Project category: New construction (completed July 2006)

Chief administrator: Larry Bowe, Chief Executive Officer, (503) 215-6282

Firm: Mahlum Architects, (503) 548-2274

Design team: Architecture and Interior Design, Mahlum Architects; Landscape Architect, Mayer/Reed; Sustainability Coordinator, Green Building Services; Structural Engineers, Degenkolb Engineers; Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, Glumac International; General Contractor, Skanska

Photography: Benjamin Benschneider; Eckert + Eckert

Total building area (sq. ft.): 180,636

Construction cost/sq. ft.: $273

Total construction cost (excluding land): $49,300,000

The first LEED Gold hospital in the nation, Providence Newberg Medical Center is designed as two distinct elements: a 39-bed acute care facility and a 45,000-sq.-ft. medical office building. These components are organized around two healing gardens and linked by the café and dining room.

Nontoxic, low-impact materials were used, with 20% of all materials manufactured locally and 50% extracted locally. The mechanical system uses 100% outside air for enhanced infection control and operates at 26% higher efficiency than required by the Oregon Energy Code. Water usage is reduced by more than 20% with efficient low-flow plumbing fixtures and a process-water loop system, reducing operation costs and saving valuable potable water.

The design emphasizes views to the exterior and access to daylight with a glass-walled entry and galleria. A single entry point connects outpatient services along the building’s spine while inpatient units and clinical functions are positioned in easily accessible, but more private portions of the building.

Through a partnership with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), the medical center’s emergency generators are owned and serviced by PG&E, in exchange for the ability to use these systems to generate power for the grid during peak demand. This dispatchable emergency power system allows the hospital to comply with the requirement for e-power while not having to purchase or maintain the equipment.

Providence Newberg Medical Center reflects the vision of economic stability, a long-term commitment to the community, and environmental stewardship.