Designing for Dignity – Lessons From Building the Cordilleras Behavioral Health Campus

This session will share how Skanska, in partnership with San Mateo County and CannonDesign, delivered the new Cordilleras Behavioral Health campus. The project consists of four small-scale recovery centers plus a co‑housing building, for which Skanska had to integrate trauma‑informed design, anti‑ligature and commissioning requirements, biophilic strategies, noise and operations mitigation adjacent to an active facility, and solutions for low‑carbon/net‑zero performance. We’ll unpack how early, collaborative decision‑making prevents costly rework and ensures safety. Finally, we’ll discuss the sustainability strategies implemented to pursue low‑energy/net‑zero targets without compromising safety, security, or durability. Attendees will leave with replicable checklists, coordination tips, and lessons learned they can apply to behavioral health projects of all sizes.

Upon completion of this course, the Learner should be able to:

• Identify construction and design strategies (e.g., small-scale residential clustering, daylight and views, exterior rooms, trauma informed sightlines, acoustics) that support mental and physical wellbeing in behavioral health facilities.
• Analyze constructability risks unique to behavioral health (e.g., concealed outlets, ceiling access in high-risk zones, adjacent facility sensitivities) and prioritize early decisions that avoid rework and schedule impacts.
• Apply practical methods to maintain a healing environment during adjacent construction, including noise monitoring/attenuation, worker onboarding and language protocols, and onsite tool control.
• Evaluate site selection to maximize environmental healing benefits and outdoor spaces.

Approximately 1 hour. Delivered via webinar or face-to-face presentation. Available sessions shown below.

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