Chatham-Kent Children’s Treatment Centre, Modern Canada hospital, Ontario architecture design
Chatham-Kent Childrens Treatment Centre
17 January 2025
Architecture: Montgomery Sisam Architects
Location: 355 Lark St, Chatham, ON N7L 5B2, Canada
Chatham-Kent Children’s Treatment Centre, Canada
Serving 1 in 5 children in the region, The Chatham-Kent Children’s Treatment Centre (CTC-CK) is a vital community resource that provides ongoing support to children with physical, developmental, and communication challenges.
As CTC-CK identified the need for more space to meet community demand, it engaged Montgomery Sisam Architects to design a new, expanded facility that could better serve Chatham-Kent families and be a cornerstone of community support. Expected to be complete in early 2026, the new 58,000-square-foot building will double the size of the current center and introduce new areas for therapy, recreation, and social connection:
• Inclusive and Nature-Integrated Design: The architectural design focuses on adaptability, recognition that we all experience the world differently, and biophilic elements, blending indoor and outdoor spaces to enhance therapy. The building’s structure, inspired by local ecosystems, features terrazzo flooring with leaf inlays of native species like maple leaf and sassafras, while large windows and skylights provide abundant natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
• Distinctive Visual Landmarks for Easy Wayfinding: The center uses colour and variation to create visual landmarks that define unique spaces and assist with intuitive wayfinding. Inspired by local geography and flora — including the Carolinian forest, Lake St. Clair Marshes, and the Thames River — the colour scheme blends a neutral canvas with vibrant accents that mirror the surrounding landscape. These colours help with department identification, bring nature indoors, and enrich the sensory experience for patients and families alike.
• A Warm and Functional Environment for Healing and Growth: The facility’s layout supports both high-energy and tranquil experiences for children, with wide, accessible hallways and various waiting areas for quiet reflection or social engagement. A central enclosed courtyard, or “heart of the building,” acts as a calming retreat for families and patients alike, allowing natural light and fresh air to circulate throughout the center. This core also visually connects with the outdoor playground and therapeutic gardens, creating a continuous flow between indoor and outdoor therapy spaces.
• Family-Centered and Community-Driven: The center is designed to reflect Chatham-Kent’s tight-knit community. The new facility will include a Family Resource Center for peer support and respite, a therapy pool with sensory modulation, and a multi-use gymnasium. A design highlight is the butterfly motif on the building’s façade, symbolizing transformation, resilience, and the “butterfly home” that CTC-CK represents for families.
• Sustainable Design for Long-Term Community Use: Built with sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems, including a geothermal field and high-performance triple-glazed windows, CTC-CK is designed to adapt to future needs.
• A Local Milestone in Accessible Healthcare: The facility’s new one-story layout ensures that all therapy rooms, administrative offices, and recreation areas are easily accessible, creating an inclusive environment.
Architecture: Montgomery Sisam Architects – https://www.montgomerysisam.com/
Chatham-Kent Children’s Treatment Centre in Ontario, Canada, images / information received 170125
Address: 355 Lark St, Chatham, ON N7L 5B2, Canada
Phone: +1 519-354-0520
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