This ultra-compact medical center with transparent front and back facade has maximum openness and light. A quality that has been overemphasized in this project. An approach that translates into a pleasant open environment for both doctors and patients. An environment that does not feel oppressive but airy, with a well-considered relationship between the waiting room and meeting room with the street at the front, and with the four doctor's cabinets with the small garden at the back.
In order to adequately shield the view of the street, but without compromising on this light, air and visibility quality, a filter has been created on the street side. This vertical, slightly angled, wooden structure avoids overheating, but above all regulates privacy and the relationship with the street. This screen follows the profile of the street, while the compact building itself has been made radically orthogonally. This creates a fascinating relationship between the two facades that run in a wedge towards each other.
A gate in this structure opens up to the inside and thus forms a clear entrance when the building is open. At night, the building can be completely closed off, not only literally but also visually, as a clear communication to the public domain.
The city of Ronse wants to strengthen his small-town role, and this (medical) polyvalent and sustainable concept contributes. There was a shortage of general practitioners in Ronse, this centre takes over the routine tasks. Patients with routine appointments can walk into the centre without appointment. In addition to blood tests, it can also be used for regular consultations, a meeting room can be rented and medical training courses are organised. In this way, the small, flexible building fits seamlessly into Ronse's daily life.
The building fits in with its surroundings by means of specific volume processing, cornice height and materialisation. At the same time, the building distinguishes itself sufficiently from its immediate surroundings to emphasize its semi-public character. It is a building that has a relationship of give and take with the public domain.
The construction and materialization of the building is very modest. A massive building insulated with EPS and silicone resin plaster (affordability). Large storey-high and facade-wide windows at the front and rear with high-efficiency glass in aluminium window frames. A filtering wooden facade in Accoya, a wood that has been preserved by means of acetylation. Accoya would last 50 years above ground.
Simplicity also prevails indoors. In essence: polished concrete floors and stairs and off-white plastered walls and ceilings. Curtains from floor to ceiling in all rooms balance these hard materials. These acoustic curtains provide a pleasant reverberation time, but at the same time ensure a certain homeliness.
The systems used are contemporary, with a heat pump and balance ventilation, but not to score in terms of energy performance, but always with the intention of making the user experience of both doctors and patients as pleasant as possible.
