“In the face of adversity, the Russian River Health and Wellness Center emerges as a symbol of hope, blending comprehensive care with a resilient design, ensuring a brighter future for Guerneville’s community,” says Chris Warner, principal at ZFA Structural Engineers.

Photo by Michael O’Callahan

Situated on a 100-year floodplain and on the banks of the Russian River, the site presented several issues, including soil settlement and potential flooding. The project required significant vertical concrete; structural steel; metal stud framing supporting pan decking; and concrete.

Original design specifications had a relatively small diameter helical piles, but given the potential for piles to hit buried redwood logs and for existing soils to creep toward the Russian River, the team realized a deep foundation system would be critical.

However, when the original engineer wasn’t able to keep the project within budget and schedule, ZFA took over as structural engineer of record. After the initial plan review, ZFA provided revised design calculations and drawings while avoiding changes to the architectural design or functionality.

To minimize any potential impact on other disciplines, ZFA’s team assessed the compatibility of alternate gravity and bearing system types, such as structural steel, with the existing architectural layout. This was especially important since the previous set of drawings served as a basis for many of the subcontract bids.

With these late stage foundation changes, ZFA teamed with the foundation contractor and its engineering team to develop a foundation system that maximized the capacity of the new drilled displacement piles, thereby reducing the required number of piles. A deep underground support system and thick concrete pilings further reinforce the center’s resilience against natural disasters, such as Russian River flooding.

Photo by courtesy ZFA Structural Engineers

“Designing a health care clinic to withstand a major earthquake and constructing in a floodplain was challenging,” says Josh Grigg, vice president and director of development at GMH Builders Inc. “Despite constraints, ZFA’s elegant design satisfied code requirements, was constructible and met the client’s budget.”

Since the building is a Dept. of Health Care Access and Information Level 3 building, the first floor required flood-resilient construction, including rapidly deployable flood barriers at all entrances and elevators. Meanwhile, a lateral lower level system features concrete shear walls that would result in minimal damage and require less repairs if the site should flood.

Environmental considerations included seasonal work stoppages to minimize impacts on migrating and nesting birds. The facility itself also features energy-efficient systems, green building practices and eco-friendly materials to reduce its environmental impact.