tetsuo yamaji architects builds a dental clinic with residential comfort in japan

a clinic that resembles a house 

It is said that about one in four people are scared to visit the dentist; sterile rooms, muted colors, bright lights, and the familiar TV screen on the ceiling to distract patients. Tetsuo Yamaji Architects aimed to design a dental clinic that follows the requirements of those spaces but also exudes a calm, residential-like comfort. Located in Kagawa Prefecture, in Japan, Utazu Clinic stands out from the surrounding typical national chain stores with its angular silhouette. With Mt. Aonoyama as a backdrop, the structure presents itself proudly with clear geometries, mimicking the presence of a house clad in white. The design team sought to form a welcoming enviroment that reminds us of everything but a clinic. An extensive angular opening that follows the contour of the building gives a glimpse of the impressive wooden interior with a permeable character that runs throughout the project.

all images by Kenta Hasegawa 

a calming yet professional enviroment 

For the clinic project, Tetsuo Yamaji Architects did not limit themselves to conventional solutions but offered an out-of-the-box proposal. ‘I would be happy if the patient who came for dental treatment were as calm and comfortable as possible,’ shares the team. The scheme accommodates a ground floor and a mezzanine, maintaining a visual connection between them. A high ceiling is achieved through a skeleton that utilizes wooden diagonal stilts and a series of wooden beams that support the roof at a slope of 45 degrees. The examination room features wide openings that enable the patients on the dental chairs to gaze outwards. A white corrugated wall ensures their privacy from passers-by but still lets sunlight come in. 

this dental clinic resembles a residential structure

the vast opening unveils part of the impressive wooden interior

the extensive windows in front of the dental chairs encourage the patients to look out

the wooden skeleton accomplishes the otherwise white interior

diagonal stilts support the high-ceiling construction

the permeable interior adds to the welcoming atmosphere

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project info:

name: Utazu Clinic

architects: Tetsuo Yamaji Architects | @ymja_official

location: Utazu-Cho, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan

area: 174.18 sqm

photography: Kenta Hasegawa