Building for radiology

Author Cyclo
Industry Medical & Healthcare
Area Sector Insights

Building for radiology

What do you need to know when considering the design and construction of a radiology facility? At Cyclo, we bring experience in this specialist space to help clients achieve the space they need to best care for their patients.

Put people before technology

The patient and staff experience of a new facility is fundamental to its design. That’s why we take the time to understand the best workflow for your new facility. We consider environmental factors such as changing rooms and patient movement, as well as how to protect staff from radiation. As with every healthcare space we design, balancing the environment’s technical needs with the practical needs and comfort of everyone who uses it is key.

Understanding technical requirements

We’ll discuss specialist requirements in the design process, including radiation shielding, Faraday cages, structural support, specialised electrical infrastructure and equipment access routes. We will also consider existing wall thickness and materials, neighbouring rooms, available power capacity and corridor/hallway access.

Our in-house technical team will work with MRI/equipment companies to prepare rooms for the radiology equipment you require. We will also ensure compliance requirements are incorporated early and monitored, as relevant codes and legislation can evolve.

The right equipment

Radiology projects are highly equipment-specific. X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound and other modalities can have very different spatial, structural, electrical, shielding and operational requirements. We will ask you about the exact equipment or machine model early in the process, because this can inform equipment dimensions and weight, room size and location and surrounding spaces.

Some imaging equipment weighs several tonnes and can require significant structural engineering. Radiology equipment can also require substantial electrical or mains power capacity. We consider all of these factors during the design process, which also helps future-proof your facility.

What do I need to consider?

Budgets for radiology projects include specialist costs that sit outside a standard commercial fitout. A facility may use relatively economical visible finishes while still requiring significant investment in structural works, power, shielding, specialised enclosures and equipment-specific infrastructure.

Start by identifying the equipment you’ll need early, understanding each machine’s specific requirements and considering future equipment too, as this can influence your facility’s design. If possible, investigate your site’s existing power capacity, understanding that a mains upgrade may be required.

Talking to technical experts from the start can help you spot potential red flags and resolve issues early. At Cyclo, we work with specialist allied health providers every day to create the space they need. Radiology brings its own complications, but with the right people and process, even the most complex requirements can be resolved with confidence.