Inova Health Center – Oakville

The new medical and emergency facility places patient experience and sustainable practice at its centerpiece. Through a series of analysis, Atelier Ten established design strategies that prioritize community wellness, carbon and energy reduction, stormwater management, and daylight.

Inova Health Center – Oakville is the first of Inova Health System’s multi-campus initiative. The new all-electric medical and emergency facility supports the redevelopment of the surrounding Alexandria, Virginia’s Oakville Triangle neighborhood.

Given the facility’s urban context, a major priority was opening the heart of the building to create a warm and welcoming space for the Alexandria community. The light-filled, active interior is visible from the street, providing an open invitation to the community and a healing environment for patients within.

Atelier Ten worked with Ennead and the design team to optimize the building massing and envelope for daylight and glare control. The high-performance façade integrates a double glass screen and a vertical fin shading system to maximize usable natural daylight, minimize glare and solar heat gain, and improve energy efficiency. The project achieves a 26% EUI reduction and 25% annual GHG reduction compared to ASHRAE 90.1-2010.

Atelier Ten established stormwater management goals to relieve pressure
on the existing sewage infrastructure and meet the City of Alexandria’s 2019 Green Policy requirements. The project achieves an 82% reduction in outdoor water use compared to the LEED baseline. To mitigate stormwater runoff, the project incorporates a rain screen façade and green roof planted with native vegetation. Beyond stormwater filtration, the green roof reduces the urban heat island effect and connect patients and staff with nature.