During its more than hundred-year history, the Baylor University Medical Center has grown from a 25-bed clinic to a nationally-recognized hospital that treats thousands of patients. The recent modernization of the facility complemented the existing university campus, harmonized modern healing techniques with natural materials, and achieved LEED Gold certification.

9Wood was first awarded the wood ceiling contract for the curved corridor late in the summer of 2009. The building was designed as an elliptical arc that lined up with an imaginary apogee. Innovative design solutions as well as extreme coordination with other trades and finishes were required to accommodate the design intent, acoustic performance and access requirements.

The design presented several challenges, beginning with the unusually-shaped panels. FSC Red Oak had been selected as the species for its natural color, strength, beauty and contribution to LEED certification. However, achieving trapezoidal- and triangular-shaped panels that conformed to a curve and also provided the required acoustical performance via face kerfs was extremely challenging. Borders with kerfs were designed unique to each panel, requiring a high level of coordination from drafting through production to installation.

The accessibility requirement for the plenum above the ceiling was another design challenge. The ceiling would have to utilize two types of suspension systems without compromising the overall look and feel. 9Wood’s Lift & Lock system offered accessibility by allowing the individual panels to be removed after installation, while the XL Channel system was ideal for the fixed panels around light fixtures. However, because the two attachment systems yielded different installed depths, a new fitting was developed specifically for this project to re-align the faces of the panels.

After the panels were designed and fabrication had begun, 9Wood flew the installing sub-contractor to its facility to train on how to field cut, handle and install the large custom panels. The three phases of the core and shell construction went so well that 9Wood was further contracted for both the tenant finish out and another local job: Texas Oncology. The effort 9Wood invested in planning and coordination up front ultimately resulted in 9Wood having zero punch list items at the final inspection.