The Fredericksburg Veterans Affairs Outpatient Center represents a forward-thinking model for veteran-focused healthcare, blending design innovation with regional character, flexibility, and a deep commitment to wellness. As the largest privately-owned VA medical center in the United States, the 471,121 SF facility is set within a thoughtfully planned 48-acre site near Interstate 95. Drawing from the historic charm of Fredericksburg, the design takes the form of a “clinical village”—a collection of smaller, interconnected buildings that reduce the sense of institutional scale and foster familiarity, comfort, and community. This village-like approach is more than aesthetic; it’s fundamental to how the facility supports the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of its users. The site features four distinct healing gardens, each offering a unique sensory, functional, or social experience, along with a memorial that honors service members. Carefully considered pathways and landscape design encourage movement, rest, and reflection. Interior spaces prioritize natural light, acoustic balance, and visual clarity. Large windows and glass façades bring daylight into staff areas, patient rooms, and waiting spaces. Lighting levels are tuned to specific uses, and thermal comfort is maintained through zones of climate control. Acoustic comfort is achieved through expert design, supporting quiet, calm environments throughout the facility. At the core of the center’s strategy is its emphasis on Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ). The design meets ASHRAE 62.1 standards for ventilation, includes MERV 14 filtration, and uses low-VOC finishes and mold-resistant materials. The building envelope is optimized for performance, with high insulation values, reduced glazing ratios, and effective moisture and pollutant control. Additional safeguards such as radon testing and air quality assessments prior to occupancy ensure a healthy indoor environment from day one.

Sustainability is seamlessly integrated into every aspect of the project. Energy-efficient lighting with occupancy sensors, a high-performance HVAC system, and envelope design contribute to significant energy savings over baseline standards. Water efficiency is achieved through EPA Water Sense-compliant fixtures, smart irrigation strategies, and low-water-use equipment. Additionally, a substantial portion of construction waste was diverted from landfills, reinforcing the project’s environmental stewardship. In recognition of these achievements, the project was awarded two Green Globes, affirming its excellence in sustainable design and environmental performance. The facility’s modular structural grid was intentionally designed for long-term flexibility, allowing future reconfiguration of clinical spaces with minimal disruption. This future-readiness, combined with the use of universal access principles, including generous circulation paths, accessible restrooms, and dispersed vertical transportation, ensures the center can evolve with the needs of the veterans it serves. Wayfinding throughout the building supports ease of use and reduces anxiety. Internal “streets” guide patients and visitors intuitively, with each service line having a clearly identified entrance, registration, and waiting area.

More than a medical center, the Fredericksburg VA Outpatient Center is a holistic, resilient environment that reflects the dignity of those it serves. Its thoughtful balance of community presence, clinical function, and long-term adaptability sets a precedent for how healthcare spaces can honor service, promote wellness, and prepare for the future.

Design: Little Diversified Architectural Consulting
Photography: Keith Isaacs