Rhode Island — With behavioral health needs rising across the state, Butler Hospital and Care New England partnered with DPR Construction to build a new 25-bed short-stay behavioral health unit designed to improve access to care and create a healing-focused environment.
The project was completed ahead of schedule and on budget, thanks to DPR’s self-perform work (SPW) teams, who brought precision, flexibility, and craftsmanship to every stage of construction.
Safety and Craftsmanship in Every Detail
Behavioral health facilities require a unique approach to construction. DPR’s team incorporated tamper-resistant fixtures, pressure-sensitive doorknobs, rounded corners, and custom carpentry to ensure patient safety and dignity.
Walls were built with double layers for strength and durability, while curved layouts required skilled backcutting of plywood to achieve a seamless, safe finish. Sliding doors were installed with exacting tolerances of just 1/16 of an inch to prevent barricading, and lighting was integrated into complex soffit designs with practical, buildable solutions.
Early Collaboration for Smarter Results
DPR engaged in a design-assist approach from the start, collaborating closely with architects, clinicians, and hospital staff. This early involvement allowed the team to refine materials and systems in real time, ensuring both safety and cost-effectiveness.
Practical design adjustments—like switching to cost-saving anti-ligature windows—helped save $40,000 while maintaining safety standards. Careful planning also minimized noise and vibration impacts in the active hospital environment.
Built for Flexibility and Future Care
The new unit features a pod system with movable partitions, allowing it to serve both teens and adults or adapt during health emergencies. The SPW team worked directly with the partition vendor to align patient care needs with construction feasibility.
Impact Beyond One Project
The success of this project has already led to future collaborations, including a new ambulatory building and emergency department renovation at Kent Hospital.
“We weren’t just solving construction challenges—we were anticipating care needs,” said Matt Correira, DPR project manager. “Being involved early meant we could shape solutions that worked for both the people building the space and the people healing in it.”
With this project, Butler Hospital’s behavioral health unit stands as a safe, adaptable, and future-ready facility supporting the growing behavioral health needs of Rhode Island.
