In collaboration with Mahlum of Seattle, Kumin provided programming and design for this $105M replacement hospital in Nome, Alaska. The 19-bed facility includes a full range of inpatient, outpatient and support services in a comprehensive 144,000 SF structure. Medical spaces include laboratory, ambulatory surgery, emergency department, diagnostic imaging, respiratory therapy, pharmacy, primary care, dental, optometry, audiology, acute care and labor and delivery. The laboratory supports diagnostics including hematology, serology and urinalysis for primary care, surgery, emergency and acute care.

The ambulatory surgery clinic provides one Class-C operating room, one Endoscopy suite, and five recovery beds. 

The facility is central to the primary care of approximately 10,000 indigenous Native Alaskans living in the rural villages throughout the Norton Sound area, as well as local Nome residents. Inupiat, Siberian Yupik and Yup’ik people of the Bering Strait region of northwest Alaska are served by the facility, which also supports a system of satellite clinic in fifteen coastal and island villages. 

The hospital enables state of the art technology in healthcare delivery and is a landmark for Nome, as well as a flagship healthcare facility within the NSHC. This Federally funded greenfield replacement hospital did not require a CON.

This project had challenges unique to its extreme arctic location. The site is underlain by relatively warm ice-rich permafrost, necessitating design of a pile-supported structure. The foundation system utilizes driven steel piles and passive two-phase thermoprobes. The structure is raised to keep a minimum four-foot air space between the underside of the building soffit and the gravel pad. 

Logistical challenges included careful consideration of barge schedules, as all building materials needed to be shipped to the remote location.

Prior to design, the project team conducted extensive community outreach, traveling throughout the 44,000-square-mile service area to meet with community leaders, elders and residents. Through this, we gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and needs of healthcare delivery for this remote region’s inhabitants. Interior design details, including wayfinding, regionally-procured handicrafts and artwork were thoughtfully and respectfully incorporated into the overall design aesthetic. Natural daylighting and views are also incorporated throughout the building.