SKIN CARE CLINIC
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
We were asked to design a skin clinic with a five-star green rating.
We were not allowed to change the external structure therefore windows stayed the same and no new windows or doors were added. Consequently, I aimed to make all doctor’s rooms have access to windows to optimize natural lighting during the day and to reduce the amount of artificial lighting used during the day.
Each doctor’s room will have access to electrical roll-up blinds to control the amount of light coming through as well as thermal temperatures. The indoor plants chosen for the space (Snake Plant) improve the indoor air quality naturally by removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. All finishes used in the design were to reduce the environmental impact, this was achieved by using laminate flooring, ceramic tiles, cementitious Terrazzo and wall paneling supplied by Decks and Walls to control acoustics in the space.
I tried to keep each concept simple as I wanted the skin clinic to have a clean look and finish while still feeling comfortable by incorporating curves. The ground and first floor have the same materials used throughout in order to keep the design consistent and sleek.
On the ground floor, the skin bar is slightly hidden from the reception area and waiting area, this was done to create some privacy but also curiosity for those waiting for their appointments.
PRECEDENT STUDY
Looking at Meraki skin clinic based in Cape Town the clinic aims to nurture the soul allowing clients to disconnect from the world while their team caters to the power of relaxation. As they spend their lives looking after corporate, social and familial needs. At Meraki they look after their clients and their needs. There range of treatments offers a timeout from the pressures of the world, they offer solace in their treatment rooms, the chance to forget the stressors of a day and a moment to relax. The Meraki clinic has a calm and soothing presence to it as colors are natural and it has natural materials incorporated into the design.
The designer is going to aim to allow the new skin clinic to incorporate green design. Green design is crucial in today’s time and its beneficial for those who spend time in the space as well as work in it on a day to day basis. Green design is better as there is an 11% gain in productivity from fresher air, 23% gain from good lighting and access to views, and 18% improvement from access to daylight and operable windows. People who work in green offices/spaces also have 25% better functioning memory because of their access to views.
In order to achieve green design, non-hazardous materials should be used such as using paints and adhesives with a low VOC content this can be achieved by having Kevin Bates & Albert Carpets (KBAC) install the recommended chosen flooring materials. Lighting control throughout the day is also an important consideration to make as this can help reduce glare and thermal control these will be automated blinds provided by Somfy which will manage daylight and reduce artificial light requirements, as well as contributing to lighting, or shading options. Somfy works in collaboration with Luminos Blinds they ensure that if roller blinds are chosen for the design that the best fabric is chosen to reflect light and absorb heat, and the alu-backing assists with thermal control, which will save on heating and cooling requirements.
When looking at materials for the clinic aspects of the materials and resource use that are rewarded under the Green Star SA include, but are not limited to: sustainable timber, reuse of building façade and structure; recycled content of steel and concrete. Another way to improve the Indoor environment can be by incorporating plants this can be incorporated in some parts of the clinic to produce maximum oxygen and sequester carbon dioxide, thereby enhancing the IEQ. The plants can be supplied by Execuflora and the plant that can be beneficial is Sansevieria Trifasciata (Snake Plant), which removes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. The office can be powered with renewable solar energy from the roof this can be clean energy for the entire building, LED lighting will also be used throughout the building as they are highly energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan than traditional luminous bulbs.
