USA Healthcare Authority Case Study

In the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the University of South Alabama (USA) Healthcare Authority faced an urgent challenge: relocating their medical clinic after losing their lease on another hospital’s campus. Traditional construction methods were deemed too time-consuming and costly, prompting the Authority to seek an alternative solution that would provide a permanent facility without compromising on quality or functionality.

The Solution: Modular Construction

Quick Buildings Modular, in collaboration with Persons Services Corp. and Diamond Builders, Inc., was selected to design and construct a state-of-the-art medical clinic using modular construction techniques. This approach offered a rapid, cost-effective, and high-quality solution tailored to the specific needs of the USA Healthcare Authority.

Project Highlights

  • Comprehensive Facility Design: The 28,700-square-foot clinic encompasses 57 exam rooms, X-ray and Dexa scan rooms, ultrasound rooms, phlebotomy draw rooms, a processing lab, lobby with waiting area, sub-waiting rooms, conference room, restrooms, break rooms, janitor closet, and storage closets.
  • Architectural Excellence: The exterior features reversed Hardi Panel with an EIFS system, meticulously crafted to resemble the brick structures on the university campus. The interior boasts a Level 4 finish on 5/8” Type X gypsum, solid core-stained doors, and 9’6” finished ceilings, ensuring a welcoming environment for patients and staff.

  • Exterior Aesthetics: The exterior was meticulously crafted to match the existing brick structures on USA’s new campus by combining a brick plaster stencil with hand-painted variations to ensure a seamless design.

  • Technical Innovation: Factory-installed components included fire sprinkler pipes, ductwork, plumbing, internal drain systems, and LED lighting. The building was constructed to withstand 170 MPH winds, ensuring durability and safety.

  • Rapid Construction Timeline: Despite material delays, the project was completed in just 215 days. Once the modules were set on the prepared site, interior work proceeded swiftly, allowing the first patients to be seen just three days after furniture installation.

Benefits to USA Healthcare Authority: Modular Solutions for Modern Medical Problems

Problem 1: Urgent Need for a New Facility
The USA Healthcare Authority faced a critical challenge: relocating their clinic on a tight deadline after losing their lease at a neighboring hospital campus. Traditional construction methods, with their lengthy timelines and high costs, were not viable options. The situation demanded a swift yet uncompromising solution to ensure continuity of care for their patients.

Solution: Quick Buildings Modular delivered a 28,700-square-foot state-of-the-art facility in just 215 days. The modular construction method enabled a rapid deployment, ensuring the clinic was operational just three days after furniture installation. This quick turnaround minimized service disruptions, allowing the USA Healthcare Authority to continue serving their community seamlessly.

Problem 2: Maintaining Quality and Functionality
Relocating a medical facility often raises concerns about maintaining a high standard of quality and ensuring the new building meets the rigorous demands of healthcare operations. The USA Healthcare Authority needed a space that could accommodate advanced medical equipment and provide a comfortable environment for patients and staff.

Solution: The new facility boasts 57 exam rooms, specialized areas for imaging (X-ray, Dexa scan, and ultrasound), a processing lab, spacious waiting areas, and modern amenities like break rooms and conference rooms. Factory-controlled construction ensured high-quality standards, including a Level 4 finish on gypsum walls, solid core-stained doors, and 9’6” ceilings. These features not only enhance functionality but also create a welcoming atmosphere that fosters patient trust and staff satisfaction.

Problem 3: Alignment with Campus Aesthetics
The USA Healthcare Authority wanted the new clinic to blend seamlessly with the university campus’s architectural style while maintaining durability in a hurricane-prone region.

Solution: The building’s exterior was designed with reversed Hardi Panel and an EIFS system, replicating the appearance of brick structures on campus. Additionally, the structure was engineered to withstand 170 MPH winds, ensuring it met regional safety standards without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.

Problem 4: Budget Constraints
Healthcare organizations often operate within strict budgetary limits, making cost-effective solutions essential. The USA Healthcare Authority required a facility that delivered exceptional value without inflating costs.

Solution: Modular construction reduced both material waste and on-site labor costs, while the expedited timeline minimized financial outlays associated with delays. Quick Buildings Modular provided a permanent, high-quality facility that met the healthcare authority’s needs within budget.

By addressing these challenges through innovative modular construction, Quick Buildings Modular empowered the USA Healthcare Authority with a long-lasting, cost-effective, and high-performing solution tailored to their unique requirements. The project stands as a testament to the transformative potential of modular building for healthcare providers.

Recognition

The USA Healthcare Authority project received an Honorable Mention in the 2023 Modular Building Institute Awards for Permanent Modular Healthcare facilities over 10,000 sq. ft., highlighting its architectural excellence, technical innovation, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion

The successful collaboration between Quick Buildings Modular, Persons Services Corp., and Diamond Builders, Inc. demonstrates the transformative potential of modular construction in the healthcare industry. By delivering a high-quality, permanent medical facility in record time, this project serves as a model for healthcare providers and industry business owners seeking efficient and effective building solutions.

For more information on modular medical buildings and how they can benefit your healthcare practice, visit Quick Buildings Modular’s Medical Solutions page.