Interior Commercial (Washington)

Swedish Issaquah


Photo by Benjamin Benschneider
A large light-filled atrium is one of the focal points of the Swedish Issaquah building.

Location: Issaquah

Contractor: Anning-Johnson Co.

Architects: CollinsWoerman, Callison

Team: Building Specialties, Drywall Distributors, Award Metals, BlazeFrame Industries, Grabber Construction Products, Hamilton Drywall Products, Hilti Inc., Isolatek International, USG Building Systems, Steeler Inc.



The five-level Swedish Issaquah hospital and medical office building comprises more than 550,000 square feet of floor space. The building houses an acute-care community hospital with 137 beds and 20 operating rooms, an ambulatory care center, and 175,000 square feet of medical office space — all connected by a large light-filled atrium and several panoramic bridges.

The Anning–Johnson team worked with the entire project staff to complete the building months ahead of schedule.

Lean construction was the name of the game with full engagement of the BIM process and clash detection to coordinate critical wall and area design. As a result, the wall and ceiling contractor was able to install more than 1.1 million lineal feet of metal/stud track and more than 2.1 million square feet of drywall in less than 15 months.

Medical facilities have many unique challenges, such as radiation protection. Anning–Johnson installed nearly 8,000 square feet of lead-lined drywall, including areas of inch-thick lead weighing 60 pounds per square foot. The team’s commitment to safety was paramount during this hazardous installation.

While this facility’s design had its greatest focus on functionality, details such as curved walls, coves and ceilings, glass fiber reinforced gypsum columns and Venetian plaster wall finishes can be found throughout. Long corridors, with both natural and critical lighting, required Level 5 drywall finishes. Zero-tolerance aluminum door systems were inset into drywall with less than 1/8-inch reveals.

In the words of the owner: “This really is the cure for the common hospital.”

Judge’s comment: “The magnificent changes in elevations and the complexity of the wall, ceilings and soffits have created a spectacular mixed-use facility. You can do some shopping, have a meal, and enjoy a wonderful facility — all while not leaving the hospital.”



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