Dr. Camacho Lemes Clinic

David Ballester

• Architects

ALEM Arquitectura draws inspiration from the Canary Islands for the newly opened dental clinic of Dr. Camacho Lemes.
With 117 square meters, distributed into functional, comfortable, and strategically located spaces, the design combines colors that evoke the vegetation and geography of the islands.
From the lighting to the frosted glass, every interior detail aims to provide a unique and pleasant sensory experience.

The new Camacho Lemes dental clinic, designed by ALEM Arquitectura and led by its founding architect, Ana Monteagudo, is located in the iconic Madrid neighborhood of Chamberí. Situated in a protected building, the clinic offers a fusion between the area’s traditional architecture and a modern, sophisticated interior design. The project, completed in December 2023, covers all development phases, from the initial site analysis to the final decor. The clinic spans a total area of 117 m², divided between reception, three treatment rooms, an office, an X-ray room, a sterilization room, a staff break room, and two restrooms.

photo_credit David Ballester — David Ballester

Inspiration: a tribute to the Canary Islands
Entering the clinic feels like embarking on a journey to the Canary Islands, the birthplace of Dr. Camacho Lemes and the source of the project's inspiration. With a bold, fresh, modern, and surprising aesthetic, the goal is to offer each patient a unique and pleasant sensory experience, enhanced by a signature scent that complements the clinic's immersive atmosphere. The carefully selected color palette pays homage to the characteristic vegetation and geography of the Canary Islands, capturing its essence in every corner.
The deep forest green walls, combined with Hisbalit’s mosaic tiles in small squares covering the waiting room floor, evoke the lush Canary Island vegetation. The gray tones of the porcelain flooring and the epoxy paint in the treatment rooms, along with the striking black resin counter at the entrance, recall the island's rocky and volcanic elements. This blend of colors perfectly harmonizes with beige tones, highlighted in the final design, creating visual cohesion that extends even to the graphic design and visual identity of the clinic.

Colors defining spaces
“For the clinic’s layout, we used color to separate and define different areas, ensuring privacy and security for both patients and staff. With the elongated and narrow structure of the space, we have a long gray corridor that divides the clinic into two clearly distinct areas: on one side is a green block, housing the waiting area, office, X-ray room, and a restroom; and on the opposite side, a light green block contains the three treatment rooms. At the back, hidden behind a wood door painted in the same neutral tone, are the sterilization room, break room, and private restroom,” explains architect Ana Monteagudo.
Each treatment room becomes a monochromatic space, with walls, floors, and ceilings painted in epoxy shades of gray, beige, and light green, creating an immersive experience. In a sanitary environment where hygiene is paramount, the design decisions facilitate optimal cleaning and easy maintenance. For this reason, the paint extends from the floor up the walls, minimizing joints and areas prone to dirt accumulation.

Lighting and glass: distinctive elements
Lighting, both technical and decorative, is a central focus in the clinic’s design. Flexible LED neon lamps run through the space with curved, sculptural shapes, cleverly integrated with the architectural details, made visible by the absence of a false ceiling. The tubular lamps in the treatment rooms, from the Portuguese brand Begolux, add an elegant and professional touch with their straight lines and strategic placement.
“The decorative use of frosted glass on the treatment room doors and the partition in the office area provides privacy and distinction, while allowing natural light to flow through, which is essential for creating a welcoming and bright atmosphere,” says Monteagudo.

Ergonomics and accessibility: a design for everyone
From the outset of the project, accessibility and comfort were key priorities. The clinic’s design ensures ergonomic comfort for both staff and patients, offering a simple layout and a perfect spatial distribution. Every environment has been created with the user’s comfort in mind, ensuring a pleasant stay and facilitating the work of professionals. In the treatment rooms, every element and piece of equipment is strategically positioned for easy access, optimizing functionality.
With simple yet attractive decor, the new clinic of Dr. Camacho Lemes reflects ALEM Arquitectura’s distinctive touch in every detail. From lighting to furniture, each selected item infuses every corner with the essence of the Canary Islands, bringing a tropical air to the heart of Madrid.