NHS Dentist, Fulham

The Brief

The client wanted its acquisition of an additional floor to result in more surgeries and better use of space. Instructions to reconfigure and repurpose provided the backbone of this dental practice fit-out, with extra requests to ease patient congestion in the waiting area, make staff more visible at a new reception desk and provide fit-for-purpose staff areas for a growing dentistry team. As with all high-traffic projects, our brief included the specification of hardwearing fixtures, finishes, and treatments throughout. MPL was also asked to schedule all works on an out-of-hours basis so the practice could stay open during the project.

Our Approach

MPL was brought in early on in the process when NHS Dentist acquired the top floor of this corner unit – a space that was operating as a residential flat. Our design team focused on the major structural elements of this dental surgery fit-out first, planning a new staircase that would link the top floor with the rest of the practice. After this, our designers’ time was spent on re-planning the entire building, using the newly gained space to create a smarter practice set up.

Changing rooms

The objective to increase the number of surgeries and capacity in the practice was fundamental to NHS Dentist’s growth, so our space plans were crucial. By moving the staff quarters to the top floor, we were able to create five new surgeries in total – one on the top floor, two on the ground floor and two in the basement. Our plans also facilitated the creation of a new hygiene and assessment area behind the reception desk – set behind a curved glass wall with a vinyl decal for privacy.

Traffic update

NHS Dentist found its current waiting area constantly congested and with a new ability to see 400 patients a day, the reception area desperately needed re-planning. .MPL Interiors were able to do this, working with the practice’s original seating but creating a smarter configuration. Part of the reception brief was to also create more of a statement on arrival. We did this by commissioning a bespoke Corian desk, with feature lighting and debossed logo, and by setting a counter height that makes the reception staff more prominent. We also added a recessed screen fitted into a faux wall behind the desk, installed bespoke storage and supplied a new product display cabinet.

Additional elements

MPL Interiors was contracted to supply new reception desk furniture, redecorate throughout, install new lighting, work alongside specialist dental equipment fitters, and design, supply and fit a new staff kitchen with oversized ‘coffee cup’ wall art. The final stage of this project will involve updating the externals with new signage and shop-front improvements.

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