Developed between 2025 and 2026, this dental clinic project in Santa Maria da Feira transforms an existing 291 m² space into a contemporary, functional, and welcoming healthcare facility.

For the Ivan Toro Dental Clinic, Radian developed an integrated project that encompassed architecture, interior design, licensing documentation, construction drawings, furniture design, coordination of specialized trades, and technical supervision of the construction work.

The project is based on a fundamental idea: a dental clinic must strictly meet the functional requirements of dentistry, but it must also help reduce anxiety, make it easier for patients to find their way around, and build a relationship of trust with those who use it.

A clinical architecture centered on the patient experience

The clinic's layout was designed with the different pathways of patients, staff, and supplies in mind.

The reception area, waiting area, and hallways make up the project’s reception area. Four dental offices, a support office, the imaging area, and various clinical support spaces branch out from this central hub.

The program also includes a sterilization and reprocessing room, a laboratory, a waste disposal room, a training room, an office, a break room, locker rooms, technical areas, and restrooms, including an accessible restroom.

The layout aims to establish a clear separation between public access areas, clinical zones, and staff-only spaces, while maintaining a continuous and intuitive flow throughout the facility.

The reception desk as a wayfinding element

The reception desk was designed to be a centerpiece of the architectural composition.

Its curved geometry follows the flow of traffic as patients enter and naturally guides them to the treatment, waiting, and clinical circulation areas. The seamless finish in HI-MACS® reinforces the piece’s sculptural character, while the wooden base establishes a direct connection with the other woodwork elements.

The integrated linear lighting accentuates the different levels of the counter and discreetly illuminates the work area. Rather than appearing as a standalone element, the reception area blends seamlessly with the design of the floor, ceilings, and walls, establishing itself as the space’s main focal point.

Wood, light, and organic shapes

The clinic’s identity is shaped by a light, warm color palette, characterized by the use of natural wood, lacquered surfaces in soft tones, and rounded geometric forms.

Wooden slatted panels are used on walls, as visual screens, and as transitional elements. In addition to their practical function, they help guide pathways, frame entryways, and create varying degrees of privacy without forming completely opaque barriers.

Light-colored surfaces reflect light and visually expand spaces. The curves incorporated into the ceilings, furniture, and finishes soften the boundaries between different areas and reduce the rigidity typically associated with clinical environments.

Flooring tailored to each area

In the common areas, a woven vinyl flooring was installed 2tec2, chosen for its textile-like appearance, durability, and ability to create a more comfortable atmosphere in reception, waiting, and circulation areas.

The variations in the floor’s color follow the counter’s geometry and help identify different functional areas without the need for physical dividers.

In the clinical areas, glued-down vinyl flooring was used, which is suitable for the requirements of use, cleaning, and maintenance in these spaces. The transition between the different flooring types was designed to be seamless, preserving the clinic’s visual unity.

A less institutional waiting area

The waiting area was arranged using small groups of armchairs, avoiding an overly linear or impersonal layout.

The combination of camel-colored leather, light-colored fabrics, wood, and side tables gives the space a more home-like feel. This choice contributes to a more comfortable waiting experience and reduces the institutional feel of the environment.

The wooden panels and slatted elements allow the space to be visually subdivided, creating varying degrees of privacy without compromising the spaciousness and brightness of the overall space.

Lighting Integrated into the Architecture

The lighting was designed to be an integral part of the space's design.

Large, luminous planes with a circular and organic design define the reception and waiting areas. In the circulation areas, continuous lines of light follow the pathways and reinforce the direction of movement.

Indirect lighting integrated into the ceilings, furniture, niches, and finishes adds depth to the surfaces and highlights the natural texture of the wood. In the clinical areas, the lighting was designed to meet specific work requirements and coordinate with the other technical systems.

The ventilation grilles, equipment, projectors, and other infrastructure were coordinated with the design of the suspended ceilings in an effort to minimize visual clutter and preserve the clarity of the composition.

Transparency and Privacy

The glass partitions maintain the visual depth of the hallways and allow for a more balanced distribution of light.

To ensure the necessary privacy for the offices and workspaces, translucent horizontal bands were installed. This solution preserves the lightness of the glass, controls the visibility into the interior spaces, and maintains a continuous view of the hallways.

Doors, cabinets, and utility areas were integrated into the finishes, reducing the number of visually distinct elements and enhancing the design’s cohesiveness.

An Integrated Architectural Design for Healthcare

At Ivan Toro Dental Clinic, architecture is not merely a facade or decoration for a clinical practice.

The design of the circulation areas, ceilings, reception desk, furniture, and various woodwork elements plays a direct role in the clinic’s functional organization. Each design solution seeks to balance the patient experience with the team’s operational needs and the integration of technical infrastructure.

The result is a dental clinic in Santa Maria da Feira with its own distinct identity, where functionality, comfort, and architectural precision are treated as inseparable parts of the same design.