The city of Surrey in British Columbia has been one of Canada’s fastest growing cities for years. In light of the rapid population growth and mounting pressure on healthcare infrastructure, the Surrey Memorial Hospital (SMH) Critical Care Tower emerged as a critical solution to serve such a dynamic region.
Project Name: Surrey Memorial Hospital Critical Care Tower
Studio Name: Parkin Architects
Project Location: Surrey, BC, Canada
Completion Year: 2013
Gross Built Area (m2/ ft2): 400,000 sq ft
Photo Credits: Ed White Photographics
Fraser Health Authority commissioned the project to meet the evolving needs of Surrey, which grew from 50,000 residents in 1959 to over 474,000 by 2013. The CA$512 million project was designed and constructed in phases from July 2013 to February 2014.
Designed by Parkin Architects in joint venture with CEI Architecture (HDR), the 400,000-square-foot, eight-storey tower significantly increased the hospital’s capacity and modernized its clinical capabilities. Under the construction leadership of EllisDon, the expansion added 151 new beds – bringing the total to 650 acute care beds – and created space for 650 additional clinical staff and 300 support staff.
At the heart of the design is a commitment to patient-centered care. More than 80% of patient rooms are private, supporting infection control, privacy, and family involvement. Nearly 20% are equipped with advanced airflow systems to reduce airborne transmission, and each room includes a designated family area with sleeping accommodations.
Major clinical enhancements include a doubling of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), now home to Canada’s first combined neonatal and pediatric pharmacy. The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Acuity Unit (HAU) were each expanded to 25 beds, and inpatient rooms were outfitted with dialysis infrastructure – eliminating the need for vulnerable patients to be transported for treatment.
The facility also reflects a strong emphasis on sustainability and healing design. Natural light, low-VOC materials, and energy-efficient technologies contributed to its LEED Gold certification. A rooftop heliport with direct access to the emergency department improves critical response times for airlifted patients.
Constructing a major facility next to an operational hospital posed significant logistical challenges. To reduce disruption, the project team employed fast-tracked construction methods that ensured uninterrupted care delivery.
Recognized with an Award of Merit in Buildings by the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies British Columbia (ACEC-BC), the SMH Critical Care Tower is more than an infrastructure project – it’s a model for sustainable, future-ready healthcare delivery in Canada’s growing urban centers.
