Engineering University of Hawaii Cancer Center

State-of-the-art research facility with innovative cooling technology.

As one of only 69 National Cancer Institute-designated centres in the US, The University of Hawaii Cancer Center aims to be a world leader in eliminating cancer.

The center plays an important role not only in providing access to life-saving treatment breakthroughs for the local population, but in attracting investment and talent into Hawaii. A new building was essential to its continued success.

Location

Honolulu, USA

Client

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Architect

Shimokawa + Nakamura ZGF Architects LLP

Project Status

Completed

Engineering University of Hawaii Cancer Center - Building Exterior

A Diverse Team to Tackle Diverse Challenges

The University of Hawaii decided to create a new world-class facility in the district of Kaka’ako, consolidating its programs under one roof and providing accommodation for cancer biology, prevention and control, epidemiology studies and clinical and translational research.

The project consists of four components over 150,000 square feet: a six-story research laboratory wing, two-story clinic wing, physician office wing and a 1,000-car above-grade parking structure.

Working in collaboration with our local office in Hawaii, the WSP team provided mechanical, electrical and plumbing support, lighting design, structural engineering, and energy modeling, multidisciplinary coordination that led to 28-30% lower water and energy use than baseline and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold certification.

Chilled beam cooling technology used in Hawaii for the first time

Engineering a Healthy Cancer Center

Building features include an optimized envelope to minimize air-conditioning loads, high-performance lighting design to reduce shadows and maximize use of daylight, ultra-efficient plumbing fixtures and the use of waste heat from the condenser system for temperature control. Cooling was a particular challenge, as the building sits on Honolulu’s hot, humid coastal plain, so we introduced innovative chilled beam technology as part of a low-energy Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning system supplying fresh air at the correct temperature to the clinical and lab facilities.

Ten percent of all building materials used recycled content, while another ten percent were extracted, harvested or manufactured within 500 miles of the project site, thereby supporting indigenous resources and reducing the environmental impacts.

The project was completed three months ahead of schedule and substantially under budget.