Story

Reshaping the West Michigan skyline with its towering, curved superstructure, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital exemplifies modern, high-tech medicine and innovative construction techniques throughout its 14 floors, each larger than a football field. This new Spectrum Healthcare facility features a wealth of pediatric specialties. The facility is home to the 10th largest neonatal intensive care unit in the nation with 103 beds. Bouma performed spray fireproofing, exterior insulated finish system (EIFS), interior and exterior metal stud framing, rough carpentry, fiber reinforced panels (FRP), wall protection, drywall, insulation, firestopping, lead shielding, caulking, acoustical ceilings, carpet, resilient flooring, ceramic tile, and installation of owner-furnished items including lockers, bath accessories, and doors, frames, and hardware. Bouma installed the equivalent of 37 acres of drywall and nearly 2 million feet of metal studs—or 364 miles, laid end to end. In this building designed upon a curved and winding “leaf” theme, key challenges were transforming ridging, angular building materials into the circular, flowing designs selected by the owner and design team. The sheer volume and variety of interior finishes—from massive, textured columns; to curved walls and ceilings; to multi-textured, multi-colored floor coverings—all benefited from Bouma’s seasoned craftsmen.