A modern building featuring angular roof lines extending in various directions, with a central entry adorned entirely with floor-to-ceiling windows. In front, rows of bollards topped with lighting serve the dual purpose of illuminating and safeguarding the clinic's entrance

Fort Knox Ireland Army Health Clinic

Sustainable design triumph

Project Facts

Location Fort Knox, Kentucky
Owner U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Size 101,000 SF
Cost $36 million
Status Completed 2020
Certifications LEED Gold

Overview

Our team specializes in innovative structural engineering, exemplified by our design for the Ireland Army Health Clinic. Through advanced moment framing, we seamlessly merged modern aesthetics with structural integrity, maximizing natural light and spaciousness within the facility. The design met rigorous security and vibration control standards to ensure the clinic’s resilience and compliance with DOD objectives all while incorporating beauty and environmental consciousness in our design.

In the foreground, a well-maintained lawn and natural-stone wall precede a modern building featuring a V-shaped roofline design and a predominantly windowed front facade, with the roof extending into a covered overhang for the walkway. In the distance, a metal bicycle rack is visible.

About the project

Following base changes at Fort Knox, the previous Ireland Army Community Hospital was deemed much larger than was necessary to meet the community’s needs. The Army decided that the aging facility needed to be replaced, resulting in the Ireland Army Health Clinic. The clinic was designed to create a patient and family-friendly environment. It was imperative to improve the quality and safety of care while still designing for future flexibility and growth.

We used moment framing around the perimeter to allow for more windows and an open facade. Additionally, with the moment frame, our team was able to achieve brace-free interiors for building flexibility in the future.

Secure design and specific vibration criteria were necessary for this clinic. A hardened facade design to meet DOD requirements took special consideration as it includes special overhangs, a two-story curtain wall, and an interior clerestory. The building was also designed to meet the Facilities Guidelines Institute (FGI) vibration requirements.

The new facility includes physical therapy, primary and specialty care clinics, laboratories, radiology, pharmacy, and mental health care.

Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the bright, modern interior with natural light, complementing the open floor plan. The architecture boasts a mix of straight and angled lines in the roof and walls, with contemporary rounded tables and seating, while light tile and brick enhance the aesthetic. A sleek stairwell towards the back leads to a second floor.

Awards

2022 DBIA National Merit Award