The Swedish Cancer Institute (SCI) has embarked on a bold approach to rapidly restore community-based radiotherapy cancer treatment utilizing state-of-the-art building technology that is swift and green.
The patented factory fabricated radiotherapy treatment vault and clinic by RAD Technology Medical Systems (RAD) enabled SCI to cut traditional building schedules in half while constructing a facility in compliance with the USGBC’s LEED certification.
“Hospital facilities are perhaps one of the most difficult types of structures to make compliant with LEED criteria,” said RAD President John J. Lefkus III. “Maintaining health and equipment environmental standards can be in conflict with renewable and lean strategies. RAD has unique construction techniques that benefit projects through the extensive use of renewable construction materials and employs energy efficient mechanical systems.”
The use of modular construction, strategic site design elements, recycled materials, energy efficient design and a unique HVAC system contribute to the LEED rating of Silver. The project is also the first radiation center to achieve LEED certification.
The nearly 4,000-sf Seattle facility combines a specialized therapy room or “vault” to house the TomoTherapy treatment system with patient and clinical staff accommodations.
The building consists of prefabricated steel modules for the vault portion and prefabricated wood modules for the exam and office portion, all of which were assembled in an offsite factory and trucked to the site in order to expedite construction. The exterior materials of the building complement the existing medical campus to create a facility that is appropriately scaled within the surrounding residential neighborhood.
“With assistance from RAD, we found a way to blend our need for leading-edge technology, accelerated project delivery and our commitment to the community and environment in one package,” said Jim Yates, Administrative Director of the Swedish Cancer Institute.
For more information on the project, visit RAD Medical Systems.
About MBI
The Modular Building Institute (MBI) is the international non-profit trade association serving the modular construction industry. Members are suppliers, manufacturers and contractors engaged in all aspects of modular projects from complex multi-story solutions to temporary accommodations. As the Voice of Commercial Modular Construction (TM), it is MBI's mission to expand the use of offsite construction through innovative construction practices, outreach and education to the construction community and customers, and recognition of high quality modular designs and facilities. To learn more about modular construction, go to www.modular.org.
Related Stories
| Aug 11, 2010
Burt Hill, HOK top BD+C's ranking of the nation's 100 largest university design firms
A ranking of the Top 100 University Design Firms based on Building Design+Construction's 2009 Giants 300 survey. For more Giants 300 rankings, visit http://www.BDCnetwork.com/Giants
| Aug 11, 2010
PBK, DLR Group among nation's largest K-12 school design firms, according to BD+C's Giants 300 report
A ranking of the Top 75 K-12 School Design Firms based on Building Design+Construction's 2009 Giants 300 survey. For more Giants 300 rankings, visit http://www.BDCnetwork.com/Giants
| Aug 11, 2010
Turner Building Cost Index dips nearly 4% in second quarter 2009
Turner Construction Company announced that the second quarter 2009 Turner Building Cost Index, which measures nonresidential building construction costs in the U.S., has decreased 3.35% from the first quarter 2009 and is 8.92% lower than its peak in the second quarter of 2008. The Turner Building Cost Index number for second quarter 2009 is 837.
| Aug 11, 2010
AGC unveils comprehensive plan to revive the construction industry
The Associated General Contractors of America unveiled a new plan today designed to revive the nation’s construction industry. The plan, “Build Now for the Future: A Blueprint for Economic Growth,” is designed to reverse predictions that construction activity will continue to shrink through 2010, crippling broader economic growth.
| Aug 11, 2010
New AIA report on embassies: integrate security and design excellence
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) released a new report to help the State Department design and build 21st Century embassies.
| Aug 11, 2010
Section Eight Design wins 2009 Open Architecture Challenge for classroom design
Victor, Idaho-based Section Eight Design beat out seven other finalists to win the 2009 Open Architecture Challenge: Classroom, spearheaded by the Open Architecture Network. Section Eight partnered with Teton Valley Community School (TVCS) in Victor to design the classroom of the future. Currently based out of a remodeled house, students at Teton Valley Community School are now one step closer to getting a real classroom.
