Architecture Photo of CyberKnife

© Cleary O'Farrell

Architecture Photo of CyberKnife

© Cleary O'Farrell

Architecture Photo of CyberKnife

© Cleary O'Farrell

Architecture Photo of CyberKnife

© Cleary O'Farrell

 

CyberKnife

Cutting-Edge Equipment Upgrade

The CyberKnife is a state-of-the-art radiosurgery system designed to deliver precise, non-invasive treatment that can eradicate cancer in just one to three sessions. Unlike traditional therapies, CyberKnife targets tumors directly, avoiding the need for whole-body chemotherapy. To house this advanced technology at the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute in Seattle, a dedicated vault space required significant upgrades to accommodate the complexity of the equipment. As one of the first hospital facilities in the Pacific Northwest—and among only a handful in North America—to integrate both CyberKnife and Gamma Knife technologies under one roof, the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute has established itself as a leader in advanced cancer care. We were proud to contribute to this legacy, helping ensure continued access to exceptional, life-saving treatment. Early in the project, we led a feasibility study and hosted user group meetings to determine how the vault could best support the machine and its technical requirements. Drawing on insights from this research—as well as from our previous work on another CyberKnife vault at Cherry Hill—we were able to quickly move into implementation while maintaining uninterrupted care for patients. To meet the strict spatial clearances required by the equipment, both the floor and ceiling were excavated and recessed. Wall-mounted cabinets were optimized for storing patient immobilization devices, while acoustical panels help dampen the machine’s operational noise. Customizable lighting was also incorporated, giving patients some control over their environment during treatment to enhance comfort and reduce stress. Adjacent to the vault, a multi-purpose reception and consultation room was designed to support staff collaboration and patient engagement. A large-screen monitor enables team meetings, and the space follows a deliberate “on-stage/off-stage” circulation model, creating efficient, private pathways for both patients and providers. Electronic cabling connects the vault to a nearby control room, where staff operate the machine and monitor treatments via remote cameras. Throughout the renovation, our design respected and extended the hospital’s existing architecture. A warm material palette of wood, glass, and steel strikes a balance between natural calm and clinical precision, integrating the updated CyberKnife vault seamlessly into the broader existing facility while signaling innovation and modern care.

...
Seattle, Washington
  • 1 story
  • 1,809 sq. ft.
  • Completed in 2025
PROGRAM

Ambulatory Care

PROJECT CONTACT

healthcare@ankrommoisan.com

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