Saint Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute in Overland Park, Kansas, is the first project in Kansas to be ranked as Certified under LEED BD+C: Healthcare-v4.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. LEED v4 uses a performance-based approach that calls for measurable results throughout a building’s life cycle.
“Our team is incredibly excited about this news,” said Sam Beckman, Heal Studio Principal at ACI Boland Architects. “We worked hard to ensure sustainability was a focus throughout the design process and in the finished product.”
Saint Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute achieved LEED certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions in areas including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, indoor environmental quality, innovation, and location and transportation.
Incorporating views, daylight, and access to nature were important components of the design. Large windows were added in all patient rooms and public spaces to offer expansive views of flora, fauna, and sky. The therapy gyms, cafe, and other public spaces were placed on the east/southeast side of the building, which allowed patients and staff to enjoy the morning and early afternoon sun while working together.
To reduce irrigation demand, traditional turf was replaced with native, warm season grasses, and other drought tolerant plants, and a therapy garden and café patio provide respite and connections to nature for all visitors.
