The behavioral health unit at Providence's Colby Campus in Everett aims to address the region's ongoing behavioral health treatment shortage. The project includes a remodel of the A-Wing's 4th floor to support a 24-bed inpatient Med-Psych unit. The space supports an increased demand for mental health admissions which rose during the COVID-19 pandemic.

State-of-the-art medical safety features ensure patient protection throughout their stay. Carefully crafted design features and space planning allow patients to experience a sense of outdoor connectivity, including nature-focused imagery and views of the nearby sound. 

After work on the Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) was complete, Providence tasked the team with creating an innovative outdoor solution to address further the obstacles surrounding current mental health care. Working with local Everett metal contractor Ricketts Metal, the team transformed a former helicopter landing pad on the hospital's rooftop into a 1,600-square-foot outdoor patio for the BHU patients. Patients with previously minimal outdoor access now enjoy fresh air and views of Possession Sound, the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges, and the surrounding Everett community. 

The crew needed to balance preserving the picturesque views with ensuring the space was safe and secure. Enclosing the rooftop patio in 12-foot blue fences maintained the patient's panoramic mountain view and access to direct sunlight while providing a secure environment. Rolling cylinders located atop the fence system prevent scaling the enclosure.   

The entire patio incorporates a tone and theme of deep blue undertones throughout the floor, fencing, and murals for a cohesive and therapeutic aesthetic. The deep blue color of the gemstone lapis lazuli inspired both the name and design of the Lapis Rooftop Patio. One mural created by Western Neon, a local Seattle sign shop, incorporates a mountain theme while the patio floor's rainbow of green, purple, and blue ties into the surrounding landscape.