In Panningen, a small village in the South of The Netherlands, a former car dealer/workshop has been converted into a dental practice.

The renovation was accomplished by firstly demolishing all interior walls and exterior façade keeping only the bare structural columns and roof.

The design consists of a box-in-box concept in which a functional box is placed within the main volume. The functional and more private practice box is placed back to allow a clear separation between the staff functions and the public patients’ area. At the same time a corridor appears in front of the treatment rooms, which gives the building a layering of spaces seen from the outside.

A long continuous glass partition wall in front of the four treatment rooms provides the rooms with natural daylight and an open spacious experience. A special designed gradient dotted film, decreasing in density at the top and bottom, is applied to the glass partition wall. Together with the additional outside reflections during daytime, the film creates a one-way opacity to the outside, maintaining the patient’s privacy.

All dental work was grouped within the box-in-box space to prevent dentists having to pass through the patient area. The reception desk was integrated in a corner recess of the box, occupying a central and welcoming position in the space.

The rigid façade was given a more dynamic appearance by introducing wooden panels in varied sizes within the large aluminium framed windows.  

An outside patio was created on the corner of the building to emphasize the main entrance. 

The light and spacious patient waiting area with its high ceiling was provided with two lower boxes, maintaining the spacious volume and at the same time defining the fluid circulation space. The two lower boxes were designed to become part of the generic space and to accommodate multiple integrated functions, such as a wardrobe, a children’s play corner, a tooth brushing corner and toilets.

A sculptural custom made bench-table was placed in the middle of the waiting area, creating a playful atmosphere together with the abstract dotted photo-wall of the old market square of Panningen. 

The applied interior colours and materials create sense of cleanness and tranquillity.

While light fixtures and steel frames of the glass partition wall refer to the former industrial character of the building. Soft white light in the public area contributes to the warm and comforting atmosphere. 

Strategically placed functions in the main volume have formed a spacious and fluid floor plan. The dental workspace is kept compact and functional with short walking lines, creating an optimal working environment for the staff. Variety in light, space and transparency has resulted in a well-balanced dental practice for all users.