UNC Hospitals Hillsborough Campus Expansion and Renovation

Project Overview

The UNC Hospitals Hillsborough Campus provides integrated, convenient, and patient-centered care for patients in Hillsborough, NC, and surrounding areas. The existing campus includes an emergency department, outpatient surgery, inpatient services, and a medical office building. Moreover, it combines a community hospital culture with the innovative procedures and care for which the UNC Medical Center is known.

The addition of a new patient bed tower reinforces UNC Health’s commitment to patient care and healthcare system design. This renovation serves as a system-wide destination for inpatient rehabilitation services. As part of the Master Plan, this 102,000 SF expansion adds 80 beds to the UNC Hospitals Hillsborough campus. 30 beds are designated for rehabilitation, whereas 50 beds are for medical-surgical care. Patient rooms are flexible and can be converted from medical-surgical to rehabilitation spaces as needed.

Functional Post-Occupancy Evaluation (FPOE)

During the design phase, the team conducted a Functional Post-Occupancy Evaluation (FPOE) on the existing bed tower. This evaluation identified areas for improvement, ensuring planning and design decisions met real-time operational performance and measurable outcomes. We also employed evidence-based design strategies to right-size patient rooms and care environments. This balanced efficiency with flexibility through acuity-adaptable rooms capable of supporting intermediate care and rehabilitation patients. As a result, the team increased the patient room size while consolidating support spaces. The patient rooms increased from 250 SF to 280 SF. Also, 100% of the patient bathrooms are ADA compliant. Complete ADA compliance ensures a seamless transition between different levels of patient care.

Our design team also led the user groups through an interactive Lean planning activity to help identify the guiding principles for the project. We implemented space syntax and workflow analyses to evaluate both existing and future-state layouts. This improved staff visibility, reduced caregiver travel distances, and enabled more time at the bedside. As a result, it supported safe, efficient care delivery.

Additionally, we applied Target Value Design across key building systems, including the exterior façade, interior finishes, and Central Utility Plant. This aligned design decisions with cost targets while preserving durability, performance, and long-term value. Prefabrication strategies and disciplined programming further supported budget control without compromising quality or adaptability. The project reflects BSA’s deep understanding of North Carolina’s regulatory environment. It also shows our ability to deliver right-sized, high-performing facilities that meet current needs while remaining flexible for future demand.

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