Melrose Small Animal Hospital

The Melrose Small Animal Hospital is a modern interpretation of the barn aesthetic – blending historic massing and elements of traditional barns with contemporary materials and construction. The new building serves as a symbol for the future of Farm Sanctuary, a national service organization dedicated to the rescue of abused and neglected farm animals.

The Hospital’s natural day-lit spaces promote healing, provide a positive work environment, and reduce lighting costs. The efficient layout creates a physical separation between public and animal clinic spaces to maintain health levels, but allows visual connections to support educational and program development purposes.

The first floor contains a vestibule with donor recognition display walls and a glass-enclosed lobby with windows into various clinic spaces consisting of durable, efficient, climate-controlled rooms for housing, treating and observing the animals. The second floor is developed to take maximum advantage of views to the exterior and enhance daylight penetration into the core of the building. Operable windows allow cross-ventilation into staff offices, flex spaces, and a small break room/conference room.