Medical Center of the Rockies (MCR) is the flagship hospital for the North Region of the University of Colorado Health System. This 90-acre greenfield campus accommodates 172 inpatient beds in its initial phase with plans for expansion to 400 beds in the future. Our design team developed a Master Plan for the campus that allows this exponential growth without disruption or renovation of existing services in a truly “plug-and-play” fashion. The main hospital is flanked by two 100,000 SF Medical Office Buildings that form a continuous circulation loop. MCR is home to the Heart Center of the Rockies and a level 4 Trauma Center of the Rockies, serving Northern Colorado, Southern Wyoming, and Western Nebraska.
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at-a-glanceMeeting the healthcare needs of a growing population in Northern Colorado and the west, UCHealth would conceive two world-class, sustainable facilities, serving as a landmark and multiple centers of excellence.
SLAM’s design solution created a hospital within a hospital, celebrating both centers of excellence and their branding, in a single building.
By sharing ancillary services and facilities, the design team was able to achieve and exceed all of the goals of the original concept, while meeting the schedule and budget.
This efficient design helped to reduce construction cost, adding an additional shell space to the project. This will enable more immediate expansion of surgery in the future. SLAM completed the fit-out of that area, in 2019.
The project also became the first LEED Gold certified hospital in Colorado and operates with 30 percent less energy than industry standards.
Today we have the best facility on the planet for treating patients, it is unbelievable what we have been able to accomplish. I am proud of this team and this health system.
MCR has become a model for creating a hospitality themed medical campus. The sustainability of the building and its systems, along with the use of natural light, outdoor amenities, and world-class views of the Rocky Mountains, has made this hospital a highly desired and profitable place for elective procedures.
The efficiency in design and patient flow saves time for staff, reduces operating costs, and saves lives among its acute care cardiac and trauma patients.
The use of local, natural materials, artwork, and running water creates an environment of healing and wellness.
Functional, comfortable design evokes the feel of a retreat or resort rather than a primary care hospital.
The design provides mountain views through large glass windows in patient rooms.
The circulation plan achieves exceptional efficiency of movement for patients and staff, as well as privacy and dignity for patients.
Achieved LEED Gold Status
Lantern Award for Emergency
Department, Emergency Nurses Association
International Sustainable Design Award from Design
& Health International
Buildings Magazine Grand Prize Award for Greener
Facilities
American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
Commercial Sustainability Award
Patient-Centered Hospital Award from Healthcare
Facilities
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