The client was open-minded and enthusiastic about the design for the Eye Surgery Center of North Dallas, a 10,700-square-foot single-story building in Carrollton, Texas. Taking inspiration from the mixed commercial and residential neighborhood, the architecture team developed a clean, contemporary design.
“We wanted to design something modern and streamlined, and something everyone could be proud of,” says Jordan Gill, architectural intern for Corgan in Dallas.
The team approached the design phase as an opportunity to upgrade the business district with this new building. Or as Gill says, “we wanted to create something special.” This something special came from the mix of materials, clean lines, and sloped roof that sets it apart from the neighboring structures.
Nichiha’s EmpireBlock was used throughout the majority of the building for its aesthetics. VintageWood was used as to accent areas of the building such as the entry that faced the street. The two panel colors and textures provide balance to natural stone and glazing on the exterior.
The selection of fiber cement, in itself, helped contribute to the individuality of the Eye Surgery Center, because it was the first use of the material in the area. “Exterior building skins are mandated in the city zoning code; as this is a hybrid, some vetting was required,” says Tammy Testa, senior associate at Corgan.
Along with the appealing aesthetics, the use of sealants was minimized by replacing the sealant joint between the two 10’ panels with aluminum H Molds, which reduced the overall lifecycle cost of the Nichiha panel system and provided the minimal maintenance desired by the project owners. What’s more, “Installation of the product was so simple,” Gill says. “It was really beneficial for time management.”
The result is a building in a well-traveled, commercial area that captures the attention of those who see it. It accomplishes the team’s goal of building something fresh while still complementing neighboring buildings.
Challenge: The team wanted to build an eye surgery center in an already established area but provide something clean and fresh compared to neighboring buildings.
Solution: Modern design, clean lines and use of materials such as Nichiha make this building stand out in its location. Because Nichiha was never used in the area, its use makes the building provide the “something special” the team wanted to accomplish.
Result: A high-end, modern building that brings something new and exciting to the area of Carrollton, Texas.
PROJECT DETAILS: SINGLE-STORY BUILDING, 8000 SQ. FT.
Architect: Corgan
Location: Carrollton, Texas
Size: 10,700 square feet
Product: EmpireBlock and VintageWood
Related Stories
| Aug 11, 2010
And the world's tallest building is…
At more than 2,600 feet high, the Burj Dubai (right) can still lay claim to the title of world's tallest building—although like all other super-tall buildings, its exact height will have to be recalculated now that the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) announced a change to its height criteria.
| Aug 11, 2010
East meets West in hospital design
The Los Angeles office of HMC Architects and the Chinese firm Shunde Architectural Design Institute won the commission to design the 2.15 million-sf First People's Hospital in the Shunde District of Foshan, China. The team's winning concept organizes a series of buildings around a dynamic, curved spine element to create an interior “eco-atrium” with outdoor green space and healing g...
| Aug 11, 2010
MOB added to new hospital project
A late-2009 ground breaking is planned for a $20 million medical office building on the grounds of the $211 million, 106-bed Loma Linda University Medical Center in Murrieta, Calif., which itself is under construction. Minneapolis-based Frauenshuh HealthCare Real Estate Solutions is developing the five-story, 160,000-sf MOB, which will accommodate 60 physician offices.
| Aug 11, 2010
Rehabilitation center helps patients transition
Construction is under way on the Polytrauma Transitional Rehabilitation Center on the VA Medical Center campus in Richmond, Va. The $8 million, 22,000-sf facility will provide physical therapy, housing, and education to veterans as part of their transition back into their communities. The center was designed by HDR, Alexandria, Va.
| Aug 11, 2010
Medical office building planned in Fort Worth, Texas
Dallas-based TGS Architects has unveiled its design for the five-story, 130,000-sf Plaza Medical Office Building, planned for Fort Worth, Texas. The Class A development will include space for orthopedic care, surgery, breast center, diagnostic imaging, cardiovascular, and rehabilitation therapy services.
| Aug 11, 2010
Philadelphia cancer center seeks LEED certification
The New York office of Thornton Tomasetti provided structural engineering services for the Ruth and Raymond Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine in Philadelphia, a $232 million medical research center and advanced treatment center for cancer and cardiovascular disease. Designed by a joint venture of Perkins Eastman Architects and Rafael Vinõly Architects, the 340,000-sf facility will hous...
| Aug 11, 2010
High-level NICU opens in Washington, D.C.
Design to the highest distinction available by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the new Level IIIC neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Children's National Medical Center in Washington D.C., is equipped to care for the sickest premature babies, including those that require open-heart surgery. The 54-bed facility, designed by Karlsberger with KLMK Group as space planner, is four times large...
| Aug 11, 2010
San Bernardino health center doubles in size
Temecula, Calif.-based EDGE was awarded the contract for California State University San Bernardino's health center renovation and expansion. The two-phase, $4 million project was designed by RSK Associates, San Francisco, and includes an 11,000-sf, tilt-up concrete expansion—which doubles the size of the facility—and site and infrastructure work.
| Aug 11, 2010
New hospital expands Idaho healthcare options
Ascension Group Architects, Arlington, Texas, is designing a $150 million replacement hospital for Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello, Idaho. An existing facility will be renovated as part of the project. The new six-story, 320-000-sf complex will house 187 beds, along with an intensive care unit, a cardiovascular care unit, pediatrics, psychiatry, surgical suites, rehabilitation clinic, and ...
| Aug 11, 2010
Manhattan's Gouverneur Healthcare Services tops out renovation, expansion
One year after breaking ground, the Building Team for the renovation and expansion of the Gouverneur Healthcare Services facility on Manhattan's Lower East Side topped out the $180 million project. Designed by New York-based RMJM, the development involves a 316,000-sf renovation and 108,000-sf addition that will house a 295-bed nursing facility and five-story ambulatory care center.
