Introducing the Khammouane Hospital Masterplan: Expanding healthcare in Central Laos

Khammouane Provincial Hospital, located in the town of Thakhek on the banks of the Mekong River, has been central to healthcare delivery in Laos for over a century. Originally built in 1924, the hospital has expanded gradually, resulting in more than 30 separate buildings spread across a 37,000m² site. Many of the older buildings hold heritage value, though some are in urgent need of renovation. The newer buildings vary in quality; several are poorly laid out and constructed, making them inadequate for modern healthcare provision.

With 212 beds and services ranging from emergency and obstetrics to dialysis, ophthalmology, and physiotherapy, the hospital supports a population far larger than it was designed to serve. Staff and patients work daily in challenging conditions - navigating cramped, outdated facilities and poor ventilation, particularly in critical areas such as the ICU and operating theatres.

Recognising these constraints, the Health and Nutrition Programme financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and jointly implemented by the Ministry of Health and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency has committed to a major programme of renewal. In June 2025, Article 25 and Lao Consulting Group (LCG), working alongside engineering partner Hoare Lea, were appointed to create a new masterplan for Khammouane Hospital and deliver detailed designs for an acute care building that will house the Emergency Room, Intensive Care Unit, Operating Rooms, and Outpatient Department.

Planning for long-term improvement

Previous investments at the hospital have focused on specific upgrades, such as laboratory and endoscopy services, without tackling wider systemic issues. The new masterplan will address this gap by setting out a comprehensive framework for the hospital’s development over the coming years, while prioritising a modern facility for emergency and acute care.

The project will reorganise hospital functions to improve patient and staff flows, introduce clear circulation routes, and ensure direct ambulance access to the Emergency Department. Careful attention is also being given to the site’s context -designs must account for the tropical climate, seasonal rainfall, and opportunities for natural ventilation. The masterplan also allows for future expansion of related services such as imaging, laboratory, and sterilisation, ensuring flexibility as demand grows.

During the inception stage in August 2025, the design team spent time at Khammouane Hospital meeting with staff, management and provincial authorities. Detailed surveys of existing buildings and site infrastructure were carried out, alongside discussions with clinical teams to understand current challenges and priorities. The information gathered is now being used to shape the design brief for the new building and guide decisions on which existing structures can be restored or repurposed.

Combining international and local expertise

A key strength of this project is the collaboration between international and Lao organisations. Article 25 and Hoare Lea bring experience in global healthcare planning, architecture and building services design, while Lao Consulting Group contributes in-depth knowledge of construction techniques, materials and regulatory frameworks in Laos, as well as structural and civil engineering expertise.

This partnership ensures that the masterplan and new acute care building combine the best of international standards with locally appropriate solutions. For example, designs will balance the use of air conditioning where clinically essential with natural and fan-assisted ventilation elsewhere, supported by shaded outdoor areas, courtyards, and tree planting to create a more comfortable environment across the site. Solar panels are also planned to provide a renewable energy source.

Toby Pear, Senior Architect at Article 25, highlights the importance of this approach:

“Khammouane Hospital is at the heart of its community, but its facilities haven’t kept pace with the needs of modern healthcare. This project is a chance to change that. It’s inspiring to work alongside Lao colleagues, blending local and international expertise to design a building that will truly serve the people of Thakhek and beyond.”

Local impact and community expectations

For healthcare staff and the wider community, the new hospital facilities represent more than improved buildings - they are a pathway to more effective, dignified and accessible care. Current outpatient spaces, adapted from older structures, are confusing to navigate, while cramped ICUs and operating theatres limit the quality of treatment. The new acute care building will replace these fragmented spaces with a coherent, modern facility that supports best clinical practice.

Hoang Ha Tran, Architect Adviser at LuxDev, shares her perspective:

“For many years, Khammouane Hospital has been delivering care in difficult circumstances, with staff doing their best in buildings that were not designed for today’s needs. This new acute care facility will be transformative. It will bring modern, well-organised spaces where doctors and nurses can work more effectively, and where patients feel safe and respected. We believe this hospital will become a source of pride for the province and a model for healthcare in Laos.”

Looking ahead

Alongside the new acute care building, the masterplan identifies opportunities to reorganise the hospital campus. Proposals include a shaded pedestrian spine to link clinical departments, service roads to improve access, and re-purposing of historic buildings for non-clinical functions such as administration or volunteer accommodation.

By addressing both immediate clinical needs and long-term development, the project will ensure Khammouane Hospital can continue to serve its community for decades to come. The emphasis on sustainability, accessibility and adaptability means the hospital will be better equipped to respond not only to current demand but also to future challenges in healthcare delivery.

For Article 25 and its partners, this project is an opportunity to contribute to the strengthening of Laos’ health system through design that is practical, resilient and responsive to the needs of staff and patients alike. From its site on the Mekong, Khammouane Hospital is set to enter a new phase of service - one built on modern facilities, improved care pathways and a clear plan for sustainable growth.