Isotope

The Royal Oaks Health and Wellness Centre project involves the renovation of an existing two-storey ‘shell space’ (a former school gymnasium) to create two floors of medical and clinical office space including reception areas, exam rooms, associated physician offices, nursing stations, washroom facilities and the introduction of a new elevator.

The Centre was a collaborative effort by the stakeholders of the Listowel Wingham Health Alliance and the former public school site is immediately adjacent to the existing Wingham Hospital. The new clinic provides an ‘anchor tenant’ in the repurposed school building that is being developed as a health services campus for allied health services including occupational therapy, chiropractic services, and a pharmacy as well as rental space for local community groups.

+VG Architects were retained by the Kingston Community Health Centre in 2012 to design the new Napanee Area Community Health Centre (NaCHC).

The two-storey building reinforces the urban street edge offering a colonnade and covered walkway for pedestrians and building users. Upon arrival from the west, the building establishes a “gateway” into the downtown pedestrian district.

The new centre will house a variety of programs including Primary Care, Diabetes Education, Community Support, Indigenous Health, Partners’ Space and associated storage and building service spaces. The Indigenous Health program includes a circular Healing Lodge that is used by the Elders for “healing” events, as well as shared by the community as a meeting/gathering space in conjunction with the larger multi-purpose Room.

An intimate entry courtyard on the south side of the building provides a landscaped area for the program’s Sweat Lodge. The Sweat Lodge structure will be constructed by the local Indigenous community upon completion of the building.

The pandemic environment created many unique challenges for this project. Under the leadership of +VG staff, exceptional collaboration, among the owner, project manager, stakeholder groups and the contractor, while maintaining safety protocols, was the key to minimizing these disruptions.

By communicating the challenges in a way which was easily understood by all project participants using virtual technologies, +VG staff were able to achieve consensus and introduce flexibility into solving issues like material shortages, and thereby maintain the project schedule.

Connected to the Natural Environment
The building siting is conceived as a simple, elegant rural structure in the landscape. The barn vernacular features two gable roofs clad in standing seam metal and wood clad exterior walls. The main entrance is featured centrally, creating an axis and narrative through the building. Administrative offices overlook arrivals and departures through large windows, and private gardens for each suite feature a patio and planting screens for use in any weather.

Open & Accessible
Familiar interior residential materials in wood and glass are used to convey the message that the building is not a hospital, but a community-centred home. A fireplace feature separates the reception and living space. The large open space allows for mobility devices, wheeled beds and gurneys.

Functionality, Livability & Work Flow
This new hospice features a central route that is efficient for staff and volunteers to provide multiple levels of care. Spaces along the route have been carefully organized to optimize work flow and minimize redundancies. Primary care is consolidated around the suites including the Nurse Station, Medication Room, Counselling Room and Utility Rooms.

Energy Efficient & Sustainable
HVAC is separated into zones to maximize energy efficiency. Increased air handling systems are incorporated to allow smudging within some areas to create a more inclusive environment.