GRAFT Architects - Dental clinic KU64

Features

GRAFT Architects
Dental clinic KU64
Berlin, Germany

Photo © hiepler brunier architekturfotografie

“There are few environments as negatively associated in expectation as a dental clinic. Hygienic and sterile atmosphere, the classical “white colour range” and last but not least the typical smell are very much connected with a feeling of a physical and psychic state of emergency and even abuse.
Against this background we should be urging for a radical new understanding of hospitals in general and specifically dental clinics – away from negative prejudices towards an atmosphere of art, well being and relaxation.”
GRAFT

The general concept for the dental clinic creates a radically new typology. The model of a dune landscape with high points and hollows to hide in, as everybody knows it from the beach, was used as a metaphor for an artificial landscape of undulating folded floors reflected by a ceiling of a similar shape. This creates a space that provides a lush definition of introverted protection without distinct enclosure.

Photo © hiepler brunier architekturfotografie

“Hills” and “Valleys” are configured, in order to allow privacy and intimacy as well as openness and wide views. Anamorphotic images in white are silkscreened onto the general orange surface and can only be deciphered from distinct viewpoints. While perambulating through, the space continuously changes. Furniture as well as functions as storage and technical equipment has become invisible as being integrated in the sculpture of the space.

Photo © hiepler brunier architekturfotografie

While the treatment spaces are defined by their discreet use of technology and contemplative nature opening up towards the skyline of Berlin only, the waiting area is transformed into an unexpectedly large, lounge-like space with an adjacent outside sun deck. The same typology of dune shaped surfaces create a common beach scenario, with integrated seats and soft benches, grouped around a free hanging fireplace.

Photo © hiepler brunier architekturfotografie

The bathroom area is providing a very different experience. The dental care room with its clear geometry, indirect lighting and water features plays with the notion of purity: a water basin with its floating glass sinks is reflecting moving light onto the ceiling and the dripping waterfall fills the space with the sound freshness, evoking a clean, futuristic image of a grotto with its own rituals.

Photo © hiepler brunier architekturfotografie

The concept of a dune-like sculpture at the floor and the ceiling is continued into a staircase, connecting the main floor with the terrace and the treatment spaces on the floor below. The horizontal shapes are transformed into walls, confining a middle corridor like a canyon. A rhythm of glass doors cut into this canyon providing visual connections to the street and courtyard and flood it with natural light.

Photo © hiepler brunier architekturfotografie

Additional rooms for prophylaxis, maxillofacial surgery, x-ray and homeopathic treatments are located in this more concentrated area. This area links the clinic with the separated and independent dental laboratory through a generous conference room – an interface used by both areas.

Photo © hiepler brunier architekturfotografie

With the exception of a steelframe holding up the frameless glass separations between treatment spaces the entire built-out-sculpture is done in drywall.
The lighting is integrated into the interior architecture. The lighting objects in the treatments spaces consist of flatscreens and lighting technology, that allows for all ranges of light color and intensity.

Image courtesy GRAFT
Concept

Sketch courtesy GRAFT
Sketch

Drawing courtesy GRAFT
Plan Entrance Level

Drawing courtesy GRAFT
Plan Lower Level

Drawing courtesy GRAFT
Section

Built Area: 940 square meters (10.118 square feet)
Completed: 2006

Client: Dr. Med. Dent. Stephan Ziegler
Architects: GRAFT
Lars Krückeberg
Wolfram Putz
Thomas Willemeit
Project Architects:
Tobias Hein
Karsten Sell
Architects:
Sven Fuchs
Lennart Wiechell
Project Team:
Björn Rolle
Markus Müller

Construction: KNAUF Drywallsystem
Structural Engineer: KGG Dipl. Ing. K.+T. Gehlhaar
Mechanical & Electrical: ICM Ingenieurbüro C. Meyer

Dental clinic KU64

Photographed by hiepler brunier architekturfotografie

GRAFT arcspace features

March 9, 2009