Periodontal practice, Utrecht

Renovation of an existing practice in a post-war neighbourhood in Utrecht.

Project details

• Project Name: Periodontal practice, Utrecht
• Location of Site: Utrecht, Netherlands
• Design Team: Jeroen Schipper, Jeroen van Bekkum, Erik Slangen, Paul Kierkels
• Project Type: Utilitarian building
• Client: Fridus van der Weijden
• Contractor/s: De Wit IJsselstein
• Built-up Area: 225 sq. m
• Cost of Construction: 280.000 euro
• Date of completion: April 2005

Words from the architect

The client wanted a large scale renovation and upgrading of an existing periodontal practice in the post-war Kanaleneil and neighbourhood in Utrecht.

Waiting room.

The alterations mainly involve the interior and three openings in the exterior walls. The exterior walls themselves have only been upgraded, which was achieved using simple means.

Photograph by Arthur Blonk, courtesy of JSA (Jeroen Schipper Architecten BV).

A central space, which forms the new heart of the practice, not only provides access to all the functional spaces but also serves as a waiting room. The boundaries of the space are formed by pieces of furniture and wall components which incorporate the supporting facilities. A new raised roof makes it possible to provide this previously enclosed space with natural lighting from various sides, both directly and indirectly.

A new raised roof provides the waiting room with natural lighting from various sides.

In the materialisation of the new areas, light, clarity and simplicity were of prime importance. We use the material horizon as the connecting element and, to the extent possible, all components under a height of 2.35 metres are designed in the same material (maple wood) or are transparent. Above this height, everything is finished in white plastering.

Entrance and waiting room.

Around the main hall the several service-rooms are positioned as pieces of furniture and wall components. Behind these elements are the consultation rooms positioned.

Credits

• Text: JSA (Jeroen Schipper Architecten BV)
• Photographs: Arthur Blonk, Arcasa