Kayenta Health Center Prioritizes Wellness, Relationship with Landscape

Kayenta Health Center, operated by Indian Health Service, has been awarded LEED Gold from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Located on the Navajo Nation in Arizona, Kayenta Health Center opened in 2016 and offers an array of outpatient and inpatient services to the local Navajo (Diné) community. The 182,000-square-foot hospital incorporates cultural concepts of place, health and wellness and provides traditional healing space and a strong visual connection to the surrounding landscape. Evidence-Based Design principles promote a healthful environment for patients and staff. It was designed by Dekker/Perich/Sabatini and built by Flintco, LLC.

“Kayenta Health Center prioritizes wellness, which is integral to the Navajo culture, as well as to the philosophy of IHS staff,” said Max Parrill, principal of Dekker/Perich/Sabatini. “It also has a sincere relationship with the landscape – a response to the Navajo perspective and input – and offers outstanding views at the edge of Monument Valley. The building respects the community and landscape with sustainable design, construction and operations that will save energy, water and operating costs over the life of the building.”

The hospital responds to the climate through building orientation and fenestration to mitigate sun and wind. A central plant for hot and chilled water exceeds energy codes and water use. Additionally, shade structures and wind barriers protect exterior courtyards, and roof water drains into native plantings. The building’s sustainable design efficiently uses natural resources and supports a healthy environment for the community.

Photo courtesy of Kirk Gittings.