Stanford Adult Hospital
Challenge
Solution
Located in Palo Alto, the new hospital opened in December 2019 with a design adaptable for future expansion and technologies. It is designed as a horizontally organized, modular medical center with impressive systems…
Key Features
Mechanical Systems
The hospital features a unique dual air tunnel design for air handlers, which eliminates downtime while providing redundancy. Additionally, a PLC-based controlled fan wall system was designed to manage optimum energy efficiency. The project was modeled with a 25% carbon reduction and an EUI 30% better than baseline using ASHRAE 90.1-2004.
Key Features
Filter Technologies
Mazzetti enlisted the latest in filter technologies using UVGI with photocatalytic oxidation filters. The unique, isolated base structure of the air handlers provided a natural thermal labyrinth in the crawl space to pre-cool air that is supplied to basement mechanical, electrical, and main technology rooms. The smoke evacuation system for the atria also doubles as a pathway for natural passive ventilation, leveraging the open spaces.
Key Features
Patient Experience
The hospital thoughtfully reinterprets the original design from 1959, welcoming patients and visitors with light-infused atrium, open-air courtyards, rooftop green space, and glass-wall views to the foothills in the distance. Accessible roof gardens on the third and fourth floors allow patients to enjoy the fresh air. The amenity-rich Garden Level on the third floor roof includes a cafeteria, restaurant, conference center, staff lockers, and a lounge area, all of which overlook a green area.
Key Features
Sustainability
The hospital design incorporates energy and water efficiency, day-lighting, and greenhouse gas emissions reduction systems. These include a specialized curtainwall system with high-performance glazing, integral solar-controlled shading devices, and a pressure-controlled internal cavity. The plumbing system designs are capable of 96 hours of back-up fuel and potable water storage, fire water storage, and waste water storage with automated switchover. The lighting system design incorporates approximately 90% LED fixtures with fully programmable lighting controls.
Key Features
Ventilation System
The hospital uses a displacement ventilation system designed to lower energy costs, reduce infection risk, and minimize audible ventilation noise. This system brings air into rooms at the floor level, rather than blowing cool air from ceiling registers.
Key Features
Technological Advancements
Stanford is technologically setting new standards in healthcare with state-of-the-art imaging equipment, flexible surgical and interventional OR rooms, and a new Level 1 Emergency Department. The hospital features 32 flexible surgical and interventional operating rooms, an imaging department, and a Heli-Stop.
Outcome
The new Stanford Hospital sets new standards in healthcare with its innovative design and sustainable practices. The hospital’s resilience is enhanced with each utility backed up at a minimum of N+1, capable of fully operating for over 96 hours independently. The advanced filter design allows air systems to switch from 100% outside air to 100% recirculation, providing protection against hazards like wildfires or internal airborne pathogens. During the COVID-19 pandemic, patient rooms were easily converted to quarantine surge space, demonstrating the hospital’s adaptability and resilience.
