Work-in-progress for the Eijkman Clinic Foundation
How do you design a dental treatment center that, on the one hand, functions as a landmark, but also a healing environment is for patients? With that task in mind, atelier PRO designed a new building for the Eijkman Clinic Foundation that is representative, dynamic and relaxing.
The Eijkman Clinic Foundation consists of a partnership of surgeons who specialize in Oral, Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery. In addition to their work for the Meander Medical Center and St. Jansdal, they are committed to helping reduce the waiting lists in dentistry. That is why they have set up a new treatment center on the Van Siburgstraat in Nijkerk.
This new treatment center is located on the southwest edge of Nijkerk, in a district with a special urban design, with “islands” surrounded by water. The treatment center acts as a representative gatehouse for one of the islands and was therefore extra eye-catching.
That is why we chose to give the building a triangular shape that varies in height in a dynamic way, so that the building is viewed differently from every angle. The volume is tapered, so that each floor has a roof terrace, with planters around the edges.
The façade design reinforces this dynamic, with rounded corners, profiled bronze aluminium panels and white horizontal bands. On the ground floor, climbing plants are placed on the façade so that the building fits nicely into its green environment and if healing environment works — and that's important at a dental clinic.
People arrive “safe”: upon arrival, the entrance, under a covered bridge, is immediately visible. From there, patients enter the building, where they are immediately welcomed by an employee behind the counter. They then take a seat in a double-height waiting area, where they have a spectacular panoramic view of the surroundings.
The four treatment rooms and two x-ray rooms are located around a relaxing patio that is designed as a Japanese garden. There is an extra corridor behind the treatment rooms that is only accessible to employees; this ensures a clear separation between employees and patients.
Thanks to the combination of modern and natural materials, the interior has a 'clean' but at the same time warm appearance. White walls and ceilings, light cast floors and wood paneling and skirting boards combine to create an environment that calms patients.
The complete completion of the new building is expected in April/May 2024 - we would like to share a behind-the-scenes view
