The two-story addition opened with a 25,000-sq.-ft., 36-bed inpatient unit on the second floor, described as an “ellipse with a distributed core.” The design team, physicians, and nursing staff succeeded in creating a unit significantly different from the existing space. Goals included: maximizing functional workspace for the care team throughout the unit; maximizing visibility from caregiver to patient and other team members; providing private rooms sized for increased bedside technology, treatment space, and family participation; and providing a supportive, comforting, healing environment consistent with the hospital’s mission.

The patient environment makes individuals feel more like guests than patients. The spacious 248-sq.-ft. private rooms have distinct zones for patient, caregiver, and family. Floor-to-ceiling windows infuse rooms with natural light and offer lake views. The color palette combines honey bisque, light sky blue, and Gainsborough gray, with accents of rose and sea green. Millwork in a light honey hue was used extensively.

The elliptical floor plate offers extended visibility from the central nurses’ station to each end of the unit. Distributed workstations are located between every two rooms. Storage rooms have dual access, reducing walking distances. The main nurses’ workstation is an open configuration providing 12 distinct worksstations. Two physician dictation alcoves are also incorporated into the space.

The exterior is compatible with the original structure, aesthetically distinctive, and durable for the Florida climate. Horizontal glass windows are glazed with sunshade elements. The white exterior provides continuity. The first floor of the addition is shelled for future OB/Surgery expansion.

Project category: Addition (completed January 2006)

Chief administrator: John Harding, CEO, (863) 314-4466

Firm: HuntonBrady Architects, (407) 839-0886

Design team: Charles W. Cole, Jr., AIA, Principal-in-Charge; Paul Macheske, AIA, Project Manager; Maurizio Maso, AIA, Design Principal; Christopher Dunlop, Project Architect (HuntonBrady Architects); Joe Ales, PhD, PE, Structural Engineer (Walter P. Moore & Associates); Ken Dixon, Project Manager, MEPF Engineering (SSR, Inc., Engineers)

Photography: HuntonBrady Architects; Randy Lovoy

Total building area (sq. ft.): 60,720

Construction cost/sq. ft.: $99

Total construction cost (excluding land): $6,028,071