Jefferson County Eastern Health Center

The new Eastern Health Center includes office spaces for adult/family planning, pediatric clinic, maternity clinic, dental clinic, administrative and multi-purpose areas. The 43,000 sq. ft. building is constructed of steel frame, concrete slabs and foundation walls, synthetic stone and precast veneer with a standing seam metal and membrane roof.

The Health Center was designed and constructed using sustainable practices. A recycling program was implemented during construction to salvage construction debris when possible. Excess wood, metal and drywall materials were separated into specific dumpsters and sent to local recycle centers.

The design team selected the materials for this project based on recycled content and proximity of the product to the jobsite. The existing trees and shrubs on the site that were removed for excavation were turned into mulch and used in the planting beds at the end of the project. Several of the existing hardwood trees were saved during construction and incorporated in the final landscape design. Other sustainable components of the building included motion detection light switches, waterless urinals, water-efficient toilets and low VOC paints & sealants. The facility also included several curtain wall windows and clerestory windows to utilize as much natural light as possible. The facility includes showers and bike racks for people or employees that ride their bicycles to the facility in lieu of driving a motorized vehicle. All of these sustainable materials and process helped make Eastern Health Center one of the most environmentally friendly healthcare facilities of its kind.

Owner:
Jefferson County Department of Health

Architect:
Designform, Inc.

Completion:
October 2008

Location:
Birmingham, Alabama

Budget:
$7.7 Million

Awards:
2008 ABC Excellence in Construction Award
Category:
Green Under $10 million
2008 ABC Merit Award
Category: Healthcare $5 to $10 million