RTKL-Designed Bishops Building at St. Francis Hospital South Receives LEED Gold Certification

Nov. 18, 2010 - PRLog -- The Bishops Building at St. Francis Hospital South (SFHS) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has received LEED Gold certification. Designed by architecture, planning and design firm RTKL, the project comprises a new 5-story, 110,000-square-foot medical office building, central energy plant and 5-level, 500-space parking structure.

“The LEED Gold achievement is recognition of many goals accomplished,” according to Tom Cooper, Chairman and CEO of the Warren Professional Building Corporation, which commissioned the project. “From the automatic fresh air sensors and the reduction of VOCs, to the natural light and views of nature, all sustainable aspects of the project make it a great place for physicians and staff to work and for patients to receive care.”

To successfully achieve the client’s LEED goals, RTKL designed the facility with a number of sustainable features, particularly in its landscaping, water handling, and energy efficiency.

“The exterior landscaping relies heavily on water-efficient plants irrigated by captured storm run-off water, gray water from interior plumbing fixtures, and air conditioning condensate,” said Mike Czap, RTKL principal and project manager. “A significant amount of recycled and locally sourced materials were also used in the project’s design and construction, plus the walls, windows, and roof enhance its energy efficiency.”  

Beyond the LEED Gold achievement, the building incorporates patient-friendly spaces and is designed for a high level of functionality as well as aesthetic appeal. Blown glass Indian Blanket wildflowers on lobby walls, for example, are a highly recognizable icon that can be seen through the glass curtain wall as one approaches the building. They symbolize Oklahoma’s scenic beauty as well as stewardship of the environment exemplified by this building.

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About RTKL:
RTKL is a worldwide architecture, engineering, planning and creative services organization. Part of the ARCADIS global network since 2007, RTKL specializes in providing multi-disciplinary services across the full development cycle to create places of distinction and designs of lasting value. RTKL works with commercial, workplace, public and healthcare clients on projects around the globe. www.RTKL.com