Roper St. Francis Healthcare, in collaboration with E4H Environments for Health Architecture, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), and Barton Malow | Edifice, has commenced construction on the $1.2bn Roper Hospital campus in South Carolina, US.
The project aims to revolutionise healthcare delivery in the Lowcountry by integrating the latest technology, resilience planning, and a patient-focused approach. The latest development marks the fourth location for Roper Hospital, which first opened in downtown Charleston in 1856.
Roper St. Francis Healthcare president and CEO Joseph DeLeon said: “We’re not just erecting walls and hallways. We’re building the next chapter of a nearly 2-century-old story where each brick represents a patient, loved one, teammate or community member who has been or will be touched by our mission of healing all people with compassion, faith and excellence.”
The new hospital, upon completion, will span 805,000ft2 and feature a range of facilities including inpatient beds, an emergency department, critical care units, operating theatres, a comprehensive imaging department, and a haemodialysis unit.
The design strategically places procedure rooms from various disciplines on the same floor to enhance interdepartmental collaboration, particularly in cardiac, neurology, and endoscopy services.
Barton Malow | Edifice is spearheading the construction using a target value delivery method, which allows for design adjustments while adhering to budget constraints. The project faces challenges such as seismic conditions, FAA height restrictions, and a high-water table, but remains on schedule for completion in 2029.
SOM healthcare practice leader Anthony Treu said: “Connectivity and resilience are central to the vision for Roper Hospital’s future campus.
“As the design architects, we’re transforming a constrained suburban site into a cohesive healthcare destination inspired by the landscapes of the Lowcountry.
“The result is a future-ready, resilient campus that enhances access and fosters a supportive, patient-focused environment—setting a new standard for the next century of care.”
