Introduction
In 2017, Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital became one of eight community hospitals in the Houston Methodist system. The 187-bed, 470,000-square-foot facility offers The Woodlands community a full-service, acute care hospital with programs including cancer care, cardiology, neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, sports medicine, surgery services, and women’s health. Providing colorful views throughout the day, the building was designed with VELUX Commercial skylights to maximize natural light and to promote a healthy healing environment for both patients and hospital staff.
Design Challenge
Natural light is important in healthcare facilities to make healing spaces feel more inviting and relaxing. Plus studies have shown that natural light has benefits to healing. With elements from the outdoors, spaces can achieve an enhanced sense of comfort and hospitality. Because windows can make attaining privacy more difficult, the hospital owners were in need of a solution that would provide their patients with both privacy and a lively glow of natural light.
Solution
To provide an ample supply of sunlit views throughout the day, Page architects used VELUX Pinnacle Structural Ridge skylights in the entrance drop-off/loading area and two interior atriums. “The large skylights were incorporated into the design to allow access to abundant daylight and to the quiet night sky, providing a relaxing atmosphere which changes throughout the day and seasons,” said Page Principal/Senior Project Manager Brian Gray, AIA.
VELUX Commercial provided a custom glazing system for the entrance and atriums, incorporating Admiral Glass and a bright custom silver finish. Designed as a metal-framed skylight structure with a 6/12 pitch, the three ridges measure 96' by 44', 85' by 35’, and 53’ by 44’ to extend nearly the entire length of the building’s roof. VELUX Pinnacle Series provides buildings with optimal light distribution and can accommodate multiple insulated glass panels that prevent heat gain in warm temperatures and reduce heat loss in cold temperatures.
Positioned in the middle of the hospital’s structure, the skylights enhance the comfort of the building’s occupants and give the design a modern, state-of-the-art look. “The VELUX Pinnacle system was chosen for the atrium and entrance canopies for its large span capabilities and design flexibility,” said Gray.
All-Day Natural Light
The result of the three-year construction project is a beautiful, modern building with naturally lit atriums connecting the wings. Through their bright and vibrant facility, the Houston Methodist team can continue to share their enduring history of leading medicine and exceptional programs and services to the Woodlands community.
