Clinic Design and Z8000 Standards

Based on over 30 years of design and planning experience, D.A. Horvath Consultants is fully conversant with delivering cutting-edge design and planning services for medical and clinical facilities, including Z8000 compliant clinical and outpatient projects. Our team, well-versed in the Z8000 standards, combines creativity and precision to craft architecturally appealing facilities that prioritise functionality, all in compliance with the highest Canadian standards set by the Z8000 guidelines, including stringent infection control protocols. Spatial planning is meticulously executed to optimise patient flow and operational efficiency, while technological integration incorporates state-of-the-art equipment and sustainable solutions.

Our commitment to sustainability extends to energy-efficient systems and environmentally conscious materials meeting infection control protocols and high durability and ease of maintenance standards. We prioritise ongoing collaboration with stakeholders, ensuring our designs align with their vision and professional requirements. Beyond meeting regulatory standards, we strive to set new benchmarks in Canadian healthcare architecture. Our client-centric approach, transparency, and attention to detail define our design and planning management philosophy. Realise the potential of your medical and clinical project with our expertise, where, when required, our firm understands and works with Z8000 compliance for a properly developed and efficient healthcare facility.

Design and Space Planning

The starting point in producing the permit and construction drawings is with the space planning and layouts for the new facility. This “floor plan” is the product of applying the client’s requirements into the given floor area while following all the applicable building code parameters. Once the floor plan is completed we move into the next phase of the drawing and design production which is the working drawings to be used for the permit application and for the construction of the project. The working drawings consist of a detailed set of plans and specifications that outline all of the required information for the contractor to build the new project. As well, these drawings are used by the consultants in their work to design the mechanical and electrical systems for the project.

Permitting and Construction Drawings

Obtaining permits to construct a new or to renovate an existing commercial facility is a time consuming and complicated process. Building codes constantly evolve, have become increasingly restrictive in their application, and Cities have become absolute in their adherence to these codes. In order to secure a building permit in a timely manner, it is imperative that the initial submissions to the respective city be complete and correct. The documentation required to apply for a permit (drawings and professional schedules, and related documents) varies widely based on broad set of criteria, and because consultants fees can be add up quickly, and time lines easily drag out, one of our primary services is to first determine the degree of submission a client’s particular project will require, and then set about assembling those documents.

A typical permit application for the construction of a commercial project will include, at minimum:

• Architectural Drawing Set

• Mechanical Engineer’s Drawing Set and Schedules.

• Electrical Engineer’s Drawing Set and Schedules.

• Schedules and Services of a CRP (Certified Registered Professional).

As well, depending on the scope and nature of the project, the city may also request:

• Architectural Seals and Schedules.

• Structural Engineer’s Drawing Sets and Schedules.

• Sprinkler Engineer’s Drawing Sets and Schedules.

• Certification for Hazardous Material Remediation.

• Demolition Drawings.

• Building Envelope Engineering.

• Soils Reports (Geotechnical Engineering).

• Fire Suppression Engineering.

Our position in the permit process is to act as the team coordinator for the above listed disciplines, first by determining what services will be required after an evaluation of the project, and then assembling the team and coordinating them thru the process of document production for the permit submission.