Placemaker First Nation
Designed to be North America’s first carbon-neutral hospital, St Mary’s Hospital in Sechelt, BC, also anticipates becoming the greenest hospital in Canada. The building’s shape is inspired by the cedar bent-box, an important concept to the coastal First Nations; indeed, members of the local Sechelt Indian Band advised on the most meaningful elements of native tradition to incorporate in the design.
Salutogenic elements include: major artworks that tell stories and depict cultural symbols, such as the three totem poles that mark the main entrance; and a spectacular mural spanning the lobby area. Themes and symbols convey reassuring stories of a navigable life, with healing and after-life depicted as part of a natural process. Fenestration is designed to reflect the cultural significance of setting free the departing spirit, while acoustics support drumming rituals.
The expansion and renovation is targeting net carbon reduction via a geo-exchange system, a high-performance envelope, a 19kw photovoltaic array and passive design strategies, such as solar shading, user-controlled blinds and operable windows. As a result, the project is on target to achieve 40% energy savings when compared with other LEED Gold certified hospitals. A total of 125 boreholes also provide a zero-carbon energy source to heat and cool the building.
 
St Mary’s Hospital
Commissioning Authority: Vancouver Coastal Health
Architects: Farrow Partnership Architects and Perkins+Will
Contractor: Graham Construction & Engineering
Cost: CA$ 44m
Completed: October 2013
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