Brooks Dental Studio

Site

At roughly 24’ wide x 116’ deep x 14’ high this ground-floor space in a former downtown garage featured a heavy timber ceiling, and a rustic concrete party-wall that had been plastered over. Natural light was available only from the narrow street frontage. The streetfront window location was desirable in attracting and welcoming patients to the newly established practice.

Program

Because this new dental practice is located in a growing, artistic, and urban setting, the client wanted to create a relaxed atmosphere unlike a traditional dental office. The plan had to accommodate two operatories in the first phase, with up to five as the practice grows. In the interim, the additional space are to be used as art exhibition lounges. As part of the marketing strategy, the office design was to offer an aesthetic first impression to pedestrians, with gallery spaces to engage the community.

Solution

The plan is arranged in three zones: public waiting & reception in front, treatment in the middle, and staff & utilities in the back. The use of partial height walls and translucent panels & door between the front and back office enhances the patient perception of a single cohesive space and allows some daylight to penetrate into the treatment space. A steel frame was installed above the operatories, reducing the apparent ceiling height and providing support for the required systems, as well as a TV for patient entertainment. Each operatory also includes a fresh flower placed in a custom wall-mounted bud vase.

Recognition

Merit Award

AIA Southwest Washington

Project of the Month

AIA Seattle & Daily Journal of Commerce

Daily Journal of Commerce

"Dentist, Architect Artfully Transform an Old Garage"

"New Dental Clinic Design"

by Alpha Books (Japan)

Seattle Tour of Architects

Credits

General Contractor

Altman Construction

Dental Equipment

Burkhart Dental Supply

Steel Fabrication

Matt Deschler, Formed Objects

Photography

Jim Van Gundy & E|FA