WNC Birth Center

The WNC Birth Center aims to create “a safe, comfortable environment where birth is normal and women’s health can thrive”. We were excited about the opportunity to work with this new and noble organization, and together, we transformed a vacant medical office building located near the Mission Hospital campus into the first out-of-hospital birth center to serve the greater Asheville and Western North Carolina area.

From the outset, we worked closely with the Birth Center Board members, staff, and midwives to understand their vision and identify their needs. The renovation included finish upgrades to the existing lobby, front administrative offices, doctors’ offices, exam rooms, and counseling rooms, as well as reworking the existing layout to provide a new education classroom space. Another portion of the existing office space was remodeled to provide a new birthing center area with a nurses’ station, staff lounge, laundry room, and three new birthing suites that included free-standing birthing tubs, private bathrooms with walk-in showers, sinks and toilets, and a spacious bed-sitting area reflecting the comforts of home.

The WNC Birth Center also includes a family gathering room and kitchen in which spouses, family, and children can relax and enjoy meals. The plumbing, mechanical, and electric service were all upgraded to meet the demands of the new center. Sustainable design elements of the renovation include no-VOC paints, low-chemical carpets with recycled content, acoustical ceiling tiles with recycled content, new energy efficient LED lighting, low flow plumbing fixtures, and an on-demand hot water heater, all contributing to the quality and comfort of the space for the Asheville and regional birthing community.

General Contractor: Carolina Cornerstone Construction
Structural Engineer: Medlock Engineers
MEP Engineer: Sud Associates
Photographer: J. Weiland