The Stichting Eijkman Kliniek consists of a partnership of surgeons specialising in oral, maxillofacial and facial surgery. In addition to their work for the Meander Medical Centre and St Jansdal Hospital, they are committed to helping reduce waiting lists in dentistry. They have therefore established a new treatment centre on the Van Siburgstraat in Nijkerk; atelier PRO was chosen as the architect for this project.
The new treatment centre is located on the south-western edge of Nijkerk, in an area with a specific urban layout, with 'islands' surrounded by water. These islands in turn are divided into plots, within which each building stands on its own. The treatment centre acts as a representative 'gateway building' for one of the islands, and therefore serves as a landmark and eye-cather.
We therefore chose to give the building a triangular shape, with dynamic, varying heights; as a result, the building is perceived differently from different angles. The volume is stepped, with a roof terrace adjoining each floor and planters along the edges.
On the roof terraces, employees can take a break or get toghether, and enjoy the view over meadows and forests.
The façade design reinforces this dynamic look-and-feel, with rounded corners, beautifully profiled bronze aluminium panels and white horizontal bands. On ground level, creeper plants grow along the façade. Thus, the building fits into its green surroundings and simultaneously serves as a healing environment - and that is important in a dental clinic.
People arrive in a ‘friendly’ environment: on arrival, the entrance – located under a covered bridge - is immediately visible. Patients can park on the grounds or use the bicycle parking. They then enter the building, where they are immediately welcomed by a staff member behind the counter – after which they can take their seats in a double-height waiting room, where they have a spectacular panoramic view of the surroundings.
The four treatment rooms and two X-ray rooms are located around a calming patio that has been designed as a Japanese garden. An additional corridor runs behind the treatment rooms, which is accessible to employees only; this provides a clear separation between personnel and patients. The first floor houses the offices, meeting rooms and pantry for the employees; the second - and last - floor is leased to another, similarly oriented healthcare organisation.
Combining modern and natural materials, the interior has a 'clean' yet warm feel. White walls and ceilings, light cast floors and wooden panelling and skirting boards are combined to create an environment that puts patients at easy and instils them with a sense of faith in both their treatment and the clinic.
