Novant Health Scotts Hill Medical Center
Designed to expand access to advanced healthcare services in a growing coastal community, this hospital addition combines patient-centered care, operational efficiency, and resilient design strategies tailored to its vulnerable waterfront setting.
LOCATION Wilmington, NC
COMPLETED 2026
SIZE 219,000 SF
PHOTOGRAPHER Jordan Powers
Resilient Infrastructure
Connected to an existing freestanding emergency department, the 78-bed community hospital includes inpatient and intensive care units, eight operating rooms, five procedure spaces, and comprehensive diagnostic and support services. Responding to the challenges of its coastal location, critical functions including the surgical suite, generators, and air-handling equipment are elevated above grade and protected within the building envelope to support continuity of care during severe weather events. The building’s glazing strategy maximizes natural daylight in patient rooms and perioperative spaces while incorporating screening elements and louvers that enhance solar performance and provide protection from windborne debris.
Designing for Efficiency
The facility is organized around a centrally located imaging department, laboratory, and pharmacy, creating convenient access for both emergency and inpatient care areas. Inpatient units support caregiver efficiency through decentralized workstations and strategically placed support spaces, while a ground-level dining venue opens to an outdoor courtyard that promotes well-being and connection to nature. To accelerate delivery and improve construction quality, the project incorporates prefabricated exterior wall panels, modular mechanical racks, and prefabricated bathroom pods, bringing innovative construction methods to a highly complex healthcare environment.
