Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia architecture news, Canadian building project, photos
Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre in Nova Scotia
9 July 2024
Design: Parkin Architects
Location: Halifax Waterfront, Nova Scotia, Canada
Photos by Julian Parkinson
Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre, Canada
The Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre (BLCOC) in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, is part of the larger plan for the QEII Health Sciences Centre.
Designed by Parkin Architects, BLCOC won the International Interior Design Awards 2023 GOLD. The facility reimagines healthcare by bringing essential services closer to those living outside Halifax, decentralizing services from the Halifax Infirmary site and providing essential ambulatory care closer to patients residing outside the Greater Halifax Region.
With around 100 clinical spaces, the three-storey BLCOC offers appointment-based clinic services such as physio and occupational therapy, high blood pressure, diabetes and orthopedic assessment, examination rooms, 24 dialysis stations, diagnostic imaging (x-rays and ultrasounds), blood collection along with post-surgery or post-treatment follow-up appointments.
The split-level facility allows for two main “at-grade” patient entrances on the east side of the building. The Level 1 entrance is specifically for Dialysis patients while Level 2 provides the main patient entrance for all other clinics. A separate entrance is provided on the west side of the facility for staff only. Each of these entrances are articulated with a wood look canopy, signifying the entry destination point and carrying through the warmth of the wood ceiling interiors.
Its location and architecture offer stunning views of Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area. Features like ample natural light and outdoor views create a calming atmosphere.
The project wasn’t without its challenges due to Covid lockdowns, particularly in managing design meetings and presentations digitally. Despite this, stakeholders were effectively engaged through methods like video calls and interactive PDF sessions. Transitioning to the construction phase, the team navigated site reviews using digital methods and photographic reports generated by the joint venture partner until physical access was possible.
Lessons from the project emphasize the need for early engagement with equipment suppliers to streamline shop drawings, proper planning for acoustic requirements, and proactive coordination among mechanical and electrical disciplines to prevent last-minute changes and meet client needs efficiently.
Energy-efficient features and waste management practices are integrated into BLCOC’s design, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing landfill waste. By prioritizing environmental responsibility, BLCOC sets a standard for sustainable healthcare.
Scheduling systems and telehealth capabilities optimize patient-provider interactions, while modular design principles facilitate the use of flexible spaces, adapting to evolving service demands.
The project features a selection of high-performance exterior materials, including a pressure-equalized rainscreen system with ceramic tile cladding, insulated drained cavities, and water-resistant membranes. The ceramic tile cladding resembles the tones of Nova Scotia granite. Warm wood finishes are incorporated into canopies and screening elements to blend with the natural surroundings.
Curtain wall assemblies offer expansive views of the landscape, and canopies provide protection from the elements for pedestrians. Permanent finishes like flooring and millwork are designed with simplified patterns to create a comfortable and less institutional environment while ensuring longevity.
BLCOC’s impact extends beyond healthcare to enrich the local community and environment. By providing accessible services and promoting sustainability, it enhances the overall quality of life for residents while serving as a place that promotes hope and healing.
Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia – Building Information
Architecture: Parkin Architects – https://www.parkin.ca/
Project Name: Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre
Office Name: Parkin Architects
Social Media Accounts: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parkinarchitects/
Contact email: alice.wu@mindmeldpr.com
Firm Location: Toronto/Ottawa/Vancouver, Canada.
Completion Year: November 2023
Gross Built Area (m2/ ft2): 134,000 sq.ft.
Cost: $188.4 million USD
Project Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Program / Use / Building Function: Outpatient Centre
Lead Architects: Andrea Langham PRINCIPAL, Robin Snell DIRECTOR
Lead Architects e-mail: langham@parkin.ca, snell@parkin.ca
Photography: Julian Parkinson
Photographer’s Website: https://julianparkinson.ca/
Photographer’s e-mail: jp@julianparkinson.ca
Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia images / information received 090724
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, North America
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