The original dental office was situated in a small brick bungalow among two and three storey commercial storefronts. The brick was painted green and the practice was affectionately known as The Little Green Building, so we knew that ‘green’, both literal and symbolic would be featured in the new design. The lot is almost entirely covered by the small footprint of the building therefore there was nowhere to go but up to make more space. The reception, dental treatment rooms and support spaces were completely refreshed with new lighting, finishes and millwork. Stairs to the upper two floors were projected as close to the sidewalk as possible so as to minimize the incursion on the footprint of each floor, while providing a bicycle parking closet below. Staff meeting room, kitchenette, laundry, washroom with shower on the 2nd floor and a loft office and outdoor terrace on the 3rd floor provide much-needed support space for the practice.
Separated from the public areas, the upper floors may be converted into a residential unit if desired. The building envelope was improved and new heating and a/c system is an energy efficient heat pump. The new exterior cladding includes a masonry unit wall, built from our side of the property line on the North, cement panels and standing seam metal on the other sides. The light filled 3rd floor loft and balcony are angled and stepped back at the residential neighbourhood facades, and the remaining original bricks were painted in updated shades of green for a playful homage to The Little Green Building.
