Huntsman Cancer Institute

The timeless look and chiseled face of Oldcastle® Cordova Stone masonry, set against the backdrop of scenic Salt Lake Valley, create an edifice that’s built to last and continually meets the ever-changing needs of cancer research and treatment. Set on the campus of the University of Utah, the Huntsman Cancer Institute is a world-class cancer research facility with laboratory, vivarium, and office space, housed in a six-story structure.

The 242,000 square foot facility consists of a unique “T” shape of two different structures connected by an expansion joint. Built into the sloping landscape, the combination of GROUNDFACE and CHISELFACE Cordova Stone units provides a contrasting textured monolithic veneer which compliments the constantly changing natural landscape and surrounding mountains.

John Diamond, lead architect for the project, selected the Cordova Stone for its natural limestone appearance, durability, strength, and cost efficiency. In addition, Cordova Stone offered a monolithic presence with a color that blended very well with the natural landscape and lent itself to projecting a strong and permanent personality.

Additional considerations were also needed due to the project’s location in a Category E seismic zone. These high density blocks, which weigh about 150 pounds per cubic foot and have a compressive strength of over 4,000 PSI, were tied to the framing at 16 inches on center in both directions.

Two sizes of Cordova Stone were used: 103-pound units (4″x16″x24″) for the lower 35 feet of the building and 48-pound units (4″x8″x24″) for the courses between 35 and 155 feet. Both sizes are completely solid.

Since its original construction in 1999, the Huntsman Cancer Institute’s campus has undergone two expansions, with a 50-bed 276,000 square foot hospital wing added in 2004 and an additional 50-bed 120,000 square foot wing currently under construction.