Ronald McDonald House Atlantic, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
The Ronald McDonald House Atlantic (RMHA) is excited to announce its plans for a new 43,398-square-foot facility at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. This expansion is aimed at meeting the increasing demand for services for patients and families receiving care at the pediatric hospital and trauma center.
Previously, RMHA had to turn away families in need of assistance. The new facility will be larger and will allow the charity to serve an additional 600 families per year.
Supportive services for IWK Health Centre patients
The new facility will feature an increase in the number of family rooms from 18 to 36, as well as four larger suites including two-bedroom apartments with a kitchen space for families with long-term stays or immunocompromised children. Additionally, there will be a communal kitchen and dining area, outdoor eating and play area, and common areas for socializing.
Patients will also have access to a “cape room” where kids can gain superpowers to battle their illness, and a “magic room” where they can celebrate the completion of their stay.
Exterior and interior design details
The courtyard building will be modeled after university college residences, creating an outdoor sanctuary from the surrounding city and hospital. A vibrant red tile wall at the entrance will offer a sense of warmth, reminiscent of the original RMHA house.
The ground floor will feature administrative and common spaces, such as activity rooms, a parlor, play areas, lounge space, and a shared kitchen and dining room. A terrace with play equipment will feed into and off the activity rooms and wrap around the building to meet the kitchen.
Resident floors will be stacked in a five-story block, each accommodating eight family bedrooms and one larger family suite, each with its own bathroom.
Designing for flexibility
The floorplate will be designed for flexibility and to adapt and evolve as needed without undue restrictions. The design also takes advantage of the existing site slope to create a partial basement for servicing and other program spaces.
Overall, the project will be designed to replicate the spaces found in a family’s own home, supporting families on their care journey.
For more Ronald McDonald House projects, click here.
Ronald McDonald House Charities Atlantic project details
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Completion date: First quarter 2024
Owner: Ronald McDonald House Charities Atlantic
Total building area: 43,398 sq. ft.
Total construction cost: Confidential
Cost/sq. ft.: Confidential
Architecture firm: Montgomery Sisam Architects in association with Lydon Lynch Architects
Interior design: By & Large Studios, Sarah Bauemler
General contractor: RCS Construction
Engineering: Campbell Comeau Engineering (structural), M&R Engineering (mechanical & electrical), Able Engineering Services Inc. (civil)
Builder: RCS Construction
