Silver Cross Hospital – Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

New Lenox, Illinois


Silver Cross Hospital (SCH) retained Eckenhoff Saunders (ESA) to design a new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on Level 3 of their new CVOR addition (also developed by ESA). The program consisted of (24) private NICU bays, support spaces such as care centers, utility rooms, a central feeding prep room, and family spaces such as a lounge, consult rooms and transition space. ESA split the (24) bays into four “neighborhoods” of six bays each. Each neighborhood was designed around a seasonal theme (summer, fall, winter, spring) using subtle elements such as accent colors and imagery. Two main care centers and workrooms are located strategically between two neighborhoods that service the unit. In addition, ESA incorporated a central feeding prep room to provide nourishment for each patient’s specific needs.

ESA designed the unit using soft and warm tones and finishes to create a calming environment for families. The design team also created several spaces, such as a family lounge and seating niches, allowing families to step away when needed. Another family-oriented feature is the incorporation of a family transition room. The space allows new parents to stay overnight while SCH staff are available for monitoring before checkout.


Credits:

Client/Owner: Silver Cross Hospital

General Contractor: Power Construction

MEP Engineer: IMEG

Photographer: Darris Lee Harris