Market: Healthcare

Expanding Access to Behavioral Health Services

This three-story addition to the existing Southwood Psychiatric Inpatient Hospital adds 66,371 square feet of space and provides 108 new inpatient beds, significantly expanding the facility’s capacity to serve children and adolescents facing behavioral health challenges. In addition to residential and inpatient treatment services, the new space includes a wide variety of recreational amenities designed to support both physical and mental well-being—most notably a full track and basketball court, creating an environment that promotes movement, engagement, and healing.

Navigating Site Challenges

Located in Pittsburgh, PA, this project presented its fair share of site-specific challenges. During early site preparation and grading, our team discovered that the hospital’s primary power line—running from Boyce Plaza Road into the existing facility—was directly beneath the proposed building pad for the new addition. This unexpected obstacle threatened to delay the schedule by approximately six weeks, as relocation of the power line was a prerequisite for continuing with foundation work.

Instead of accepting this delay as inevitable, Warfel’s team proactively evaluated the construction schedule and identified a solution. By re-sequencing the work and creating an access road behind the future building, we were able to pour the slab-on-grade and slab-on-deck on the rear half of the building while steel erection progressed on the front half. This strategic adjustment allowed construction to move forward despite the utility conflict, mitigating the delay and keeping the project aligned with the overall timeline.

Leveraging Prior Experience for Long-Term Success

Drawing on our previous experience with Acadia Healthcare projects, our team brought deep knowledge of the owner’s standards—particularly in building envelope performance. Early in the project, we led a collaborative review of window flashing details with the design team and building envelope consultant. This proactive approach ensures a durable, high-performing building and reinforces our shared commitment to long-term value.

Building for a Better Future

Partnering with Acadia Healthcare on this important facility underscores our dedication to advancing access to behavioral health services that make a lasting difference in the communities we serve.

Centerville Family Medicine is one of several projects Warfel has completed for Penn Medicine, showcasing innovative design and efficient space utilization. The clinic is situated on a relatively small plot of land, which presented a unique challenge for maximizing the building’s size while still ensuring ample parking space. To address this, the design incorporates a stormwater system integrated with the parking lot, featuring permeable paving and an underground retention basin. This solution not only meets the client’s requirements but also promotes environmental sustainability.

 

Exterior Design and Finishes

 

The exterior of the clinic boasts high-end finishes that enhance its aesthetic appeal. A thin brick panelized system, combined with architectural block elements, creates a striking appearance. Expansive glass storefronts bring in an abundance of natural light, helping to create an open and welcoming environment. The 9,000-square-foot building, supported by a steel structural frame, is designed with a flat roof and a concrete slab on a grade foundation, ensuring durability and stability.

 

Interior Design and Features

 

Inside, the design emphasizes modern finishes that are both functional and visually appealing. The metal panel ceiling system offers a sleek and industrial look, while rustic wood paneling on an accent wall adds warmth and character to the space. The flooring is both durable and attractive, made with resilient materials that can withstand high traffic while maintaining an inviting aesthetic. A unique feature is the curved solid surface reception desk, which is integrated with glass panels, adding a touch of elegance to the entryway.

To further enhance the overall ambiance, decorative accent lighting is strategically placed throughout the clinic, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for both patients and staff. The HVAC and electrical systems were carefully selected to meet performance requirements, while also prioritizing energy efficiency and reliability. This ensures the clinic operates smoothly and sustainably, providing a comfortable and efficient environment for all who visit.

This facility provides a full spectrum of behavioral health services. With 144 beds, the hospital operates within 12 wings. The hospital includes inpatient adolescent, adult, and geriatric psychiatric care; partial hospitalization; intensive outpatient program services; outpatient counseling; physician professional services and consultation; and chemical dependency treatment.

Designed to service a wide variety of conditions, the patient units consist of noisy and quiet activity rooms, group therapy suites, and exam and consult spaces. Additional patient resources include a dining hall, gymnasium, larger group therapy spaces, a full kitchen, and administrative areas. Outdoor activity yards are located on each patient wing.

The project involved the comprehensive demolition of approximately half of the existing emergency department and two other hospital interior spaces to make room for a multi-phased renovation. A new isolated “Behavioral Health Pod” was added, consisting of five patient rooms, a nurse’s station, and a lounge-style waiting area. It also included a new security office, entry vestibule, waiting room, triage, fast-track treatment rooms, staff work rooms, and a dedicated IT/data equipment room.