Entry number: B07033
Project Name: Center for Maternal Fetal Medicine
Location: 2011 Pinto Lane, Suite 200, Las Vegas
Building Type: Medical office with retail lease space
Completion Date: January 2006
Architect: Rick Sellers, AIA


Sustainable Description

Design Team:
Architect: Carpenter Sellers Associates
Civil Engineer: CivilWorksInc
Electrical Engineer: Wright Engineers
General Contractor: Breslin Builders
Interior Designer: Interior Images
Landscape Architect: Sage Design Studio
Structural Engineer: JCI

Narrative/Project Description:

This new 2-story office and retail building is located in a matured neighborhood that was established during the 1950’s and is a newly zoned Medical District in Las Vegas. The main goal of the project was to create an environment that was very accessible and comfortable for expecting mothers to visit while creating a place that spoke to the modern sensibilities of Dr. Iriye. The project had its constraints. Metaphorically and literally speaking, the program was a dense square shape fitting onto a long, narrow rectangular site. In addition, the commercial building’s utility demands needed to adapt within an older residential infrastructure.

During the design, we engaged Dr. Iriye to help us understand the entire experience of the expecting mother from her initial site arrival to her last contact with the doctor. Site circulation of vehicles, drop off zones, pedestrian travel, patient and clinical staff circulation, seating, way finding, communication, accessibility and overall comfort were the main priorities for patients that gave form to the building. Once on site by vehicle, patients have opportunity to circle around an island until selection has been made, as opposed to most dead end situations typical of a narrow site. The patient is then lead to the main stairs and elevator from the parking lot by a small promenade that has been defined by trees, site lighting, enhanced paving and the east façade’s polite skewing for pedestrians. The contemporary architecture was inspired by the symbiotic relationships of mother, father, and child along with using natural materials that have a warm and comforting quality. Stone, copper, and wood were used on the exterior for their rich patina and ease of maintenance as they weather over time. The copper wrap embraces the building providing opportunities for natural day lighting and sheltered outdoor use. Warm wood ceilings wrap the inside of the copper clad form extending from the outside deck into the lobby. The aluminum stair screen cradles the stair and stone clad elevator core creating a sense of security, warmth, and a play of light.

Sustainability Description:

Orientation- The site does not allow for the best direction as it is a long narrow site on the north/south axis. We needed to maximize the development of the site so appropriate measures were taken to address western windows. We minimized the window height openings on the west side.

Alternative Transportation- A shower/changing room and bike racks are provided for employees who live close enough to bike to work

Recycle- An oversized janitor’s closet right off the break room houses the office recycle bins.

Daylight- Daylight was an important part of the design. Clerestory windows bring daylight into the waiting room and triage area while doctor offices, conference room and exam areas are treated with windows appropriate for their function.

Outdoor neighborhood amenity- Since the doctor’s office is in a residential neighborhood turned medical office district; the owner wanted to provide an amenity to the neighborhood at the ground level such as a space for a sidewalk café.