Expanding and consolidating its services in southwest Ohio, Dayton Children’s Hospital opened a new, five-story, 152,000 square-foot Specialty Care Center with a distinctive metal façade in custom blue.

Housing more than 30 pediatric specialties on four floors of outpatient clinic space, with a fifth-floor shell space for future expansion, 3A Composites ALUCOBOND PLUS. 4MM aluminum composite material faceted panels protrude from blocks of windows across the facade.

“The custom Dayton Children’s Blue panels made with ALUCOBOND PLUS—along with the Brushed and Sterling Silver—beautifully coordinate with the brick and curtainwalls,” explains David Glover, principal, of Champlin Architecture. “The product provides a finished look that is modern and vivid, while also being easy to maintain. It’s a win-win.”

Capitalizing on its location on Route 4, a main road running through Dayton, the design team, together with 3A Composites, fabricated and installed a full-sized mock-up of an ALUCOBOND PLUS Dayton Children’s Blue panel. The group then drove up and down the thoroughfare to study the color in shifting angles of the sun at different times of day. Evolving from blue to green, the customized color presented the dynamic look the architects were seeking.

Sporting the hospital’s signature blue color, the customized hue displays a vivid, branded exterior, further establishing the hospital’s regional presence.

The metal cladding blends with other Dayton Children’s Hospital bulidings also clad in blue ALUCOBOND PLUS panels.

The ACM panels lend durability, longevity and low maintenance–all key qualities for healthcare facilities. The material is sustainable as its made from a high percentage of recycled materials and is 100% recyclable. The flat material is also versatile, formable and resistant to weather. In addition, the panels reflect the sun’s energy, thereby reduced heat absorption and the urban heat island effect.

The new facility houses more than 30 pediatric specialties including orthopedics, pulmonology, neurology, gastroenterology, endocrinology and diabetes. Diagnostic testing is co-located near the clinics for patient convenience, and flexibility was built into the exam rooms to enable multiple specialties to examine patients, if needed.

The center features e a bio-simulation lab where surgeons can both train on the latest techniques using lifelike patient simulators that react physiologically, and educate medical students, residents, patients and their families. Another amenity is a water therapy tank where orthopedic patients can exercise.

The atrium and waiting areas are decorated with color, engaging artwork, interactive activities and an outdoor garden.