Innovative Modular Building Solution to Construct Interim Hospital in Record Time

Atlanta-Based Stegenga + PARTNERS Uses Innovative Modular Building Solution to Construct Interim Hospital in Record Time

Architect Paul W. Stegenga, principal-in-charge of Stegenga + PARTNERS (S+P), tells the Modular Building Institute (MBI) how the typical misconceptions of modular construction were dispelled with the success of Sumter Regional Hospital East, an interim hospital designed following major destruction caused by a tornado that ripped through Americus, GA. Modular construction allowed S+P to achieve a structurally sound facility with an appealing aesthetic. S+P has served as an Owner's Advocate for Sumter Regional Hospital for 17 years. Specifically for the Sumter Regional Hospital East project, S+P are still involved daily adjusting the facility to meet the expanding needs and expectations of the community.

MBI: Why did you choose modular construction for this project?
Stegenga: We were in charge of creating a structurally sound facility, with a desirable aesthetic. More importantly, we needed to ensure that the community embraced and accepted the new facility as its own, as opposed to developing an impression that Sumter is a temporary structure similar to a field hospital. Because of the timeline objectives, the modular construction process was among the first solutions considered. Although this would be our first modular project, S+P was familiar with traditional modular building components and structures, and we have always been interested in the concept of modular construction. We developed a process and plan that involved modular, steel units, provided by COGIM. The steel modules are incredibly strong and their shape and size allowed us to be innovative with the design and construction process to restore healthcare to the surrounding community. Through modular construction and smart design, we were able to achieve a structurally sound facility with an appealing aesthetic, transforming the modular building into a seamless healthcare facility in months, rather than years.

MBI: How did the modular construction process compare to a site-build construction process?
Stegenga: The construction process was a wonderfully smooth process that accomplished this project's goals in weeks rather than months or years. In effect, the process--although technically different--was similar to site-built construction. In traditional construction, one, linear time schedule is shared by all parties. The nature of modular construction, on the other hand, allowed each project team arm to work independently, in an overlapping fashion. Coordination and communications were the keys to the smooth process. S+P developed a very close working relationship with the manufacturer, while constant communications on project schedule and milestones kept all parties moving forward. Through the cooperative communications and simultaneous work, we were able to shorten the construction schedule. We were also able to play on the individual strengths of each team member and the experiences each perspective brought to the team (architect, general contractor and modular manufacturer).

MBI: How would you rate the success of this project?
Stegenga: In three ways, really. Any project is a success only when it meets the original objectives of the project. For this project those overriding goals were: (1) schedule (2) quality of care, and (3) cost. S+P successfully addressed all three of the goals of this project via modular construction. The interim hospital was designed and built in nine months. And, the quality of the final project cannot be questioned. The modular units were superior in terms of construction material, fire protection and other areas, and they did not require S+P to deviate from the Guidelines of Health Facilities, the International Building Code or the Americans with Disabilities Act. The delivered building also met the hiqh-quality expectations not only of the community but the staff. Hospital staff has said the interim facility is better suited for patients than the old hospital--the patient rooms are larger; all the patient rooms are private rooms, and services are now brought to the patient rather than requiring the patient going to the service. As for cost, the accelerated time-frame on this project allowed a lower-cost solution on this structure.

MBI: Will you recommend modular designs for your clients going forward?
Stegenga: Yes, unequivocally. Particularly for urgent response cases. I am now working on getting these modular units to rural, isolated and primitive locations where sophisticated building solutions are needed to provide quality healthcare needs and neither the building solutions nor quality healthcare exists.

About Stegenga + PARTNERS

Stegenga + PARTNERS is a national, award-winning professional practice based in Atlanta, Georgia. Areas of expertise include designing for physicians and hospital-based clients, and long-term care providers. Providing architecture, consulting, medical planning, interior design, program management, and advocacy to clients in the U.S. and Virgin Islands, Stegenga places emphasis on evidence-based planning and design with clinical indicators and economic outcomes that reward quality measures and productivity. For more information, please visit www.snp-studio.com.

To learn more about commercial modular construction and its applications, visit Modular Building Institute: The Voice of Commercial Modular Construction^TM.