Crafted with Care: Creating a Healing NICU at UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital

On Mar 17, 2025

Crafted with Care

When UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado, set out to renovate its Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the goal was to create a space that balanced advanced medical care with warmth and comfort. Denver-based Gailun Snow, a firm specializing in healthcare design, was the perfect fit for the project, bringing expertise, empathy, and creativity to the process.

The NICU provides specialized care for Northern Colorado’s most vulnerable newborns, making every design decision critical to patient and caregiver well-being. Working alongside architects from Stanley Beaman & Sears (now part of EYP Architecture), the Gailun Snow team focused on creating an environment that was both uplifting and highly functional. Inspired by Colorado’s mountain landscape, they designed angled hallway walls and a subtle mountain motif in the flooring to reflect the natural beauty of the region.

Supporting a Healing Environment

Selecting the right flooring was essential to ensuring safety, cleanliness, and comfort in the NICU. Mannington Commercial’s resilient sheet flooring was chosen for its industry-leading stain protection, and superior abrasion and slip resistance. Designed to withstand heavy rolling loads and high foot traffic, it also helps create a calming space.

BioSpec MD, with its durable, easy-to-maintain surface, provided the ideal solution. Featuring Quantum Guard Elite® technology, it offers enhanced cleanability and reduced maintenance costs while allowing for the integration of soft, natural tones that seamlessly complement the unit’s aesthetic.

A Human-centric Solution

Throughout the process, the design group engaged with NICU nurses and parents, ensuring the space met both functional and emotional needs. By prioritizing both performance, caregiver support, and patient well-being, UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital has created a NICU that enhances care at every level. With a human-centric focus, the updated facility provides a safe, durable, and healing environment for the tiniest patients and the teams who care for them.

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