The concept behind the end result stemmed from the idea of first impressions, the human body’s natural curves, and the notion of calculated beauty, balance and symmetry.

Base Architecture architect Giovannina Castillo says a sculptural central pod was designed to be the “face” of the practice.

“The idea was to create a calculated high tech sculpture that gave the practice its own individual identity and reflected the client’s passion for aesthetics,” Castillo says.

“It became the first thing you see as you walk in, or walk past and it stays in your memory as the first impression, the identity of the practice in the same way someone’s face is their main means of identity.

“The consulting rooms around it were to be rational and solid, resembling bone structure behind the skin.”

The 130sq m space encompasses two main consulting and exam rooms, an office, theatre, treatment area; services, post operation, administration and staff zones.

Castillo says, from conceptualisation to construction detailing, the new clinic was built for a “long life” with the selection of durable materials, energy efficient lighting, AV equipment and adaptable rooms that allow for functional changes without the need for structural adjustments.

With an emphasis on comfort, the new rooms had to be relaxing, warm, supportive, less “clinical” spaces resembling a “retreat or spa” ambience that would contribute to patient healing.

“Materials were selected to reflect a soft, gentle approach to patient care and bring a boutique, personal feel to the rooms in stark contrast to the clinical atmosphere of the hospital overall,” Castillo says.

Sourcing “warm”, “boutique materials” to perform in this commercial environment proved a challenge and saw the Base team working on the design face for nearly 12 months.

“(We) worked closely with our clients and the suppliers and tested a number of products before demolishing the old rooms so…we could see how they performed in practice,” Castillo says.

The project was built in eight weeks and completed in September 2013.

Base Architecture
basearchitecture.com.au