Jerusalem, 2023

Shaare Zedek
Cancer Centre

The Shaare Zedek Medical Center is one of the most significant healthcare facilities in Israel. Recently, the campus was expanded with the Helmsley Cancer Center, a development that garnered considerable attention from society and politics upon its opening

The design of the new building is by the renowned Canadian architects, Farrow. The form and materiality of the building are intended to have a positive impact on the healing of patients. The building resembles the wings of a butterfly – hence the name Butterfly Cancer Center – and was predominantly implemented using timber construction.

THE PROJECT

THE BUTTERFLY
CANCER CENTER

In close collaboration with the architects Tye Farrow, WIEHAG calculated the statics and developed the construction plans. Approximately 330 m³ of glulam from larch, some of it double-curved, were produced and mechanically connected at the Altheim facility. The glulam structure for both the interior and exterior gives the building its distinctive wings made of larch wood.

The transport logistics were meticulously planned and prepared. 15 shipping containers were loaded for the sea transport. The assembly on-site in Jerusalem took about 15 weeks.

For the region, this wooden construction represents a true innovation. In all of Jerusalem, there is no comparable project where wood serves as the dominant facade element.