Paramount 24 Hour Animal Hospital's efficient floor plan ensures ease of movement and comfort
From routine primary care to 24 hour emergencies, Paramount 24 Hour Animal Hospital is dedicated to providing exceptional veterinary care for pets, night and day. Our objective in designing their space was to balance functionality with comfort. This meant creating a space that would allow staff to work efficiently while ensuring that patients and their owners feel at ease during their time in the facility. Creating a seamless workflow without sacrificing a welcoming, calm atmosphere was critical for both the quality of care and the overall experience.
Jenny Hassell
Jamie Falkner
Project Start Date: May 2022
Project Completion Date: August 2024
Square Footage: +/- 18,000 sq ft
The Challenge
Efficient Floor Plan: We needed to design an efficient and functional floor plan that minimized disruptions and reduced long travel distances for patient care, while also meeting security requirements and working within the confines of the available space.
Structural and Equipment Coordination: Another challenge was addressing the structural requirements for equipment and coordinating with the existing building conditions. This required careful planning, especially while progressing through construction simultaneously.
The Solution
The hospital features a waiting and reception area, exam rooms, an isolation room, triage, MRI, CT, X-ray, ultrasound, and inpatient areas for dogs and cats. Staff areas include a kitchen, lounge, offices, vet lounge, and spaces for staff pets. To address the challenges, we implemented several key solutions.
A centralized waiting and reception area, located adjacent to a large triage, facilitates a seamless transition for patients needing immediate care. Offices and ancillary spaces were strategically placed along the windows and around the perimeter, allowing the medical spaces to occupy the central areas of the floor plan and optimize workflow.
Locating the MRI room next to the building's loading dock ensured easy access for wheeling the MRI equipment in, streamlining the installation process.
We designed an inviting staff area that promotes socialization and supports company culture while providing spaces for employees to relax and recharge.
We also maximized natural light from the north and west windows to enhance wellness for both employees and patients. This required thoughtful space planning to ensure that the light benefited all areas of the facility. Balancing light distribution while maintaining a practical and effective design for day-to-day operations was key to optimizing wellness.
Finally, close coordination between the landlord, construction teams, and engineering consultants facilitated collaboration and quick problem-solving. This allowed for easier equipment installation and construction to progress smoothly around challenging areas.
The Human-Centred Lens
The design of Paramount 24 Hour Animal Hospital prioritizes comfort and ease of movement for pets, owners, and veterinary staff.
Built-in seating in the reception area departs from traditional rows of waiting room chairs. A coffee bar offers filtered water and coffee for clients, along with treats for their pets.
The retail space is easily accessible and visible from the street, ensuring that pet supplies are readily available for anyone, including the option to pick up items after appointments.
For staff, the design includes a lounge area and a full-service kitchen, offering opportunities to relax or work in a different setting. A large space equipped with several TVs is available for staff meetings and professional development sessions.
Nap rooms with lounge chairs encourage staff to take needed breaks, as they are accessible 24 hours a day. Additionally, a secondary staff kitchen provides easy access to snacks and water without requiring staff to cross the large floor space.
Maximizing the natural light from the north and west windows enhance wellness for both visitor and staff.
Natural wood and wood-look finishes throughout the facility create a warm and welcoming environment while also meeting the technical requirements of a medical space. This thoughtful approach enhances the overall experience, promoting wellness and comfort for both staff and clients.
Key Features
Maximized Space
We enhanced the spaciousness of key areas, such as reception and staff spaces, by incorporating exposed ceilings and wooden features.
Brand Integration Through Colour and Material
Colour was used to reflect the client’s brand throughout the space while creating contrast with light wood. A backlit resin feature wall highlights the brand, emphasizes the high ceilings and draws visitors into the space.
Enhancing Openness with Glazing
Glazing was utilized to bring natural light into the areas and make the rooms feel more open.
Technical Performance and Visual Interest:
We chose high-performance sheet flooring to meet technical requirements for coved bases and slip resistance, while also providing a seamless, antimicrobial finish. To add visual interest, we used colours to create distinct zones and patterns.
Results
Project Credits
Brokers: Savills
Engineers: MCW Consultants Ltd.
Contractors: Soundtex Interiors Ltd.
Furniture: McCrum’s Office Furnishings
Landlord: Primaris REIT
Photographer: Joel Klassen
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