Marshfield Clinic Eau Claire, Hospital & Cancer Center
The project consisted of a 45,000 SF cancer center and 225,000 SF hospital. The cancer center includes a radiation oncology floor, a medical oncology floor, a mechanical penthouse and partial basement with mechanical, electrical and support services. The basement also has a tunnel that connects to the hospital. The new hospital has a full basement, four floors of patient care, and a fifth-floor penthouse. This facility also includes a loading dock area and connecting link to the existing ambulatory facility. The site also has a mobile technology pad and a helipad. The Marshfield Clinic hospital will provide specialty services, such as heart care, orthopedics, sports medicine, general surgery, plastic surgery, ENT, neurosurgery, obstetrics/gynecology, bariatric surgery, vein care, pain management and pediatrics.
Speed to Market
From the beginning, this project was always about “speed to market”, which required the project team to look at different approaches to partnerships with subcontractors, off-site prefabrication, and our scheduling processes. Early on, our partners met with the design team to work out systems and materials that allow would allow for speed of construction.
BIM & Clash Detection
Knutson was heavily involved with the BIM coordination on the project, the project team lead coordination meetings twice a week and had a BIM specialist onsite. The team also hosted monthly meetings with facilities members on Marshfield’s staff to ensure they had proper access once the facility was built. The project was fully coordinated utilizing BIM 360 Glue technology allowing the team to build the full building in the virtual model prior to starting construction in an area. This allowed for extensive pre-fabrication of the MEP systems which decreased the length of the schedule and ultimately realized cost savings for Marshfield Clinic.
Selection of Cutting Edge Imaging Equipment
We understand that cutting edge imaging technology is constantly changing and researchers and providers always want the latest and greatest. With that said, the decision as to when to purchase the equipment needs to be timely and typically done at the last minute. We anticipated this need to wait to order the equipment and therefore our team utilized a pull planning session with our subcontractors to determine the exact date as to when we need to order the equipment to not delay the project. This provided extremely transparent communication as to when the equipment needed to be ordered.
MEPF Design and Field Coordination
Our early involvement in the project allowed our team to leverage an RFP process for selection of the Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection (MEPF) contractors early in the design phase. The team was then able to conduct weekly meetings that were strictly MEP Focused with the design team, Knutson, the owner, and our MEPF subcontractors during both the preconstruction and construction phases. During the preconstruction phase, our team focused on specific long lead equipment, discussed approved manufacturers, established materials standards, and mocked up our prefabricated elements for owner approval.
“There were many partners throughout this process including the Marshfield Clinic team, Walker Associates, HDR Architects to name a few. The establishment of a Big Room onsite by Knutson allowed the team to work in an integrated environment where the focus was always on delivering the project in the timeframe requested within the budget established. I would highly recommend the Knutson Construction team to any owner looking for a team that is willing to roll up their sleeves during the master planning phase, stay engaged during preconstruction, and deliver a complex project in a condensed time-frame.”
Scott Polenz, Chief Administrative Officer
Marshfield Clinic Health System