Pit Stop for a Tight Set of Teeth
A few years ago, the building that now houses 'De Orthodontist' served as a car workshop. It was business owner Jean-Louis Hanssens who brought together architect Wouter Geldhof and Studio Bjorn Verlinde to drastically renovate the building into the brand-new, luminous practice it has become today.
"As an architect, you don't immediately think about styles," explains Wouter Geldhof. "You observe the surroundings, which in this case was a dark, somewhat gloomy hangar. Through one simple intervention - namely, removing a portion of the hangar - we were able to create a spacious patio that floods the interior with abundant light, offers space for a green oasis, and forms a secure courtyard for young patients."
The luminous, glass hall that emerged became the canvas upon which our studio began shaping the interior. This resulted in a simple, minimalist composition of freestanding volumes constructed from clean, light materials such as galvanized metal, polyester, silver curtains, and polycarbonate.
"I was determined to work without walls, but patients naturally require privacy, the business owner needs an office, and colleagues need a lunch area," explains Bjorn Verlinde. "That's why we still created two floors. Through open staircases and an open ceiling above the triangular counter, they remain interconnected."
The traditional 'waiting room' became redundant within this structure and was replaced by wooden waiting areas with dark blue, velvet cushions on a white polyurethane floor. This contrasting choice of materials is also characteristic of the entire interior. A polyester counter with desks made of matte and fingerprint-resistant material. Transparent theater curtains and polycarbonate sheets against reflective aluminum walls. Triangular lighting versus round tables and table legs. Each of these elements contributes to the ambiance while simultaneously providing tranquility and a touch of drama.
In terms of acoustics, the vast volume of the hall - with its hard floor and large glass panels - presented quite a challenge. Here, acoustic tension walls and perforated plywood ceilings absorb sound effectively.
