This project—a veterinary hospital that spans over 280 square meters—was designed by Crosshatch in 2016, and is located in Wallan Victoria, in Australia. It is an efficient and elegant building that successfully refreshes the traditional style of veterinarian hospitals. This all-day/every-day facility required, above all, a very recognizable street presence, while also being respectful of its residential context.
The personnel and operating areas are in the central part of the building, and occupy the largest area. Each space has wide-open spaces that provide excellent ventilation, largely due to the rolling glass windows that cross from one side to the other. The result is, thus, a relaxing interior with fluidity with plenty of ways to transit from one path to another.
Wooden battens cover the building, providing a great amount of shade. However, at night, the battens also soften the light from the interior, giving them a wonderful and warm feeling. This creates an effect similar to that of a lantern, and openly announces that the hospital remains open.
As a result, the battens create a veil that oscillates between transparent and solid, with views into the building that opens and closes depending on the visitor’s approach. It lends the overall project an unexpected sense of dynamism rarely seen in a facility of this type.
Magaly Grosso was born in Venezuela where she grew up and studied Advertising and Marketing. With time, she realized that what she truly wanted to dedicate herself to was Interior Design, which is why she decided to study it and devote herself to it. Learn more about HomeDSGN's Editorial Process.