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  4. Roha Advanced Multi-Specialty Hospital

This world-class hospital of ‘firsts’ for Ethiopia combines nature and state-of-the-art technology to create a space for healing designed to meet the changing needs of patients.

Africa’s healthcare systems are adapting to a range of challenges. From a growing population and increasing number of aging people, to climate change and a shortage of resources including medicines and skilled healthcare workers.  

Healthcare providers are rising to the challenge – including Roha Health BV. Our multidisciplinary engineers are working with the healthcare provider to design and build the Roha Advanced Multi-Specialty Hospital in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. They are being supported by our Integrated Design Delivery team in the region, to coordinate the project and provide Roha with a single point of contact. 

Due for completion in 2026, the 40,000sqm facility will include 350 beds, 9 operating theatres and advanced medical services including orthopedics, neurosurgery, spine treatment, interventional cardiology, cardiac surgery, endovascular interventions, nuclear medicine, and oncology treatments. It is aiming to become Ethiopia’s first JCI (Joint Commission International) accredited hospital – robustly assessed for patient safety and quality of care. 

Roha width view
According to the World Health Organisation, Ethiopia’s hospitals currently only provide 6% of the total beds needed by its citizens, with many people having to travel outside the country for treatment. The new facility will provide critically needed services for treating non-communicable diseases that are responsible for 50% of deaths in Ethiopia including heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. 

Location

  • Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Client

  • Roha Health BV and Roha Medical Campus PLC

Architect

  • A3 Architects

Project Status

  • Due to complete in 2026
The hospital sets a benchmark for healthcare facilities in Africa at a time when patient needs are evolving, and many countries are on the frontline of the climate crisis. In addition to saving lives through critical healthcare infrastructure, the sustainable design and build of this facility will support Roha’s commitment to developing climate-resilient, low carbon healthcare systems.

Efficient design: First EDGE certified hospital building in Ethiopia

The hospital is on track to be Ethiopia’s first EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certified hospital building. Adri Metzer, Director: Integrated Design Delivery (Sector Lead), WSP in Africa explains: “EDGE focuses on three major areas of sustainability – energy, water and embodied energy of materials. To achieve the minimum predicted savings of 20% in each area (when benchmarked against a local standard hospital), our engineers are using sustainable building principles to minimize waste.” 

The hospital features a Thermally Activated Building Structures (TABS) system – the first of its kind in Ethiopia – to control building temperature, circulate fresh air and keep patients and staff comfortable. The energy-saving system uses the hospital’s concrete structure to store thermal energy and release it for cooling, heating and dehumidifying – by flowing hot or cold water through under-floor pipes to various rooms. 

The facility will also include water conservation methods such as low flow taps and showers, an energy efficient lighting system with occupancy sensors, and the infrastructure to integrate renewable energy technologies such as solar PV and battery storage in the future. 
 

Gross floor area
40,000m²
Native trees planted
12,000
Staff
4,000+

Future Ready building systems

Our engineers have designed a centralized utilities block to house the main MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) plant rooms servicing the hospital. From medical gases to telecommunications such as the hospital’s integrated Hospital Information Systems (HIS) environment, digital signage, information screens and an IP-based nurse call system. 

Having these plant areas separate from the main hospital makes it easier to maintain services and avoids technical staff passing through treatment areas. Separate plant areas will also smooth the future expansion when more healthcare facilities are added. 

One of the biggest technical challenges was accommodating the complex wiring, pipework and ductwork needed to deliver multiple services in the hospital’s limited ceiling void space. Our MEP engineers led dedicated sessions to coordinate services and worked closely with the project architect to incorporate special bulkheads where needed. We’re also supporting installation and maintenance by creating accurate, vertical sections for the contractors. 


Roha Front view
Aerial 1000

A space for healing: Ethiopia’s first integrated hospital and public park

In another first for Ethiopia and Sub-Saharan Africa, the hospital is surrounded by its own forest of 12,000 native trees and a park – to create a natural healing environment and support biodiversity. The forest was planted in 2022 using a technique known as the Miyawaki method to speed up the trees’ growth to be ready for the hospital opening. 

To maximize patients’ views of the forest and let in natural light, the hospital’s façade includes glazed openings from floor to ceiling, while a well-balanced window-to-wall ratio of 20% limits the impact on heating and cooling. 

Zoned lighting in patient wards will also enhance patients’ wellbeing by using natural and artificial light to mimic the body’s natural circadian rhythms throughout the day and night. 

Adri concludes: “Sustainability is about so much more than green building principles, carbon footprints and the race to achieve net zero. It’s also about meeting people’s needs, including accessibility, affordability, and culturally.”


The Roha Advanced Multi-Specialty Hospital will provide affordable, world-class healthcare to Ethiopians and individuals across Africa. Roha will help put Ethiopia on the map as a leading healthcare destination for Africa. We’re proud to be part of a project that’s creating impact across Africa.


What makes Roha Advanced Multi-Speciality Hospital stand out?

icn-planet-environmental-benefits

Nature-based solutions

12,000 native trees for healing 

  • Planted using the Miyawaki method for growing dense urban forests quickly on small patches of land (10x faster and 30x denser forest). 

icn-positive-healthcare-experience

Sustainable design

Energy-efficient TABS system 

  • Building structure used as a thermal reservoir for heating, cooling and dehumidifying.

icn-care-building

Natural light for wellbeing

Glazed openings from floor to ceiling

  • Balanced window to wall ratio of 20% provides patient views while minimizing heating and cooling to save energy.

Other challenges that we have overcome