hurlingham clinic, london

The brief for this refurbishment project was to transform a Victorian Church Hall in South London into a contemporary Plastic Surgeon's clinic and day spa. The building has literally been operated upon to rejuvenate the tired structure and to transform its function. We became interested in using textured materials and skins that mediate the senses.

Within, the spaces are arranged as though in a boutique hotel. The reception area is a cooly lit room in shades of cream and stone. A taut leather reception desk is set into a niche with comfortable seating opposite. The window walls are hung in pleated white linen curtains that diffuse the light and add a layer of softness. There is a library table with an elegant display case showcasing the best products in the business. Large double doors lead through to the changing areas which are both business like and delicate; white ceramics off set by clean 'sugared almond' striped tiles.

A small secretive stair winds up to the massage rooms and medical areas. Patients are escorted by staff to their room along the high ceilinged corridor. The massage rooms have soft textured brown linoleum on the floor and are painted different colours to create a warm or cool ambience. The doctor's medical rooms have a green rubber floor with walls finished in glassy green mosaics. A screen wall, with a small nick out of it, divides off the patient area from the medical room. At the top of the building is the consultant's office, a magnificent tall room, flooded with daylight and with the ceiling going right into the apex of the roof.