The new Baptist Health Care at Brent Lane in Pensacola, Fla., is a full-scale health campus on a 57-acre site, with state-of-the-art facilities that include a new 10-story hospital, a six-story 178,000-square-foot Bear Family Foundation Health Center, a 48,000-square-foot Baptist Behavioral Health Unit, and a 23,000-square-foot central energy plant.

While the campus is a stunning display of modern design, the celebration of the area’s natural environment is clear. The campus is designed around a park-like square that includes walking paths, gardens, and areas for rehabilitation patients to work toward their recovery in the fresh air. Great care was taken to preserve the historic, centuries-old oak trees that are native to the area as well.

The buildings’ external facade draws connection between the water and sky through a mixture of movement and texture, achieved by using a variety of materials. To help create a natural connection between the exterior and interior, expansive windows at the hospital entrance offer clear views of the park square, while inviting, handcrafted materials like terracotta, wood, bronze and terrazzo are utilized throughout the inside of the building to promote comfort and healing. 

Based on the region’s history with hurricanes and tropical storms, a risk assessment and in-depth analysis led to a design that reflects resilience capabilities extending beyond code requirements and incorporates unique sustainability features – such as building orientation, glass selections, and stormwater-recovery for irrigation and cooling tower water. As such, the facilities are rated to withstand a Category 5 hurricane and severe flooding, while still remaining functional even through power and water disruptions. 

Multiple YKK AP products were used throughout the space to achieve the project’s design and performance goals, including YHC 300OG Impact Resistant and Blast Mitigating Outside Glazed Curtain Wall System, YHW 60TU Pre-Glazed, Thermally Broken, Impact Window Wall System, and the Model 35H Impact Resistant and Blast Mitigating Medium Stile Entrance system with YS1N clear anodized products. 

Designed with future expansion and growth in mind, Baptist Health Care’s Brent Lane Campus makes it possible to deliver outstanding healthcare to today’s residents of Pensacola and the northwest region of Florida, as well as generations to come.