Innovative Orthodontic Facility Balances Efficiency and Design in Cranbourne
A new orthodontic facility has been established on the edge of Cranbourne’s commercial zone, designed to serve as both a major clinic and a head office. The project site, strategically located near schools and retail areas, was selected for its accessibility, visibility, and favourable orientation. The development represents a significant step in expanding the clients orthodontic services in the region, offering a state-of-the-art facility that blends functionality, efficiency, and patient comfort.

Site and Project Overview
Originally a residential property, the site’s corner location provides high visibility and ease of access, making it ideal for an orthodontic practice. Its proximity to schools and local amenities ensures convenience for patients, particularly young teenagers who represent a key demographic. The site’s northern orientation allows ample natural light that fills the building throughout the day. To the east, a nearby reserve with mature trees provides a serene backdrop, enhancing the calming environment of the clinic. These natural elements assisting improving the patient experience and promoting a sense of well-being.

The project brief required a dual-purpose facility to function both as a primary orthodontic clinic and a central office for managing additional clinics. This necessitated a design that prioritised efficiency and flexibility. The practice incorporates the use of open treatment bays, a concept relatively new to Australia, which assist streamlining patient management and optimising workflows.

Facility Layout and Functionality
The facility’s layout was planned to optimise both patient care and staff operations. The ground floor is dedicated to patient-facing areas, while the upper level houses staff facilities. Key elements of the design include:

Two consult rooms per orthodontist for private consultations and detailed assessments.

Seven open treatment bays that facilitate the simultaneous treatment of multiple patients. This setup allows oral therapists to handle routine tasks while orthodontists focus on specialised procedures and consults.

Shared facilities such as sterilisation rooms, an X-ray room, a laboratory and photo booth, ensuring smooth workflow and resource optimisation.

The upper level includes a staff room with kitchen facilities, a director’s office, change rooms, laundry facilities, and storage areas. A flexible partition wall between the staff room and director’s office allows for larger meetings or professional development events.

Architectural Design and Style
The design of the facility strikes a balance between professionalism and community context. The architectural style reflects the surrounding residential vernacular while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic suitable for a medical practice. Key design features include:

– A pitched roof that references the houses in the area. The upper-level is setback, which help the building blend with the local architectural scale.
– Durable, low-maintenance materials such as tiled brickwork, ensuring longevity and reducing upkeep costs.
– Strategically placed windows that provide natural light and connect interior spaces to the surrounding native garden and reserve.
– Fixed and operable external window screening to ensure privacy while mitigating the more harsh summer sun.

Internally, the design prioritises patient comfort and experience. Attention was given to the ceiling design in the treatment bays and consultation rooms with high ceilings, curved bulkheads and indirect lighting creating visual interest and a calming environment for patients reclining in treatment chairs.

Special Considerations and Challenges
The design needed to address the balance between openness and privacy. Screens and reeded glass were incorporated to provide privacy while maintaining the capacity for supervision of all facilities. The layout features a double corridor design, ensuring efficient movement for staff and patients.

Sustainable Practices and Technology Integration
Sustainability was a core consideration in the project. The building incorporates several features to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact, including:

– North-facing orientation with appropriate shading to maximise passive solar performance and minimise heat gain.
– High-performance insulation in the building fabric to reduce heating and cooling demands.
– Photovoltaic panels installed on the roof to generate electricity for daytime operations.
– Large underground water tanks for rainwater harvesting and reuse.

These sustainable practices ensure long-term cost savings and environmental benefits. The PV system, in particular, supports the clinic’s energy which are primarily during daylight hours, reducing reliance on grid power and lowering operational costs.

Patient Experience and Innovation
The patient experience was a central focus of the design. The layout, lighting, and materials were chosen to create a welcoming and calming environment. Open treatment bays, with views to the garden and natural light, will hopefully help alleviate anxiety often associated with dental visits.

Innovative features, such as custom-designed dental carts and efficient workflows, ensure that patient visits are quick and seamless.

Project Team Collaboration
The successful completion of the facility was the result of close collaboration with key partners. The builders Lorden and Vella, who were adapabtable and had great technical skill. They ensured quality construction and provided expertise in orthodontic-specific requirements. The joiners also assisted with the development of prototypes for the custom dental carts and cabinetry.

This innovative orthodontic facility represents a significant advancement in dental care for the Cranbourne area. By combining efficient design, patient-focused interiors, and sustainable practices, the project sets a new standard for orthodontic clinics in Australia. The facility not only meets current needs but also supports future growth, ensuring high-quality care for years to come.

Design: Gardiner Architects
Builder: Lorden Vella
Landscape Architect: Henry Landscape Design
Photography: courtesy of Gardiner