Built by US-based Turner Construction, the 1.2 million square feet hospital embraces several innovative green design and building strategies, which have assisted it to win the LEED status. The hospital has won the certification based on several criteria which consist of its location, energy and water saving, indoor air quality and material and resources usage.
Designed for military personnel throughout the DC Metro area, the hospital enjoys proximity to many transportation and service options. The building features several energy saving features, which enable it to reap an energy benefit of about 27.6% compared to a typical hospital, which translated into a cost saving of 15% or approximately $450,000 per year.
The hospital prevents carbon dioxide emission by approximately 4,000 tons. The hospital features curved roofs, which in addition to adding aesthetic appeal to the structure, also directs rainwater into drain pipes and into rain barrels. The rain water collected offsets 91% of the water requirement for landscape irrigation, which saves about 1.6 million gallons of potable water per year.
The interiors of the hospital has been done up in materials and finishes which foster a calming and healing environment. The material palate used consists of low-emitting paints, coatings, and adhesives. The hospital won additional LEED points for recycling 92% of the construction waste generated.
