Atelier Carle aims to "humanise medical practice" at Ontario dermatologist

Montreal studio Atelier Carle has designed this dermatology clinic in Ontario to offer patients a "warmer, more relaxed environment" than typical medical spaces.

Offering both medical and aesthetic dermatology services, the OAKV clinic serves patients in the Toronto suburb of Oakville.

A terrazzo reception desk in front of a trio of panels adorned with figurative drawings — At OAKV clinic, a terrazzo reception desk sits in front of panels that disguise the waiting area behind

Atelier Carle chose to design the 7,500 square feet (2,286 square metres) of interior space in a warm, welcoming wood and stone that's more akin to a luxury spa.

"Medical clinics have long been rooted in a tradition of cold, sterile spaces," said the studio. "More recently, and especially among physicians specialising in aesthetic treatments, there has been a shift toward providing care in a warmer, more relaxed environment, reflecting a desire to humanise medical practice."

A skylight brings diffused light into a double-height waiting area, furnished with red velvet club chairs — A skylight brings diffused light into the double-height waiting area, which is furnished with red velvet club chairs

Located in a "generic, uninviting business centre", the space provided the challenges of limited privacy and insufficient natural light

"Both conditions required reconfiguration in order to establish an environment attuned to the new atmospheres sought by the client," Atelier Carle said.

A grid created by walnut panelling continues on a coffered ceiling and across terrazzo flooring — A grid created by walnut panelling continues on the coffered ceiling and the terrazzo flooring

The solution involved arranging the various treatment rooms around a central double-height volume that functions as a reception and waiting area.

Walnut panelling wraps the space and aligns with a coffered ceiling grid that spans a skylight above, bringing in diffused natural light.

A cafe area dominated by green tiles laid in an alternating triple-stack pattern — A cafe area is dominated by green tiles laid in an alternating triple-stack pattern

Terrazzo flooring is broken up by lighter strips that also follow the grid, and the same material clads a minimalist reception desk.

Behind, panels adorned with figurative line drawings disguise the waiting area that's furnished with red velvet-cushioned club chairs.

Room with dark green curtains over the walls and metal grating installed across the ceiling — Dark green curtains cover the walls, while a metal grating was installed across the ceiling

To one side of the reception desk, perforated panels slide open to reveal a cafe, dominated by green tiles laid in an alternating triple-stack pattern.

Darker green curtains cover the remaining walls, and a metal grate ceiling echoes the stainless steel used for countertops and cabinet fronts.

A central island incorporates a semi-circular sink at one end and cantilevers at the other to form a bar counter, accompanied by walnut stools.

On the other side of the reception, a boutique is decorated similarly but swaps the green for matte chocolate brown, while the flooring is concrete.

A boutique featuring metal surfaces and matte-brown elements — A boutique continues the metal surfaces but features matte-brown elements

"These three spaces together operate as a public zone, ensuring a gradual transition toward the treatment rooms," said Atelier Carle.

"These areas are accessed via circulation corridors bathed in very soft, muted light, making the clinical experience feel closer to that of a relaxation spa than a conventional healthcare setting."

A neutrally decorated treatment room — The "spa-like" aesthetic of the clinic continues to the neutrally decorated treatment rooms

Atelier Carle, which was previously known as Alain Carle Architecte, is renowned for its minimal residential projects across Canada – see six black houses by the studio here.

As the studio mentioned, a trend towards medical spaces with more residential-feeling interiors has grown in recent years, with hospitals, dentist offices, hospices and even veterinary clinics all opting for warmer, more inviting aesthetics.

The photography is by Alex Lesage.

Project credits:

Team: Alain Carle, founding architect; Alexandre Lemoyne, project architect; Laurie Elfassy, architect; Thomas Guilhen, M.Arch
General contractor: Boszko & Verity
Mechanical engineer: Tristar Engineering

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