Project Overview - Enduring Resilience
In the heart of Orange, the University of California Irvine (UCI) Medical Center's, Douglas Hospital stands as a beacon of innovation, care, and resilience. This seven-story, 411-bed facility is more than just UCI's flagship teaching hospital and research hub—it's Orange County's only Level 1 Trauma Center and a vital lifeline for the region. As the cornerstone of the county's only academic health system, the hospital delivers world-class medical expertise around the clock. Today, its role is more critical than ever, meeting the growing and complex health needs of the community it proudly serves.
Design-Build Collaboration and Efficiency
As the first Design Build project approved under the Office of State Health Planning and Development (OSHPD), Douglas Hospital set a new benchmark for efficiency and innovation in healthcare construction. The design-build approach streamlined communication between architects, engineers, contractors, expediting decision-making and reducing costly delays. This collaborative process optimized resource use, improved construction efficiency, and ensured the hospital met stringent safety and performance standards.
The Strength, Beauty, and Resilience of Precast Concrete
Douglas Hospital was designed with durability and efficiency in mind, utilizing precast concrete wall panels as a cost-effective alternative to stone. The university architect played a key role in developing the hospital's district exterior, requiring four mix designs and multiple finishes to achieve a unique aesthetic while maintaining structural integrity.
To help bring the architect's vision to life, precast producer Coreslab Structures (L.A.) collaborated closely with the design team to develop an innovative solution. By integrating multiple precast elements into single panels, they enhanced structural stability, reduced the total number of panels needed, and streamlined delivery and installation. This approach not only accelerated construction but also minimized disruptions to the active medical facility — highlighting the long-term value of precast concrete in complex healthcare construction projects.
Given its location in a seismically active region, the hospital was engineered to meet stringent earthquake safety standards with precast concrete providing both strength and flexibility to withstand seismic forces.
A Commitment to Excellence
Douglas Hospital exemplifies how modern construction blends resilience, efficiency, and architectural beauty. Today the hospital continues to provide exceptional medical care while demonstrating the last advantages of design-build construction and precast concrete in large-scale infrastructure. |