Ronald McDonald House Atlantic, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Ronald McDonald House Atlantic (RMHA) in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a purpose-built residence supporting families who travel to the city for their children’s care at the nearby IWK Health Centre.
Opened in April 2025, the new 43,138-square-foot facility increases capacity—from 18 to 28 family rooms—and provides expanded program space to fulfill RMHA’s mission of providing a “home away from home” for families during challenging times.
Design features of Ronald McDonald House Atlantic
Designed by Montgomery Sisam Architects (Toronto) in association with Lydon Lynch Architects (Halifax), the building is organized around a central courtyard that serves as the project’s primary social and spatial anchor.
The courtyard is framed by a single-loaded corridor. Ground-floor administrative offices and communal spaces—including a foyer, lounge, parlor, playroom, activity rooms, shared kitchen, and dining room—are arranged around the courtyard to maximize daylight and outdoor views.
Residential floors above house family bedrooms with en suite washrooms, alongside larger suites designed for extended stays.
Incorporating accessibility and sustainability into project design
From the outset, accessibility and environmental performance were central to the project’s design principles. The building is Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) Accessibility Certified Gold, a national certification recognizing high standards of accessibility and inclusive design, and it meets the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building – Design Standard v3.
To achieve those targets, the project incorporates a high-performance building envelope, geothermal heating and cooling, energy-efficient systems, and rooftop solar panels.
Ronald McDonald House Atlantic project details
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Completion date: April 2025
Owner: Ronald McDonald House Charities
Total building area: 43,138 sq. ft.
Total construction cost: Not disclosed
Cost/sq. ft.: Not disclosed
Architect: Montgomery Sisam Architects in association with Lydon Lynch Architects
Interior designer: Sarah Baeumler Design Group
Project details are provided by the design team and not vetted by Healthcare Design.
