care delivery flow. The facility was designed to be the country’s first net-zero, carbon-neutral hospital and the first LEED Platinum certified DoD
healthcare facility.
Situated in the Mojave Desert, the site is one of the best places in the world for harvesting solar energy, but also one of the harshest to live in. Designed and delivered in only 13 months, this $210.9 million, 215,000 SF hospital/clinic produces enough sustainable energy to power itself and the 10,000-person community surrounding it during daylight hours. With a 2.0 Ms solar field, 550,000-gallon water storage tank, 475,000-gallon sewage storage capacity, and 50,000-gallon reserve diesel fuel storage capacity, the facility can operate for over two weeks without outside utilities.
This landmark in the design of sustainable healthcare environments also improved the patient experience, converting multi-bed inpatient rooms into larger single-patient rooms and allowing natural light with unobstructed views of Mojave Desert wildlands and the Tiefort Mountains. Patients also have more control over their environment with the
option to choose the color of the lights behind their beds. Similarly, an expanded pharmacy provides prescription notifications by text message, giving patients freedom to accomplish other tasks while waiting.
This presentation addresses:
- the development and design of a net-zero, carbon-neutral building, including performance metrics;
- the delivery and construction of the facility with lessons learned;
- the performance of the building and its successes and failures; and
- the patient and staff experience.
Through a holistic discussion and presentation from the designer, manager, and owner, attendees will learn new processes and techniques in creating high-performing environments that bring value to the owner and the community served.
Core Competencies: Space Planning and Programming; Design; Construction Management; A-E Selection Process; Transition Planning; Strategic Planning; Equipment Planning; Equipment Acquisition; Computer Principles and Applications
AIA Course Number: 2024.04.011
AIA CEU = 1 LU/HSW