The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital, a 97,000-square-foot facility currently under construction in Piston, may be small in comparison to large urban hospitals, but it is poised to make a significant impact in the healthcare and construction sectors due to its emphasis on sustainable design. This new 23-bed acute care hospital is set to be a trailblazer, being the first hospital in North America to feature an un-encapsulated mass timber structure. It is also expected to be one of the most energy-efficient acute care hospitals in Canada.

Jeff Mosher, the project architect from HDR Inc., the firm responsible for the hospital’s design, notes that the project represents a cutting-edge approach to healthcare facility design. HDR has built a strong reputation for its healthcare projects across multiple countries, but even by the firm’s high standards, the design of this hospital is considered innovative and unique.

The building will feature a mass timber structure that includes beams, columns, and cross-laminated timber (CLT) slabs. One of the standout architectural elements will be the hospital’s main entrance, known as the “Beacon,” which will showcase exposed mass timber in a double-height space, creating a striking and welcoming entryway. The use of mass timber not only provides aesthetic appeal but also reflects a commitment to sustainability and environmentally responsible building practices. This project is setting a new standard for energy efficiency and the integration of eco-friendly materials in the healthcare industry.