Sustainable design takes a sleek, modern approach at the UnityPoint Health Waukee Medical Park. The 75,000-square-foot multi-specialty clinic provides a variety of medical services in one convenient location. The clinic features a unique façade with vertical metal fins that not only elevate the building’s aesthetic but also enhance its energy efficiency and performance.
Our team meticulously tested variations of the metal fins in energy simulation software and landed on four different designs. These fins were engineered to address a challenging aspect of building design—solar heat gain and glare. Solar heat gain, the increase in temperature caused by sunlight passing through windows, can significantly drive up energy consumption by increasing the need for cooling.
The fins contribute to a predicted 51.7% reduction in the building’s energy use — a testament to the power of thoughtful, sustainable design. But the fins offer more than just energy savings. As visitors approach or move around the building, the fins interact with natural light, casting dynamic reflections and shadows that alter the façade’s appearance depending on the time of day and the viewer’s perspective. This creates an ever-changing, engaging experience for patients, staff, and visitors.
The commitment to sustainability at UnityPoint Health Waukee Medical Park extends far beyond the exterior. The building’s orientation has been carefully planned to maximize the benefits of natural light, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing views of the surrounding landscape, including the detention ponds to the south. These ponds offer a serene setting for staff and visitors to enjoy and serve the functional purpose of managing stormwater on-site.
Native plantings around the building enhance both beauty and biodiversity, playing a key role in water management while contributing to the overall well-being of the ecosystem. These plantings reduce the need for irrigation and attract local wildlife, reducing the facility’s environmental footprint.
The outdoor plaza, linked to the building by thoughtfully placed sidewalks, offers visitors and staff a space to relax and enjoy fresh air, enhancing the focus on health and wellness in both the interior and exterior design. This integration of nature into the medical environment highlights the holistic approach taken at UnityPoint Health Waukee Medical Park, where sustainability is not just about energy efficiency—it’s about creating spaces that promote health and happiness for all who use them.
At UnityPoint Health Waukee Medical Park, the innovative design of the vertical metal fins and the thoughtful integration of natural elements reflect a commitment to sustainability at every level. From reducing energy consumption to creating inviting spaces for reflection and wellness, the medical park demonstrates how architectural design can harmonize with environmental goals.