Project Overview
Evoke's first veterinary practice project, The Shire Vet, is a unique and innovative take on the traditional vet clinic. Located in a converted 2-tenancy split-level warehouse building in the industrial/business park of Caringbah, NSW, The Shire Vet offers a modern and bold industrial aesthetic that sets it apart from the competition.
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Project Brief
The space was designed with both function and style in mind. It features a spacious reception and waiting area, separate zones for dogs and cats, multiple exam rooms, a dental exam area, pharmacy, lab, and dedicated surgery and treatment areas. A new staircase connects the front-of-house areas with the back-of-house functions, including X-ray, isolation, and ward facilities.
To address noise concerns, acoustic solutions were implemented in key areas, such as exam rooms and dental consult spaces.
The client’s new branding, including their logo and wayfinding system, was seamlessly integrated into the design. The logo was prominently displayed in the reception area and on the building’s façade.
Project Innovation/Need
The client’s first veterinary practice aimed to break away from the norm, offering a modern and bold design that contrasted the typical sterile suburban clinic. The industrial aesthetic, with its exposed materials and warehouse proportions, was a key aspect of the fitout.
Design Challenge
A major challenge was making the double-height space feel warm and inviting, despite the predominantly monochromatic palette and concrete floor. To achieve this, a variety of raw and refined finishes and textures were introduced. These included painting existing brickwork in warm white, incorporating v-groove panelling, bronze-toned wall sconces, and custom honey oak timber-look display and seating joinery.
Biophilic elements, such as bespoke movable planter boxes, added a touch of nature. The existing slab floors were stripped, honed, and sealed to reveal the underlying aggregate, creating subtle movement and depth. A monolithic concrete panelled front desk and art gallery-style suspended track lighting contributed to a distinct and dynamic reception and waiting area. Natural light was maximized by converting an existing warehouse roller door into a striking black-framed double-height glazed entranceway.
Sustainability
Taking sustainability into consideration stones and plants were used throughout the design. The existing concrete slab was used which minimises waste. Biophilic elements were also used to incorporate elements of wellness into the design and support occupant wellbeing.
Laminex and Polytec products were used for all cabinetry and joinery. These suppliers employ a range of processes along with the latest technology to ensure they reduce their carbon footprint such as timber certifications, Global GreenTag certified products, low emission products and ISO 14001 certification.
Interior Design - Public & Institutional
This award celebrates innovative and creative building interiors with consideration given to space creation and planning, furnishings, finishes and aesthetic presentation. Consideration also given to space allocation, traffic flow, building services, lighting, fixtures, flooring, colours, furnishings and surface finishes.
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