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
| Jun 13, 2013
Health Product Declaration Collaborative names Knott as Executive Director
John L. Knott Jr. has been named as the Health Product Declaration Collaborative’s (www.hpdcollaborative.org) first Executive Director following a national search. The Health Product Declaration Collaborative (HPDC) is a customer-led standards-setting organization committed to the continuous improvement of the building industry’s environmental and health performance, through transparency and innovation in the building product supply chain.
| Jun 13, 2013
AIA partners with industry groups to launch $30,000 'Designing Recovery' design competition
The program will award a total of $30,000 to three winning designs, divided equally between three locations: Joplin, Mo., New Orleans, and New York.
| Jun 12, 2013
More than 90% of New York City schools have code violations
More than 90% of New York City schools have at least one outstanding building code violation. Loose wires, stuck doors and inadequate ventilation are just some of the problems.
| Jun 12, 2013
5 building projects that put the 'team' in teamwork
The winners of the 2013 Building Team Awards show that great buildings cannot be built without the successful collaboration of the Building Team.
| Jun 12, 2013
Sacred synergy achieves goals for religious education [2013 Building Team Award winner]
A renovation/addition project at Columbia Theological Seminary unites a historic residence hall with a modern classroom facility.
| Jun 12, 2013
‘Talking’ Braille maps help the visual impaired
Talking pen technology, combined with tactile maps, allows blind people to more easily make their way around BART stations in the Bay Area.
| Jun 11, 2013
Music/dance building supports sweet harmony [2013 Building Team Award winner]
A LEED Gold project enhances a busy Chicago neighborhood, meeting ambitious criteria for acoustical design and adaptability.
| Jun 11, 2013
Vertical urban campus fills a tall order [2013 Building Team Award winner]
Roosevelt University builds a 32-story tower to satisfy students’ needs for housing, instruction, and recreation.
| Jun 11, 2013
Building a better box: High-bay lab aims for net-zero [2013 Building Team Award winner]
Building Team cooperation and expertise help Georgia Tech create a LEED Platinum building for energy science.
| Jun 11, 2013
Finnish elevator technology could facilitate supertall building design
KONE Corporation has announced a new elevator technology that could make it possible for supertall buildings to reach new heights by eliminating several problems of existing elevator technology. The firm's new UltraRope hoisting system uses a rope with a carbon-fiber core and high-friction coating, rather than conventional steel rope.