UW Medicine Center for Behavioral Health and Learning

Challenge

The University of Washington sought to expand access to behavioral health services while creating a modern teaching and treatment facility that supports clinical care, workforce development, and community-based mental health initiatives. Located on the UW Medical Center–Northwest campus, the new six-story Center for Behavioral Health and Learning required highly specialized building systems to support a diverse mix of programs, including behavioral health units, medical-surgical patient care, geropsychiatric services, telehealth operations, staff training, and advanced treatment spaces.

Solution

Mazzetti provided mechanical and plumbing engineering design services for the 184,000sf, which includes 150 patient beds and a wide range of clinical, administrative, and educational spaces. Working with SRG Partnership, Mazzetti designed customized mechanical systems tailored to the unique requirements of each floor and care environment.

Patient care floors were served by systems designed to support comfort, safety, and operational efficiency. Medical-surgical units utilize variable air volume systems with dedicated heating control, while behavioral health units employ constant air volume systems paired with active chilled beams to provide individualized temperature control and a quieter healing environment.

To improve energy performance and resiliency, the facility incorporates a heat recovery chiller as the primary source for both heating and cooling, supplemented by dual-fuel boilers and air-cooled chillers during peak demand periods. Additional support spaces, including electrical and data rooms, are served by dedicated fan coil systems connected to the building’s heating and chilled water networks.

Outcome

The Center for Behavioral Health and Learning provides a state-of-the-art environment for behavioral health treatment, medical care, education, and workforce training. By aligning mechanical systems with the specific needs of each program area, the facility supports patient comfort, clinical operations, and long-term energy efficiency. The project expands access to behavioral health services in the Pacific Northwest while creating a resilient, future-ready facility designed to support evolving models of care.