NBBJ – Ohana Campus, USA

Text provided by NBBJ

An increasing number of young people report suffering from mental health issues, often exacerbated by treatment that typically takes place in institutional-like facilities that isolate rather than heal. NBBJ’s design for the Ohana Campus therefore applies the latest in neuroscience research to provide an inclusive, healing environment for paediatric patients, families and caregivers. The project unites an outpatient clinic with a 16-bed residential programme, as well as holistic resources such as vegetable gardens for therapy, an outdoor amphitheater for group classes and private patios for staff to recharge. The building plays a transformative role in supporting mental health and offers services to community members regardless of their ability to pay for treatment, alongside a full continuum of care, while serving as a prototype for other facilities.

The concept for Ohana was formed from a series of softly curved one-storey volumes that create a welcoming embrace, both inside and out. The primary structure was constructed using mass timber components – these cross-laminated timber floors and glue-laminated timber beams reduce construction waste through large element size and prefabrication. Now completed, this first building of the Ohana Campus’ outpatient programme will later feed into a network of “Ohana Huts” within community schools, paediatric offices and youth service locations