Canadian studio Atelier Échelle renovated a Montreal orthodontic clinic to create a “warm and inviting residential atmosphere” with medical equipment set amid light wood features.
The Monkland Clinic occupies the salon floor of a century-old building in the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce district.
The 90-square-metre space has been redesigned by local firm Atelier Échelle to make it less sterile and more comfortable.
“[The project] “The studio reimagines the typical orthodontic office experience as a warm, inviting, home environment,” the studio said.
In the reception area, a small walnut desk with a grooved front and rounded corners stands in front of a whitewashed brick fireplace.
The brickwork surrounds the entire wall with storage and display space for design books and artwork.
On either side of the room are green velvet chairs—one straight, the other at an angle to fit into a large bay window—for waiting patients.
“The reception was designed as a living room, keeping the existing brick fireplace and adding custom velvet long benches along the side walls,” said Atelier Échelle.
Decorative glass provides privacy for the adjacent consulting room, which is accessed through a doorway connected to the remaining spaces.
“The corridor reflects the original design of the building, distributing technical equipment on one side and consulting rooms on the other,” the studio said.
The consulting rooms are heated with white oak floors and finishes, plus a coffered ceiling concealing the electromechanical and dental equipment above.
“This custom design also provides something for supine patients to observe while receiving dental care,” Atelier Eichel added.
Appareil Architecture designed a Montreal dental clinic to feel like “someone’s home.”
The cabinets are designed in a pale mint green and the patient chairs are upholstered in brown leather, adding a contemporary feel throughout the clinic.
“The minimalist, understated design of the space combines period touches with soothing wood tones and homey touches, transforming the orthodontic experience through elevated design details,” said Atelier Échelle.
Many designers have rethought the dental office experience by creating interiors that are more akin to residential or hospitality spaces.
Also in Montreal, Appareil Architecture took a similar approach at the Maxillo Tandem Clinic to help patients and staff feel relaxed, while Studio Author designed the Paste Dental Clinic in Toronto as a hotel lounge.
Clinique Monkland has been longlisted for the Health & Wellbeing Interiors category of the Dezeen Awards 2024, alongside 15 other projects around the world.
These include a massage parlor in Shanghai, a dermatology clinic in Tokyo, and a spa and hammam in Dubai.
Photography by Maxime Brouillette.
Project credits:
Architect: Table Architecture
Interior Designer: Atelier Échelle
Mills and furniture: Mesure, Arrebeuri, Foutu Tissu
