CJL - Christopher J. Lee Architects, Inc.

Inside, the main Patient Waiting Room and Optical Dispensary area features stone on full-height walls and dramatic multi-layered suspended acoustical ceilings on multiple levels as “floating” planes.

Designed to be a “landmark” for patient recognition, the overall “Contemporary” design style of the building exterior incorporates the use of stone and painted Stucco in vertical planes and surfaces located around the building and accentuates the theme of the design. Incorporating sensual curved forms in both plan and elevation, and incorporating stone walls and planes at varying heights which extend out beyond the building not only created visual interest, but also captured the essence of “Modern” Architecture with “Organic” intentions.

Integrating traditional stone within the modern building aesthetic was an intended goal in the original design concept and by placing the stone in full height vertical planes, and not as mere “skirting” or wainscoting, allows the stone to read as fully textured planes in a non-traditional way and further demonstrates the balance of expressing modern technology in construction with the traditional warmth of stone.

We were challenged to create a design which would: 1.) Satisfy the functional and operational needs of the proposed Ambulatory Surgery Center; 2.) Building and site would be joined with the adjacent land parcel and parking lot to the north (under joint ownership) to maximize the relatively small site with limited parking and access; 3.) Re-orient patient entry to the north side of the building; 4.) Upgrade the entire existing building structure and exterior envelope to meet current Code and Wind Loads; 5.) Owner desired the proposed addition to be developed in a design style in the same “Modern Architecture” as the existing building; and 6.) Develop the required addition to “fit” with the existing building and not appear as an obvious “addition” to the existing 2-story building.

1. Demolish and remove all of the existing First Floor partitions (including all interior partitions; most all exterior walls; and the floor slab) to accommodate the new adaptive use.
2. Add a 5,808 SF addition utilizing a new ‘Code-compliant’ glass curtain wall system for the building exterior to blend with the existing.
3. Remove and replace all existing curtain wall glass and framing on the Second Floor and provide new “Impact-Resistant” curtain wall to improve the entire building envelope for compliance with current code requirements.
4. Establish new fire-rated floor and tenant separations between the proposed Ambulatory Surgery Center on the First Floor and possible separate tenants on the Second Floor (none currently exist).
5. Create a complementary exterior building envelope for the proposed addition to satisfy the Owner’s affinity for “Modern Architecture”. *Several alternate design solutions were developed in “Contemporary” and “Modern” Architectural design styles to explore alternatives and offer options for the Client to choose from (see Preliminary Alternate Design Elevations included).
6. Utilized simple, un-adorned forms and materials with minimalist detailing and clean lines as a fundamental feature of the “Modern Architecture” design style in the existing building.
7. Utilized combination of glass curtain wall and metal-clad wall panels and round column covers in the new addition to achieve simple forms and smooth finishes on the exterior to create a ‘timeless’ design, while taking its cues from the existing building.

On each of the existing upper floor levels, which house all of the resident living units, all of the common corridors and core activity areas (i.e. lobbies, small activity rooms, Nurse Stations etc.), were cold and unadorned. The corridors were dimly lit with recessed lighting coves, half-globe light sconces, and an occasional “street-light” period lamp-post fixture. Additional attention was required to address the existing 3-story Atrium (which was non-compliant for current Code requirements – no operational Smoke-Evacuation System was in-place).

1. The Ground Floor was remodeled to invite visitors and excite residents by creating a dramatic Lobby/Reception and Multi-Purpose Activity Room while creating administration and operational support facilities away from the general circulation flow.
2. Portions of the existing corridors were removed and remodeled with new lighting, ceilings, finishes and wall pilasters and appointments to bring new life within the common areas.
3. New Sitting Rooms, Billiard Rooms, Television Viewing and Social Activity areas were created by recapturing areas previously occupied by the adjacent corridors creating larger, more useable space within each new activity area for the residents.
4. Existing wrought-iron guard railings surrounding the 3-story Atrium were removed and replaced with new glazed windows set within framed walls and decorative trim created a new sense of elegance on each floor surrounding the Grand Salon on the First Floor.
5. By enclosing the Atrium with solid walls with glass windows in lieu of installing a Smoke Evacuation System, the Atrium was brought into Code compliance at a great savings to the Client.