Architecture Showcase

Expansion elevates cardiac care

Deborah Heart and Lung Center goes vertical to add 36 private patient rooms, improving care acuity transitions

Mar 9, 2026 |

HFM Staff

FACILITY

Deborah Heart and Lung Center Olsen Family Patient Care Pavilion

LOCATION

Browns Mills, N.J.

ARCHITECT

EwingCole

Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Browns Mills, N.J., is a teaching hospital specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, research and treatment of heart, lung and vascular diseases. Founded in 1922, the hospital has treated more than 2.3 million hearts from across the United States and 87 countries. It also is the only adult hospital in the U.S. that waives 100% of hospital bills to those experiencing financial hardship.

To maintain its high standard of care and meet evolving patient needs, the hospital needed to expand its inpatient capacity, modernize clinical spaces and improve the overall patient experience. The new Olsen Family Patient Care Pavilion expansion delivers a transformative upgrade to one of the nation’s leading cardiac care institutions.

Drawing inspiration from the surrounding pinelands, the design incorporates biophilic elements, intuitive planning and a natural material palette to promote healing and wellness. The new entry facade features warm-toned, wood-look cladding; expanded drop-off areas; and a five-story living green wall, providing an iconic visual symbol of renewal and growth.

Throughout the facility, transparency and connectivity to nature are key in promoting wellness. Expansive curtain wall glazing in patient rooms brings daylight and sweeping views of the wooded campus into the clinical environment.

“The Olsen Family Patient Care Pavilion represents a transformative step forward for the hospital, allowing Deborah team members to deliver our people-centric care model in an environment that is as advanced and welcoming as they are,” says Jim Andrews, president and CEO of Deborah Heart and Lung Center. “We are grateful to EwingCole for bringing our vision to life with such sensitivity and innovation.”

In tandem with the vertical expansion, major renovations to the main hospital building deliver upgraded observation units, redesigned outpatient pathways and a fully reimagined entrance experience. The inpatient tower includes 36 private rooms designed for universal use, enabling seamless transitions between standard medical and critical care.

Supported by an additional mechanical floor, the expansion increases total inpatient capacity to 95 single-occupancy rooms, improving patient privacy and contributing to operational flexibility and high-quality specialized care.

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