Peace Island Medical Center

The Peace Island Medical Center project began with a vision to create a place of healing for the island community of Friday Harbor, WA, which has 2,287 inhabitants and no prior medical center. The location required cultivating a culture of peace and serenity as part of the healing process while minimizing the impact on the already strained island infrastructure. The nature of the building type presented real challenges, but PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center (PIMC) overcame these challenges to live that vision

The multi-building campus houses an emergency department, surgery suite, imaging, patient beds, public spaces, cancer care, and a clinic. The project was designed using Revit/BIM to maximize efficiency and sustainability. The design team incorporated the community’s values into the facilities’ design, using the Living Building Challenge 2.0 as a roadmap and developing sustainable strategies through simplified systems that a single facility manager can operate.

The Net Zero Ready facility is highlighted by a mechanical system comprised of ground source wells, water-to-water heat pumps, radiant heat, chilled beams, four pipe fan coils in the healthcare areas, and operable windows for natural ventilation in the public and clinical spaces. PIMC is achieving an average Energy Use Intensity (EUI) of 87.7 kBtu/ft²·yr (276.7 kWh/m²·yr). The design optimizes daylighting and reduces lighting loads, facilitating better circadian rhythm for patients and staff. The project emphasizes a visual connection to the outdoors and leverages the health benefits of biophilia, enhancing the healing environment.