Glenferrie Dental

A commercial development on Glenferrie Road provided the perfect foundation for OPTIMA’s long-term client’s vision — an eight-chair dental practice designed to redefine the patient experience. With a generous 430sqm footprint and a prime location, the site offered both opportunity and inspiration. Rather than adopting the conventional clinical aesthetic often associated with healthcare environments, the designer sought to create a space that felt warm, calm, and human. The result is a patient-focused interior that strikes a harmonious balance between comfort and contemporary sophistication.

“From the outset, our goal was to create a space that feels instantly calming,” explains Kerryn Minehan, Design Director at OPTIMA. “We wanted every element—from the palette to the materials—to reflect the quality-of-care patients can expect from the practice.”

Design Philosophy: Seamless Form and Function

At the heart of OPTIMA design philosophy lies an unwavering commitment to both aesthetics and performance. The use of Corian® solid surface was central to this approach, enabling the creation of smooth, seamless forms that are not only elegant but also meet the stringent hygiene requirements of a healthcare environment.

The reception desk, crafted in Corian® Limestone Prima, anchors the interior as a statement of refined simplicity. The soft, natural tone of the surface serves as a neutral backdrop for the surrounding materials, complementing timber, light, and texture throughout the space. The same finish continues through the payments counter and refreshment bar, maintaining visual continuity and reinforcing a sense of calm sophistication.

A Sculptural Welcome

Breaking away from the rectilinear lines typical of healthcare interiors, the reception desk flows in a dramatic crescent form, gracefully curving to embrace visitors upon entry. Its fluid geometry evokes both movement and stability, creating a welcoming first impression.

A discreet LED strip light beneath the counter casts a soft glow, producing a subtle halo effect along the floor. This thoughtful lighting detail enhances the sculptural quality of the piece and reinforces its role as the focal point of the reception area.

“The desk was designed to appear as though it had been effortlessly poured into place,” says Minehan. “It’s both bold and gentle — an architectural feature that invites rather than intimidates.”

Crafting Complexity with Precision

The fabrication and installation of the Corian® elements required a high level of precision and craftsmanship. ProSolid, the project’s fabricator, expertly thermoformed the Corian® sheets into sweeping, radiused curves — an exacting process that transformed the material into sculptural form.

Due to the scale of the countertop and the tenancy’s first-floor location, each section had to be transported and assembled on-site, ensuring perfect joins and continuity. Despite logistical challenges, the installation was executed with meticulous care, resulting in a flawless finish that exemplifies the strength of collaboration between designer and fabricator.

Outcome: Redefining the Dental Experience

The Glenferrie Road dental practice reimagines what a healthcare interior can be. It combines artistry, material innovation, and human-centred design to create a space that challenges expectations.

Through the integration of Corian® Limestone Prima, OPTIMA and ProSolid have delivered an environment that feels as enduring as it is elegant—a serene setting that reflects the precision and excellence of the services provided within.

“This project shows what’s possible when design and material performance come together seamlessly,” says Minehan. “Corian® allowed us to realise a sculptural, welcoming environment that feels genuinely different from any traditional dental practice.”