In the heart of Saint-Henri, Montréal, IVY Studio has transformed the traditional veterinary clinic into a human-centric, design-forward space that balances functionality and aesthetic warmth. The Clinique Vétérinaire Saint-Henri (CVSH) is a 3,000 sq.ft. project that challenges the sterile clinical archetypewith its vaulted ceilings, natural light, and material richness, creating an inviting environment for pets, owners, and staff alike.
Located on the ground floor of a mixed-use building, the clinic’s street presence is marked by two oversized glass sliding doors that blur the boundary between interior and exterior. This transparency extends into the spatial layout, where a vaulted ceiling runs the length of the clinic, lending a sense of continuity and grandeur. The front-of-house area is divided into a reception zone and a boutique-waiting room, separated by a closed staircase leading to upper-level apartments. Tucked beneath the stairs, a discreet client washroom is seamlessly integrated into the oak-panelled envelope.
The reception desk, crafted from custom quartzite and blue lacquered wood, sets the tone for the clinic’s material palette. A red oak wall unit provides storage and display space for pet-care products, while the adjacent boutique-waiting area features a central island and recessed wall niches that highlight curated retail offerings. Seating is nestled among greenery, creating a luminous and verdant atmosphere.
A large glass partition with fluted detailing separates the boutique from the treatment area, allowing natural light to filter deep into the clinic. The open treatment room acts as a central hub, housing stainless steel cages, a grooming tub, and three treatment tables, all arranged with clean sightlinesfor efficiency. Five exam rooms line a corridor, each outfitted with bespoke red oak benches and butter yellow lacquered seating, while adjustable lighting ensures a tailored ambiance for consultations.
At the rear of the clinic, two surgical rooms—dental and general—are flanked by a shared prep space. A high window on the back façade brings controlled daylight into these zones without compromising privacy. A secondary staff entrance leads to a functional service area, complete with a kitchenette, washroom, and office.
The material and lighting palette is carefully curated to evoke calm and clarity. Cream limewashcoats the walls and vaulted ceilings, revealing subtle texture under recessed lighting. Marble terrazzoflooring in client areas transitions to taupe marmoleum in staff zones, while acoustic wood-wool paneling ensures sound control. Playful accents—powder blue lacquers, yellow mesh grilles, and red oak millwork—add warmth to the neutral base, while raw stainless steel elements maintain a lab-like precision in medical spaces.
With its thoughtful layout, tactile finishes, and dynamic visual connections, CVSH reimagines the veterinary experience as one that is both professional and welcoming. The project, completed on a 1.1M CAD budget, stands as a testament to IVY Studio’s ability to merge architectural innovation with empathetic design.
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