WalterFedy was engaged to provide full Architectural and engineering services for the multi-year, two-part redevelopment of the Brantford General Hospital Emergency Department. Project 1, the expansion of the existing ED by 13,000 SF, will require 7 phases to prevent construction from impeding ongoing clinical services. The project scope includes a See and Treat (fast track) space, extended stay area (clinical decision unit), two mental health safe rooms, entrance vestibule and canopies, healing lodge, associated waiting and support spaces, and site changes to accommodate project impacts. With the exception of a new entrance vestibule and quiet room, all the work is renovating a 1940’s era building with limited as-built drawings and extensive infrastructure deficits.
The healing lodge portion of the project includes a dedicated exhaust fan with user controls that allow activation of the exhaust system during smudging ceremonies. We considered requirements in accordance with ASHRAE 62.1 ventilation standard and CSA Z317.2 HVAC for healthcare facilities while designing this system. The system is also controlled through the building automation system which closes the air handling unit return ductwork serving this space when the exhaust fan is enabled. This ensures that no airborne contaminants from the smudging ceremonies are recirculated into the air handling system and supplied to other spaces of the hospital.
