The new 16,000 s.f. St. Charles Cancer Center embodies healing and nurturing throughout the facility. The center was designed to integrate multiple and complementary cancer treatments previously delivered in separate facilities into one location. Architects from ZGF took a true patient-centric approach to the design, starting with input from patients and caregivers. The emphasis is on centralizing work areas for the patient care staff, and providing a more calming environment for patients. Full-height windows along two façades bring ample daylight into the center and provide views of the healing garden and reflecting pond or Cascade Mountains in the distance. Patients can also access outdoor decks for infusion treatments or personal reflection. “There's always a connection to nature,” says ZGF design partner Gene Sandoval. The exterior incorporates a palette of natural colors and materials to blend seamlessly into the environment. Architects specified TruGrain® extensively for portions of the exterior façade, decks and soffits, stained a warm Burma tone. The durability and low maintenance of the TruGrain® profiles are also important attributes in the humid coastal environment.

The project received the Silver Prize in the 2015 Modern Healthcare Design Awards.