Story

The construction of the new University of Maryland Laurel Medical Center, situated on the same site as the existing UM Laurel Region Hospital, required meticulous coordination and foresight to seamlessly integrate with the functioning hospital. Our team navigated the challenge of constructing a new, free-standing medical facility while minimizing disruption to ongoing operations and ensuring utilities remained accessible to all entities on the hospital campus. Concurrently, we managed construction and coordination of an adjacent medical office building, facilitating a connected environment through an enclosed connector between the two structures. Early project management planning was paramount in tackling the extensive redevelopment, which necessitated 110,000 cubic yards of imported soil to elevate the ground to grade level. Coordinating a continuous fill operation required precise scheduling of deliveries to optimize efficiency while mitigating disruptions to traffic and the community. Safety remained paramount amidst the flurry of soil imports and concurrent construction activities, demanding thorough scheduling and coordination to ensure high-quality workmanship without compromising the hospital's operations or community welfare. The resulting two-story, 83,742 SF facility boasts a comprehensive array of medical services, including 20 emergency bays, advanced imaging equipment, operating rooms, and behavior health services. Patients now have access to 24/7 emergency and observation care. A helipad allows access to life-saving medical staff and state-of-the-art medical equipment, while a second-floor cafe and children's play area contribute to a healing environment that prioritizes patient comfort and well-being. The facility boasts a range of cutting-edge features and specialized life-saving materials including anti-ligature devices within the outpatient behavioral health unit. Additionally, the surgery centers are equipped with a Laminar Flow Ceiling System, engineered to facilitate seamless adaptation for future medical equipment modifications. A Pneumatic Tube System ensures swift, secure, and shock-free transportation of prescriptions, medications, or samples. Furthermore, a thoughtfully designed Sensory Room aims to enhance communication, support emotional regulation, and promote the overall well-being of psychiatric patients. Externally, the building showcases a harmonious blend of brick, cast stone masonry, composite metal panels and custom-colored curtain walls, requiring meticulous attention to detail during installation to achieve seamless transitions between materials. Internally, intricate metal woodwork ceilings and medical-grade finishes create a modern, welcoming atmosphere accentuated by vibrant blues and greens throughout the space. Deploying Building Information Modeling and Connect AR technology ensured precise installation of infrastructure and features to accommodate the facility's advanced equipment. Moreover, the building design and construction inherently supports the project’s commitment to sustainability, incorporating features such as nine bioretention ponds, EV charging stations, and energy-efficient lighting and plumbing fixtures to minimize environmental impact. The successful completion and opening of the Medical Center marks a transformative milestone in healthcare delivery, offering expanded services and enhanced infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of the community. With increased patient traffic and demand surpassing historical levels, the new facility stands as a testament to our commitment to excellence in construction and healthcare innovation.