Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Health recently opened Black River Medical Center as a newly established 63,500-square-foot hospital.
EFCO systems used
McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture designed the new facility to blend high-tech, modern medicine with positive patient experiences in a safe, comfortable and healthy space. Greeting patients, staff and visitors as they enter the hospital, the architects specified EFCO curtain wall, storefront and doors to achieve the required high performance, sustainable goals and MUSC’s established aesthetic. The curtain wall was engineered as a sweeping, segmented system, giving the appearance of a continuous curving line.
Bringing the Black River Medical Center from concept to completion, Charlotte Glass Contractors installed all the EFCO aluminum fenestration and framing products. EFCO impact-resistant, thermal performance curtain wall and storefront are engineered for compatibility with its heavy-duty entrance doors. EFCO brand products are part of Apogee Enterprises, Inc.’s Architectural Metals segment.
Sustainability and energy efficiency
Black River Medical Center earned two Green Globes certifications through the Green Building Initiative (GBI), which evaluates environmental sustainability, health and wellness, and resilience of new construction. Supporting these project goals, EFCO products deliver daylight and views with a connection to nature, which are recognized as contributing to physical and mental health and well-being, and to creating a calming atmosphere. Green Globes certification further encourages projects to incorporate energy savings, reduce carbon emissions and lower future maintenance costs. Enhancing buildings’ energy efficiency, the aluminum framing on EFCO products features an insulating thermal barrier.
Supporting Black River Medical Center’s energy-efficient, code-compliant facility, EFCO 5600 Series curtain wall and 526 Series storefront are approved through the National Fenestration Rating Council’s Component Modeling Approach (CMA) Product Certification Program. EFCO DuraStile D618 Series swinging doors on the hospital also are CMA certified and meet ADA requirements for accessibility.
Combined with solar-control insulating glass units, EFCO systems help reduce energy use, utility costs and carbon emissions associated with light fixtures, heating and cooling. Minimizing maintenance and repair, EFCO finished all its aluminum framing and doors in durable, clear anodize.
Resilience and impact resistance
For hospitals, resilient construction means preparing these essential facilities for continuity of care for emergency and disaster events, when communities need them most. Hurricanes, tropical storms, high winds and wind-driven rain are of particular concern in South Carolina. The coastal state ranks fifth in the U.S. for having the most hurricane impacts on the Atlantic coast.
As part of Black River Medical Center’s protective building envelope, EFCO products were successfully engineered and tested to meet impact resistance and air, water, structural, acoustic and thermal performance.
Helping safeguard staff, patients and visitors, without sacrificing access or convenience, Black River Medical Center is designed with a prominent, public entrance. A single vestibule provides access to the emergency department, surgery and outpatient wings, each having its own waiting area, as well as access to natural light and outdoor views.
Planned and purposeful patient care
Serving the communities of Williamsburg and lower Florence counties, Black River Medical Center consolidated and replaced two existing hospitals. The new hospital is part of the MUSC Health Florence Division. MUSC Health worked with the former Williamsburg Regional Hospital (Kingstree) and Lake City Community Hospital to create a planned and purposeful community transition. Reflecting MUSC’s dedication to education, research and patient care, the design and development process involved collaboration with patient advocacy representatives and staff.
The new Black River Medical Center provides access to a full range of modern diagnostic and interventional capabilities, such as 3-D mammography, MRI, nuclear medicine, CT scanning, an on-site pharmacy and a complete imaging department. The new facility features 25 inpatient beds, four observation beds, two operating rooms and 16 emergency treatment rooms.