YKK AP was the fabricator for metal systems for the new Baptist Health Care Center at Brent Lane in Pensacola, Florida. The center is a full-scale health campus on a 57-acre site, with facilities that include a new 10-story hospital; a six-story, 178,000-square-foot Bear Family Foundation Health Center; a 48,000-square-foot Baptist Behavioral Health Unit; and a 23,000-square-foot central energy plant.
Building design
While the campus uses modern design, there is also use and appreciation of its natural environment. The campus is designed around a park-like square that includes walking paths, gardens and areas for rehabilitation patients to work toward their recovery in the fresh air. Care was taken to preserve the historic, centuries-old oak trees that are native to the area.
The buildings’ external facade draws connection between the water and sky through a mixture of movement and texture, achieved by using a variety of materials. To help create a natural connection between the exterior and interior, expansive windows at the hospital entrance offer clear views of the park square, while handcrafted materials like terracotta, wood, bronze and terrazzo are utilized throughout the inside of the building to promote comfort and healing.
Hurricane preparedness
Based on the region’s history with hurricanes and tropical storms, a risk assessment and an analysis led to a design that reflects resilience capabilities extending beyond code requirements, and incorporates unique sustainability features, such as building orientation, glass selections and storm water recovery for irrigation and cooling tower water. As such, the facilities are rated to withstand a Category 5 hurricane and severe flooding, while still remaining functional even through power and water disruptions.
