UNC Health Blue Ridge Valdese Cancer Center Addition & Renovation
Valdese, North Carolina
Firm
DLR Group
Client
UNC Health Blue Ridge
Area
36,400 sq. ft.
Total Cost
$28.3M
Completion Date
August 2023
New cancer center drop off drive and canopy providing a fully covered path from the car to the entry vestibule.
The infusion area receives a lot of natural light & great views out to the garden through the large window that spans the length of the space.
The waiting room provides ample seating for patients. The wood slat ceiling with its linear light fixtures give the space a warm and comforting feel.
The waiting room provides ample seating for patients. The wood slat ceiling with its linear light fixtures give the space a warm and comforting feel.
The linear accelerator vaults provide targeted radiation treatment for cancer care.
The infusion area provides varying levels of privacy for the patients and provides a great field of vision of the care stations for the staff.
Project Information
Summary
The relocation of the cancer center at UNC Health Blue Ridge Valdese takes a compartmentalized space and creates a cohesive cancer center to enhance the treatment and healing process for patients in the Blue Ridge community. The new cancer center expands their capacity for both infusion treatment and radiation oncology treatment, streamlines their care processes, and includes upgraded patient amenities such as the new cancer center garden.
Due to the complex nature of the project, phasing was required to construct the addition and renovation while keeping the existing hospital operational and maintaining existing egress pathways. The project also included the addition of two new linear accelerator vaults which provided logistical and structural challenges that needed to be solved.
The exterior finishes are a neutral grey palette to provide a fresh look to the existing hospital while allowing it to blend into the existing finishes. On the interior, calming blue accents are complimented by warm wood and imagery of the surrounding mountainous landscape of western North Carolina, making the patients feel at home when receiving treatment.
Cost Per Square Foot
$777
Featured In
2025 Elev8 Design Awards- Honorable Mention
Category
Healthcare/Senior Living
Jury Commentary
This complex Cancer Center Addition and Renovation does consider biophilia, healing and access to views with the center garden. Due to the nature of this market sector and complex systems it demands function, accessibility and the integration of technology often with innovative approaches.