Solar Powered Teaching Hospital in Haiti

Sustainable does not only mean supportive for the environment, sometimes it supports an entire population. It is the case of the Mirebalais Hospital in Haiti, a state of the art 320 bed teaching facility powered by solar panels. After the devastating earthquake of January 2010, this ecofriendly jewel has been redesigned and donated by Nicholas Clark Architects. The structure's energy supply will be supplemented by the solar panels on the roof, ensuring that the facility is never without power - especially during the frequent outages. Natural ventilation is used for the cooling as well as to prevent the trasmission of airborne diseases, like tuberculosis, and is encouraged through the design of the integrated garden and courtyards. Lighting will engage with the hot tropical sun, with natural daylighting used to spare energy for hospital equipment.
All of these features maximise the efficiency of the hospital, providing a fundamental service without digging into the area's energy supplies. What is even more amazing is that all of the funds for the hospital have come from direct donations from individuals and firms through Partners In Health.
Construction is expected to be complete in January 2012. Click here to read more.