INTERSECTION OF BIOPHILIA maia vertrees
fall 2021
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table of contents
site interaction 4-5
intersection & program 6-9
combining structures 10-15
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biophilia This ambulatory health clinic located off of Prices Fork Road in Blacksburg, Virginia combines natural elements and features of biophilic design. Biophilia, the love of life and nature, is shown to have significant healing benefits when implemented in the design of healthcare spaces- either directly or indirectly. Two volumes, one using wood and the other masonry, intersect to combine natural materials.
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site plan
The building’s orientation on the site was based on the south sun. Passive solar heating was prioritized by facing most of the glass in that direction. This orientation also allows natural ventilation from the south-east. Mountainous views were an original priority; however, they were negated in the building’s main spaces to reconcile with sunlight. An outdoor path lines the north side of the treeline. This allows visitors to enjoy the landscape while walking up to the building with trees on one side and the mountains on the other, meeting the bike path. The health care facility is submerged into the rolling hills on the south side of the site and combines the sloping topography with two different structural systems.
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intersection of two volumes
The elevation change of the site is present in the two intersecting volumes that make up the ambulatory care center. Forms were pushed and pulled into one another to study the transition between the spaces. One form acts as a base, with masonry construction and a system of walls and roof. The other form is wood construction with a system of columns and beams. The intersection of the volumes create a biophilic waiting room for the visitors, where the different systems are present. Clerestory windows bring daylight into the space, emphasizing the waiting areas and nurse stations.
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intersection
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floor plan & program
The main entrance instantly draws the visitor into the intersection of the two spaces. A visual connection is formed between the buildings and materials where they intersect. Glazing is present at the end of the corridors to maximize views and daylighting with the nursing stations nearby.
1/8” = 1’-0”
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administration
general services
supporting facilities
imaging
patient department
pediatric department
gastro-intestinal
storage
ent
toilets
orthopedy
services
staff patients
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views south elevation
east elevation
north elevation
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interior of wood construction
shading screen
interior of masonry construction
front entrance 11
materiality & space A combination of warm, wooden finishes and stone characteristics exemplify biophilia in the space by bringing a sense of natural elements to waiting areas and exam rooms. Humans have an affinity for nature, and these materials help make people feel relaxed in a healthcare environment.
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exam room
roof monitor 3” = 1’-0”
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details
roof deck soffit rigid insulation glulam beam double glazing
soffit concrete masonry wall rigid insulation
batt insulation
shading screen
rigid insulation
vapor retarder
vapor retarder
stone veneer
wood panel system
reinforcement
sub-floor
sub-floor
wood floor joist
floor joist
anchor bolt
anchor bolt
concrete footing
hvac
hvac
masonry wall concrete footing
wood construction wall section section a-a
3/4” = 1’-0”
masonry construction wall section section b-b
3/4” = 1’-0” 14
STERILIZING STERILE SUPPLY
STORAGE NURSING STATION
ULTRA SONOGRAM
PATHOLOG Y AREA & STORAGE
RADIOLOGIST
CONTROL ROOM
MRI
ROOM
Daylight enters the space through clerestory windows, a roof monitor and between shading devices to interact with the different materials of the two intersecting forms.
ECG
TLT CHANGE ROOM
TLT
CONTROL ROOM
CT
CHANGE ROOM
PHARM ROOM
TY RI CU SE
IN ET ME OM RO
a OL UR
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L NA MI IA DO RN AB HE
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GA
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DIRTY UTILITY
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HVAC
NT ION TIE PA CEPT RE
SUPPLY RECEIVE
SUPPLY DISTRIB.
LO Y TR G EN AITIN W
AM EX EC EL
AM EX
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AM EX
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IMAGING/LA B REG
CLEAN UTILITY
AM EX
G IN RS N NU ATIO ST
DISPENSIN G DESK
DONATION AREA
E YE W PA INDO W
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HV
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GA -
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RO ST IAL GA ST TE IN
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L NA MI IA DO RN AB HE
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F AF ST EAK BR OM RO
c
OL UR
OG
R
SC
MEDS
TECHNICAL STAFF ROOM
CHANGE ROOM
DE AD
BLOODWORKS LAB
SUPPLY ROOM
CONTROL ROOM
X-RAY
AT DI PE AM EX
RIC
AT DI PE AM EX
RIC
BB
AT DI PE AM EX
b
b
JANITOR'S
Y/
RIC
AT DI PE AM EX
RIC
ELEC
STAFF OFFICE
PLAY AREA/ PEDIATRIC WAITING
STAFF OFFICE
DOCTOR DOCTOR ROOM ROOM
NURSING
STATION & RECEPTION
US
AC
section c-c
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