• BED STRENGTH : 50
• PROJECT DURATION : 6 months

Dedicated Radiation Oncology Centre | Adaptive Reuse Healthcare Transformation | Halcyon Linear Accelerator Facility

Located in Vapi, Gujarat, the 21st Century Radiation Center was developed for Dr.Akshay Nadkarni of Nadkarni Foundation as a specialised cancer-care and radiation oncology facility. Initiated in 2019, the project involved the conversion and expansion of an existing residential structure into Vapi’s first dedicated radiation centre, integrating radiation therapy, diagnostics, oncology consultations, surgical and critical care, dialysis, inpatient accommodation and support services within a vertically organised healthcare building. The project was executed in phases between 2019 and 2021, including a dedicated radiation bunker and the installation of a 6 MV FFF Halcyon linear accelerator.

The client’s vision was to provide advanced cancer-care infrastructure locally in Vapi, enabling patients to access radiation oncology and related services without travelling to larger cities. The facility was conceived as a multifunction oncology centre supporting the full patient journey from consultation and diagnosis to treatment and inpatient care.

The project posed significant challenges as the original building was designed for residential use. AMRD carried out a detailed assessment of the structure, circulation, and service requirements, and reconfigured the building to accommodate complex healthcare functions. Key interventions included integration of a radiation bunker, medical infrastructure, life-safety systems, and improved vertical circulation.

A major technical component was the construction of the radiation bunker for the Halcyon linear accelerator, designed with required shielding and safety standards. Two lifts and staircases were introduced to support efficient movement across clinical zones.

The facility is organised through vertical clinical zoning. The ground floor houses the radiation bunker with the Halcyon system, oncology OPDs and pharmacy. The first floor includes CT scan and mammography. The second floor accommodates OPDs, administration, endoscopy, reception and waiting areas. The third floor provides dialysis and dormitory accommodation for long-stay patients.

The fourth floor includes the cardiac OT, procedure room, ICU and doctors’ facilities. The fifth floor contains inpatient wards, while the sixth floor offers shared and private patient rooms. The seventh floor houses pathology, stores, administration and a palliative-care ward. The facility is planned within 930 sq.mt. built-up area, with a 50-bedded capacity and additional private-room accommodation.

The clinical programme integrates multiple specialties including radiation oncology, oncology, surgery, dentistry and gynaecology OPDs, supported by diagnostic and treatment services such as pathology, CT scan, mammography, X-ray, tumour board facilities and radiation therapy. Surgical and critical-care functions include cardiac OT, endoscopy, ICU, dialysis and inpatient care.

The project was executed in three phases. Phase 1 (Dec 2019–Mar 2020) focused on the radiation bunker and core construction, bringing the G+3 structure to installation readiness in about four months. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Phase 2 (Jul–Aug 2020) rapidly reconfigured parts of the building into COVID-care areas using lightweight partitions, with essential facilities made operational within 15days. Phase 3 (Nov 2020–Mar 2021) completed interiors, clinical spaces and final integration of departments.

Architecturally, the project demonstrates the potential of adaptive reuse in specialised healthcare design, transforming a residential structure into a vertically organised oncology hospital. Strategic zoning, strengthened circulation, and integration of advanced medical infrastructure enabled a complex, multi-departmental healthcare facility within existing constraints.

The success of the 21st Century Radiation Center lies in both its rapid execution and adaptability, from delivering the radiation bunker within a short construction window to responding quickly during the pandemic, reflecting AMRD’s ability to manage complex healthcare transformations under challenging conditions.