HOSPITALS/CLINICS

Back to Profiles

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CENTRE- Dalhousie University Medical School, Falls River, Nova Scotia, CANADA
Architect-William Nycum & Associates Ltd.; Halifax, Nova Scotia
Masonry Contractor-Diaden Masonry and Construction Ltd.; Halifax, Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia Environmental Health Centre Falls River, Nova Scotia

This world class health facility is the first of its kind that operates as a full-time research, prevention and treatment facility for environmental hypersensitivity and illnesses. Architect Bill Nycum said, "As architects and construction managers, we were challenged to design and construct a completely 'clean' environment where patients can be examined and treated, allowing researchers to remove the variables that interfere with the diagnosis and treatment of the illness." The facility also had to be built with low emission materials within a limited budget. Nycum selected Elgin-Butler's structural ceramic glazed products for both the interior and exterior walls.

The selection process for the building materials was unusual: Patients slept with the products for a week to check for any negative chemical reactions. Construction methods differed as well. Many of the materials had to go through a de-oiling process before entering the jobsite, and power tools and machinery had to be electric while in the building site. Construction workers were under a strict no-smoking policy, and no one was allowed to wear scented personal care products.

The health center's exterior consisted of Elgin-Butler's 6Y Series (12"x 12") and EN-6P Series (4"x 12") glazed brick. Brick in colors chosen to represent earth, water, fire and wind surround the building's entrance, while the field color is Stoneware. The center's interior consists of the 4W Series (8" x 8") in Ivory Mottle, part of our Modular Ceramic System (MCS). Using the MCS grade of material helped to control cost and also yielded an aesthetically pleasing look.

OTHER HEALTH FACILITY PROJECTS:

VA Hospital, Nashville, TN 4S (modular) glazed brick

Cook Children's Medical Facility Ft Worth, TX 4S (modular) Ultramatte glazed brick