The Colorado Health Foundation Headquarters

Advancing health and wellness through a workplace designed to inspire, restore, and connect people with nature.

Designed to support the mission of The Colorado Health Foundation, this 32,500-square-foot, three-story headquarters was conceived as a living example of health-positive design. Every aspect of the building was intentionally crafted to promote the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of employees and visitors while demonstrating how the built environment can contribute to healthier communities.

A defining feature of the facility is its strong connection to nature. Upon entering the building, visitors are welcomed by a floor-to-ceiling living wall containing hundreds of plants that transitions into a prominent ground-floor water feature. More than 100 linear feet of permanent interior planters are integrated throughout the building, while expansive windows maximize daylight and provide visual connections to the outdoors.

The building further supports wellness through a variety of employee-focused amenities, including an on-site fitness center, active garden spaces, rooftop decks, and outdoor gathering areas. These features encourage movement, relaxation, and engagement with nature throughout the workday. The design also incorporates natural ventilation and abundant daylighting strategies, aligning with the project’s guiding principles for health, sustainability, and occupant comfort.

Direct access to rooftop gardens and outdoor spaces extends the usable environment beyond the building’s walls, creating opportunities for collaboration, reflection, and wellness activities. Together, these elements establish a workplace that actively promotes healthy lifestyles while supporting organizational culture and employee well-being.

Inspired by the project’s mission, Saunders extended its commitment to health beyond construction. The project team launched a “Walk Around the World” initiative, equipping field personnel with pedometers and encouraging daily activity throughout construction. Collectively, team members logged more than 35 million steps, reinforcing the project’s emphasis on health and wellness while helping address challenges commonly faced within the construction industry.

The result is a highly innovative workplace that embodies The Colorado Health Foundation’s mission, demonstrating how thoughtful design can positively influence the health and well-being of everyone who experiences the building.

This project received multiple industry awards, including:

• 2017 Merit Award for Green Project from Engineering News-Record (ENR) Mountain States
• LEED Gold Certification, 2018

Renderings courtesy of Davis Partnership Architects