Louisiana's LEED Silver Thibodaux Regional Wellness Center showcases EFCO hurricane-resistant curtainwall and entrances
Posted on June 4th, 2024 by Heather West
WHLC Architecture designed the 225,505-square-foot building for Thibodaux Regional Health System and selected EFCO curtainwall, storefront, entrance and sun shade systems. These aluminum-framed systems work together to help keep patients, doctors, trainers, patrons and staff safe and comfortable throughout the year, protecting them in a challenging climate and providing views and natural light.
WHLC said It was important to its client “to incorporate finishes that reflect the rich culture of the area and bring the outdoors in. …The end result was not only a warm and inviting atmosphere for patients, but also a gathering place for the community.”
Providing Hurricane Impact Resistance, Energy Efficiency
EFCO X-FORCE products are tested in accordance with the Florida Building Code’s Test Application Standard (TAS), and/or relevant ASTM standards for large and small missile impact and cycling requirements. Many of these impact-tested products carry Florida Product Approvals. In addition to providing impact performance, daylight and outside views, EFCO X-FORCE products are engineered to meet buildings’ multiple requirements including air, water and condensation resistance, and optimizing acoustic control, thermal performance and energy efficiency.
Natural light combined with efficient LED fixtures and smart design strategies reduced the power consumption of lighting systems by 34% when compared to a standard design. WHLC’s team also noted the building is designed to save 24% off energy costs, an estimated $148,000 annually, as compared to standard design and construction practices.
Saving Time, Costs and Resources
Along with efficient installation, EFCO systems’ high thermal performance also contribute to the building envelope’s energy efficiency and utility savings. In addition to performance test reports, EFCO System 5600 curtainwall documentation includes an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), supporting projects pursuing LEED or other goals for green building and wellness.
Assisting with Thibodaux Regional Wellness Center’s sustainability goals, EFCO aluminum framing was manufactured using 30% recycled content and finished in a durable clear anodize. Longevity of the finishes, recyclability of the material and other energy-efficient, environmentally sensitive attributes also can aid buildings seeking LEED. WHLC Architecture calculated that more than 10% of the center’s construction materials came from regional sources with an additional 10% from recycled sources.
Winning Awards, Changing Lives
“We are proud to have been an integral part in the design and delivery of this tremendous facility,” said WHLC partner, Matthew P. Caillouet, AIA, CSI.
“The Wellness Center was designed to change the community’s perception of comprehensive health care,” explained WHLC. “Thibodaux Regional set out to affect lifestyle changes in its community by developing ways to engage with patients outside of the typical doctor’s office visit. Improving health and wellness in Louisiana is an uphill battle where rates of obesity and physical inactivity are high. The state’s health care institutions have long provided excellent treatment for patients diagnosed with these conditions, but also know that to truly improve health profiles requires lifestyle improvements in the community.”
“As community leaders, we have a responsibility to put forth our best effort and address these alarming health statistics,” said Greg Stock, CEO of Thibodaux Regional. “We are committed to improving the health of our region, and feel that we can make a positive difference.”
The response from the community has been overwhelming. WHLC reported, “Membership in the new fitness center quickly climbed to over 5,000 members in a city with a population just over 14,000. The Thibodaux community has embraced the idea that a trip to Thibodaux Regional can be a beneficial part of their life, outside visits to the doctor or ER. The potential that the Wellness Center model offers for preventative care integrated into the daily lifestyle of the community is tremendous. By changing the perception of what a trip to the hospital means, Thibodaux Regional has become a positive force for healthy change in the lifestyle of their community.”
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Thibodaux Regional Wellness Center, 602 N. Acadia Rd., Thibodaux, LA 70301; https://www.thibodaux.com/centers-services/wellness-center
• Owner: Thibodaux Regional Health System; Thibodaux, Louisiana; https://www.thibodaux.com
• Architect: WHLC Architecture, LLC; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; https://www.whlcarchitecture.com
• Glazing contractor: Zinsel Glass; Terrytown, Louisiana; https://www.zinselglassnola.com
• Glazing systems manufacturer – curtainwall, storefront and entrance systems: EFCO; Monett, Missouri; https://www.efcocorp.com
• Photographer: Ted Miles Photography
• Video rendering – WHLC Architecture: https://vimeo.com/87617397
EFCO is a brand of Apogee Enterprises. To learn more about EFCO high-performance products and projects, please visit www.efcocorp.com, call 800-221-4169 or contact a local sales representative.
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