With a community history of over 20 years, this family-run business is dedicated to creating a welcoming atmosphere for their patients. Located in Orange, Texas they aim to provide a broad range of services in a location convenient for their patients. This new location is the family’s fourth location in southeast Texas. Its design is a different style from their other locations whose architecture is more directed at their young patients. The orthodontics suite is located in the new Gisela Houseman Medical Complex which also contains a small regional hospital along with medical offices that support the hospitals mission.
The contemporary design of the suite uses soft subtle colors of varying grays with soft blue accents. The color palette especially in the cool muted hues used here, can be very calming. Perhaps more important, however, is that the design creates balance and contrast with different colors and saturations. The clever use of cool and neutral colors in the treatment rooms is balanced by bold artwork at the back wall of the patient treatment space. This recipe supports the subliminal healing concept of the space. Add to this, the large window openings offering soft filtered northern light and a wonderful stress-free workspace is enjoyed by patients and employees alike.
Textures of materials also add to the sumptuous nature of the space. The use of wood in the entry way and the wood patterned vinyl flooring contrasts with the stone like countertops and organic translucent panels of the front desk. Organic finishes contrast with the geometrical shapes and different wall planes of varying colors which come together and direct patients to the front desk. The waiting room has patient amenities such as chilled beverages in the undercounter refrigerator, fresh baked cookies and a Keurig coffee machine. Young patients can enjoy the video game area at the far end of the waiting room.
Building plan is designed for patient flow at full capacity. Patients transition from the waiting room through the tooth brushing station, to x-ray then into the ortho bay. After patients are seen by the doctor for their appointments, they transition to private treatment areas or can be channeled through the insurance/payment stations and exit the office completing the circular patient flow through the office.
The highlight of the office is the ortho bay with its fifteen-foot-tall storefront glazing system which faces north to allow soft natural light into the space. The space includes five patient chairs divided by opaque white acrylic privacy panels. The overhead light trough is lit to glow blue to match the treatment chairs. Below the light trough hangs geometric acoustic panels which help with sound deadening and serve as floating artwork above the space. The ceiling has an exposed structure which reveals the “bones” of the building and adds volume to the space.
In conclusion, the office is designed not only for the dental needs of its patients but also for soothing of their dental anxiety. The idea of treating the patient in a wholistic way addresses both the mental and physical needs of the patient. The office furniture allows patients to have a family member or friend accompany them throughout their treatment. Seeing a familiar face during treatment is another way to help ease any stress or discomfort they may have during an appointment or procedure. The office is designed to create smiles that inspire and build confidence.