Miramichi Regional Hospital

Miramichi Regional Hospital, a new 37,500 m² facility accommodating 220 inpatient beds, is located within a circular clearing surrounded by mature woodland, on an 18 hectare, flat site. Orchards, therapy garden areas as well as glazed canopies at the principal entries help to mediate the scale of this massive facility and provide visual relief from mundane institutional qualities.

A five storey inpatient tower is surmounted by the cafeteria, and has extensive views of the Miramichi River Valley. Behind the tower, and linked by the elevator core, is a three storey treatment and diagnostic facilities block. Circulation patterns within, segregated into public and internal, are direct and clearly defined allowing visitors and staff alike ease of orientation. Detailing throughout emphasizes visual and tactile qualities, lending themselves to the appearance of a holistic “healing” environment.

The steel framed hospital is principally clad in red clay masonry, with windows set deep into the cavity wall. Public areas, such as the two storey entrance lobby, the cafeteria, and the elevator core are detailed in transparent curtain wall. The inpatient units are planned in an innovative T-shaped layout that optimizes travel distances for staffing and services, and efficiently minimizes building area. Nursing stations are centrally located in all units.