July 15, 2019
Orlando Health engaged KTH to plan and design a new skilled nursing facility (SNF) housing 60 beds for Post-Acute Rehabilitation, 40 beds of Memory Care, and 10 beds of Hospice Care to be operated by Cornerstone Hospice, located on the southeast corner of the Health Central Hospital campus in Central Florida. KTH balanced schedule constraints and budget considerations, to deliver a building that emphasizes hospitality within the nursing environment. The resulting structure is four-story, onsite cast tilt-up concrete panels at all exterior and elevator core area and stair enclosure walls, and is scheduled to open in July 2019.
The design concept of destination rehabilitation evolved to become a four-story resort hotel environment with a prominent main entrance and canopy aligned with Hempel Avenue with direct access from the south at Old Winter Garden Road in Ocoee, Florida. Addressing the natural drop in grade to the north, the Memory Care residents will occupy the Ground Floor level in a natural setting with safe and secured access to nature.
The Main First Floor level presents a resort-type environment with a Rooftop Terrace, a Rehab Therapy Gym (inpatient and outpatient), a Resident and Visitor Café, a Concierge-type Reception and Administration areas, and a dedicated Hospice Care Wing. The Second and Third Floors each contain two, 15-private patient stay bed Wings with rooms oriented to optimize natural light and outside views. This canted orientation creates a rhythm of corridor alcoves emulating a luxury hotel while supporting progressive patient therapy.
Each space was meticulously sized and configured to provide maximum usable and multi-functional square footage, and the design was delivered in adherence within the client’s budget parameters. In strict compliance with Orlando Health quality standards and the requirements of the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA), the new Center for Rehabilitation incorporates common use elements while maintaining opportunities for the future development. The vision for the future of the facility includes a Ground-Floor level Memory Care Garden and a First-Floor level Rehabilitation Therapy Patio.