In a world where technology reins supreme it can be exciting to see raw, natural elements being utilised indoors as a main interior feature.
Slick is definitely the word when it comes to the devises we rely so heavily on in order to perform our daly tasks.
This article by Yellowtrace showcases some extremely beautiful ‘cave like’ interiors
https://www.yellowtrace.com.au/meet-the-flintstones-contemporary-cave-like-interiors/
Article by Yellowtrace
Photo by Fran Parente
Light is something we all take for granted.
We come into the office, we flick a switch and low and behold, we have light!
What a lot of us don’t realise though is the benefit different sources of light can have on our physical and mental health.
Artificial lighting is what we are used to within a medical or commercial setting and LED (light emitting diode) lighting is preferred. Not only is it energy efficient which means lower costs it is also known to have a number of health benefits.
They can increase mood and energy levels due to blue wavelengths which slow the production of melatonin in the brain, the hormone that helps us sleep
They are eco-friendly, because on average they last 35 times longer than the old halogen lightbulb this cuts down on material and production. Not only this but they do not contain the same toxic compounds or elements like mercury
They are hugely energy-efficient, they have 80-90% efficiency, meaning 80-90% of their energy is turned into light as opposed to heat
They are tough! LED lights are made from sturdy components and materials and therefore can withstand weather and abrasion
Natural light is of course the preference where possible and is becoming more and more popular within medical design
These days patients want to feel comfortable while they are waiting for their appointment and what better way than to utilise natural light in order to make the space seem airy and bright
By utilising existing windows or installing new ones you are introducing a whole other set of health benefits to your patients and staff
Natural light is comforting, by bringing the feeling of the outdoors in you will find patients are less stressed
It saves money. By limiting the use of artificial light where possible you will cut down on your energy bills
It boosts Vitamin D, which is always a good thing! Vitamin D maintains the health of bones and teeth, supports the immune system, brain, nervous system and lungs and regulates the body’s insulin levels which is beneficial to those suffering from diabetes. What’s not to love!
As you can see lighting has more benefits than you think so make sure you take the time to do your research before selecting lighting/ finalising plans for your new clinic.
We don’t know whether it is the reflection of the forest or the way the outdoors have well and truely been brought indoors there is no doubt this holiday house in Mexico is absolutely stunning……..and we want to go there!
Check out the link below for an inside look…
Emerald green, Terazzo and a facial……….could it get any better?
The team at Clinics by Design will be taking a little break after an incredible 2019.
Our office will be closed from midday on Friday 20th December and will re-open at 8:00am on Monday 13th January.
We would like to wish you all a safe and happy festive season and look forward to working with you in 2020.
Clinics by Design are excited to be exhibiting at the Melbourne GPCE Conference this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Come by and have a chat to us about what we can do for you!
Every design and construct company should work to a Scope of Works (SOW) during your project in order to make sure they know what needs to be organised when and make sure they are running on time.
As a guide this type of schedule will generally include items such as services (electrical, plumbing, fire, mechanical), installation of joinery, painting, and installation of flooring and loose furnishings.
This is a document you can request to see and have a copy of during construction so you have an idea of where your project should be up to and when you can expect practical completion to take place.
And the winner of the Pantone Colour of the Year 2020 goes to…………….
Classic Blue
And what a beautiful selection it is!
The right colour choice is critical when it comes to a medical setting.
As we know colour can impact on mood and therefore getting the balance right from the beginning is very important.
Something such as making a small space seem large is easy when you use light colours.
The use of light colours gives a small room a sense of space whereas using dark colours in a small area will make the room seem a lot more enclosed and this is not the feeling you want to give patients whether they are waiting to be seen in a reception area or treatment room.
The most important thing for your staff and patients is to feel comfortable and secure and colour can do just that when applied in the correct way.
One of the first things clients of ours want to see during the initial design process are hard surfaces such as flooring and joinery.
These surfaces are a base for what will become a great colour palette that truly reflects the business.
This can be achieved easily with feature carpet tiles and joinery panels that match your corporate colours.
Shapes can also play a big part in showcasing who you are. Use your logo as a starting point and create shapes on the floor and places like walls and reception counters by utilising laminate to reflect this.
When picking colours for a certain space the first thing that needs to be addressed is what is the room going to be used for?
For example, if you are creating a space for children be sure to use bright and bold colours in order to create a fun atmosphere. Coupled with funky furniture and features such as black board walls this will ensure kids are kept occupied while parents (and other patients) are waiting.
If you need to create a soothing atmosphere it is said that shades of green and blue can have a calming effect on patients which is very important when it comes to a medical environment.
Bold colours are not something to be scared of and they are not necessarily for kids only!
When creating your new space pops of colour can really lift the mood without being too overbearing.
Consider features that are only seen at certain times, such as using patterns on privacy curtains and even brightly painted feature walls.
Vinyl wraps are also being more and more popular these days so think about images that may work well on walls or doors in order to create a fun and uplifting space.
We realise that design it isn’t everyones forte so that’s why we like to make time in order to go through exactly what is required in order to make your new clinic a modern and welcoming space that patients will want to visit time and time again.
We love creating unique spaces that reflect your business and our experienced team can take the stress out of wondering what will really make your clinic stand out from the others.
From the moment we are appointed as your design and construct company we start getting together samples in order to create colour boards that we think will suit your style.
Whether it be young and funky or classic and elegant there is a product to suit every mood and we will be sure to find it for you!
This is one that a lot of people do not think to ask in an initial meeting but is information you need to know before taking on the venture of a new office fit out.
All design and construct companies work differently when it comes to payment terms and it is best to know what you are going to be up for up front before you sign anything.
This way you can plan your budgeting around deposits, progress claims and practical completion (if this is the way they like to run it).
It is also worth asking how many days you will have to pay your invoices (7 days, 30 days?) and what kinds of payment methods they accept so you aren’t caught off guard.
