PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Hawaii State Hospital New Patient Facility on Hawaii’s Oahu Island is situated on an existing psychiatric hospital’s campus. The new four-story facility was designed and constructed to enhance the safety and security of its patients. The use of precast concrete allowed the project schedule to be maintained and ultimately saved about six months on the schedule. Furthermore, precast concrete is an inherently durable material detailed to withstand the corrosive tropical of Hawaii and ease future maintenance.
PRECAST SOLUTION
The use of precast concrete wall panels and with various finishes and reveal patterns accomplished the goal of developing an aesthetically pleasing building without compromising on strength, durability, or security.
This secured psychiatric facility situated at the foot of the Ko’olau Mountain Range includes patient care units, rehabilitation mall, building support, office spaces, standalone central utility plant, and site elevator with a walkway bridge structure. Security for patients, staff, and the community is a critical design consideration for a psychiatric hospital. The exterior shell of the facility (i.e. all exterior walls and roofs) had to meet stringent construction requirements. Another design challenge was creating an exterior aesthetic that presents a non-institutional, non-threatening character that is sensitive to public perceptions and responds to the climate, environment, culture, and customs of Hawaii.
This was the first project that the precast concrete manufacturer cast the window frames, including the glazing, into the panels with the concrete pour. The standalone site elevator/stair tower and bridge structure is a simple, but unique design that allows staff and guests to access the new facility from the campus’ lower levels. The elevator tower consists of stacked precast concrete wall panels forming a core.
Precast concrete is locally sourced and manufactured, where structural steel must be fabricated on the mainland and shipped to Hawaii. Through a variety of configurations and finishes the precast concrete wall panels provide visual interest, scale, and delight. Precast concrete is an inherently durable material and is ideal for withstanding the corrosive tropical environment of Hawaii and ease future maintenance. |