Healthcare construction in California is critically important as the state faces growing population demands, evolving medical technologies and increasing needs for emergency preparedness. Building modern, resilient healthcare facilities ensures better patient outcomes, supports healthcare professionals with efficient work environments and enhances access to care in both urban and underserved communities. As a leader in delivering sustainable healthcare environments, Hensel Phelps meets these evolving needs through an integrated approach to design, construction and operations that prioritizes energy efficiency, resiliency and occupant well-being. By aligning sustainability with innovation, Hensel Phelps continues to set the standard for forward-thinking healthcare infrastructure, supporting community health and environmental stewardship.
Innovative Sustainability Practices Transform Healthcare Design and Construction
Hensel Phelps has consistently integrated advanced sustainable design and construction practices into its projects, aiming to minimize environmental impact while enhancing the quality of healthcare facilities. Notably, UCI Health – Irvine exemplifies this commitment. As the first medical campus in the U.S. to operate entirely on an all-electric central utility plant, it aims to transform the healthcare industry in sustainability and climate-conscious innovation. Similarly, the Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center stands as one of the most energy-efficient full-service hospitals globally. These projects underscore Hensel Phelps’ dedication to advancing healthcare infrastructure that aligns with environmental stewardship and community well-being.
UCI Health – Irvine
The UCI Health – Irvine project is the first U.S. hospital with an all-electric central utility plant. Located next to the San Joaquin Marsh, it features a turtle fence and frit shading design to protect nearby endangered wildlife and prevent bird strikes. Hensel Phelps is delivering the project in multiple phases, with the ambulatory care center, central utility plant and parking structure being turned over ahead of schedule.
Hensel Phelps turned over the ambulatory care center, central utility plant and parking structure ahead of schedule.
The UCI Health – Irvine campus will undoubtedly have a dramatic impact on the delivery of exceptional healthcare in Orange County. We couldn’t ask for a better partner than the Hensel Phelps + CO Architects team to deliver this meaningful project for UCI, UCI Health and the whole region.”
Brian Pratt, AIA, DBIA, LEED AP, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Campus Architect of Design and Construction Services
Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center
The award-winning Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center stands out as a pioneering healthcare facility–the first hospital in California, the second in the United States, and the third globally to achieve LEED Platinum certification for healthcare. It was also the first hospital in the country to implement 100% LED lighting and active chilled beam technology, resulting in a remarkable 30% increase in energy efficiency over previous Kaiser Template hospital designs and an ENR California Project of the Year award.
Hensel Phelps delivered the campus $33 million under budget and six months early, allowing the hospital to begin treating patients six months ahead of schedule.
Hensel Phelps delivered this project six months early and $33 million under budget.
I will forever sing the praises to the outside world of how great Hensel Phelps’ work is and how much of a pleasure it was working with you.”
Judy Brooking, SFA at Kaiser Permanente