PHOTO TOUR: Valley Health Cancer Center
Halkin Mason Photography
Clerestory windows bring light to the interior while maintaining privacy.
Halkin Mason Photography
A double-height entry with green wall underscores the connection to nature and a healthy environment.
Halkin Mason Photography
Infusion bays overlook the healing garden and create a light-filled environment.
Halkin Mason Photography
Light-filled waiting areas help with wayfinding and create a connection to nature.
Halkin Mason Photography
The cancer center’s signature entry creates a beacon while the natural wood truss system emphasizes the use of natural materials as much as possible.
Halkin Mason Photography
The open staircase permits views of the lobby and the two-story entry, supporting the project’s wayfinding efforts. The stair also continues the natural theme with a wood wrap wall finish.
Halkin Mason Photography
The healing garden provides respite and comfort for patients and staff with its calming views of the adjacent pond.
The 52,000-square-foot Valley Health Cancer Center at Winchester Medical Center in Winchester, Va., designed by Perkins+Will, promotes coordinated access to a spectrum of advanced cancer services in one facility.
The center’s architectural identity underscores a holistic approach to care and comfort that places the patients first. Medical center physicians, employees and patients, along with the Winchester community, provided support for the project, which fuses coordinated cancer treatments and services with the calming and comforting effects of nature.
Patients benefit from natural elements throughout the cancer center—from a plant wall in the luminous two-story entry to a wheelchair-accessible healing garden and infusion bays with garden-view recliners. Clerestory windows allow natural light into interior exam and consultation spaces. The center’s lakeside views help orient patients and visitors, and offer access to nature.
Rocking chairs in a healing garden overlooking the water provides respite. Sustainable materials and natural materials, such as wood as a featured finish, provide comfort while also being mindful to infection control.
A light-filled waiting area with a centralized core promotes clear wayfinding to the suites of outpatient services. Upstairs, a glass skywalk connects to the diagnostic center, giving patients easy access to medical imaging, lab services and genetic counseling.
The project team designed serene spaces to host treatment options that include two linear accelerators for radiation therapy, surgical oncology physician offices and exam rooms, breast care services and an integrative care suite with alternative therapies. In addition to treatment spaces, a 70-seat meeting room and break-out space overlooking the entry accommodates events, from patient and staff education to team conferences and public seminars.
Completed in August 2016, the $28.5 million cancer center and its design were informed by previous Perkins+Will projects with owner Valley Health System and Winchester Medical Center, including a master plan for expansion and numerous medical center additions and renovations, and an emergency department expansion.
The project team also includes: Valley Engineering (structural and civil), Leach Wallace Associates (M/E/P), EDI (technology) and Anhold Associates (landscape).
