We often think about state-of-the-art medical facilities, compassionate staff, and advanced treatments when thinking about healthcare systems. However, healthcare institutions like the CHRISTUS-Santa Rosa Healthcare System recognize the importance of aesthetics and ambiance in their corporate headquarters. To achieve this, H3 Construction embarked on a unique journey with Outside the Lines, a company known for its innovative water feature designs. The result? A stunning feature fountain outside their corporate headquarters.

Designing a multi-elevation water feature

One of the most intriguing aspects of this project is the suspended deck location of the feature fountain. To create this masterpiece, the design called for multiple elevations, bubblers, flow lights, and overspill for the water feature. This complex design adds depth and character to the outdoor space to create a visually captivating effect.

The unique challenge: using polystyrene to reduce weight

The structural concrete ingenuity went beyond creating multiple elevations. It extended to the materials used in the project. The feature location proved to be a unique challenge. The structure is on an elevated slab, meaning the project included strict weight restrictions. The design incorporated a polystyrene infill in the center of the concrete to minimize the weight of the concrete on the deck. The core is polystyrene, surrounded by six-inch concrete walls and additional features above.

Finding an alternate material to meet project specs

Using polystyrene in this context isn’t just a matter of reducing weight. Polystyrene is known for its exceptional buoyancy and insulation properties. Finding an appropriate alternative material made it the ideal choice for creating the core of the fountain. Not only does it make the structure lighter, but it also adds a layer of insulation that helps maintain the temperature of the water, ensuring the fountain is operational year-round.

H3 Construction provides innovative installation at CHRISTUS and beyond

The CHRISTUS-Santa Rosa Healthcare System headquarters fountain basin project is a testament to the fusion of innovation and creativity in architecture, design, and successful installation. H3 Construction successfully transformed and created the base for a stunning multi-elevation water feature that will leave a lasting impression on anyone visiting the headquarters. This project serves as a reminder of the endless possibilities of structural concrete.

Begin the bid process today to learn more about what we can do to upgrade your commercial space using innovative concrete design.