E4H Environments for Health Architecture completed the thoughtful renovation of the Kettering Medical Center Waiting Area in Kettering, Ohio.

The primary goal of the lobby renovation was to reduce anxiety and stress in the waiting area. E4H opened the space to allow natural lighting and maximized an under-utilized corridor to create intimate seating pods with large-window views to the exterior. Creating an environment of soothing sounds, visuals and convenient amenities, the design team incorporated design elements such as a focal wall with an enclosed water-feature, a variety of seating with built-in power and USB capability, as well as nature-influenced elements and materials.

The cafe is a prominent space that offers a panini press, fresh salads, an array of coffee and espresso beverage options, and sweet treats of gelatos, cakes and pastries. The space is open to the surgery waiting room and has warm wood display cases, decorative mosaic tiles on the full-height backsplash, and decorative floating translucent panels hanging from the ceiling. To support the cafe, the design team incorporated built-in booth seating along the exterior windows, hi-top bar counter seating, and 4-top tables creating a 70-person dining room areas with a view overlooking the scenic trees.

The corridor connecting the surgery waiting and professional office building was under-utilized. We created ample inviting seating along the exterior glass and grounded each seating pod with a wood ceiling element and an over-sized pendant light. The surgery waiting area has a large reception desk for admissions, volunteers, and greeters. A round ceiling element is juxtaposed to the playful carpet circles and tonal terrazzo flooring throughout. A large focal wall with a fully enclosed water feature is the highlight, surrounded by rocking chairs in a soft leather-like fabric to reduce anxiety while patients wait.

Architect: E4H Environments for Health Architecture
Contractor: Danis Construction
Photography: Jim Wilson