Shift Architecture + Urbanism Transforms a 1930s Dutch Villa Into a Light-Filled Modern Dental Clinic

Rotterdam-based design firm <a href="http://www.shifta.nl/">Shift Architecture + Urbanism</a> has transformed an existing historic 1930s villa into a modern dental practice that forges a strong connection with nature. Located in the town of Best in the Netherlands, this <a href="http://inhabitat.com/renovation/">renovation</a> and extension of the existing villa provides a contemporary architectural twist to the archetypal housing form.

The existing building was a traditional Dutch home with a brick exterior and slate roof.

With its standing-seam zinc cladding, the new volume stands out in an iconic way.

<a href="http://www.shifta.nl/">Shift Architecture + Urbanism</a>'s renovation honored the history of the existing home and added a new volume contrasts with the materiality of the existing building.

The architect installed “a large ‘flower window’, that also serves as a bench” to connect the interior to nature and create a sense of serenity.

Orange built-in cabinetry also brightens the office environment in a humorous way.

Though the exterior of the stylish new dental clinic seems a bit industrial, the interior is clean and<a href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=daylighting"> full of light</a>.

The windows frame the activity of the patient in the dentist’s chair from the outside.

The full height windows help to create a literal transparency to the natural world for the patients and the dentists.

The white and orange interior of the patient rooms also seem to glow at night.

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