What I specified for a veterinary surgeons practice

A pastoral, countryside veterinary surgery may invoke thoughts of tweed, dry stone walls, and James Herriot but our specification for Newton Clarke was far from the stereotypical 1930s Yorkshire aesthetic.

Nestled on the edge of Sherborne, a 7th century town in North Dorset, this vet’s practice had to fit seamlessly into the rural idyll of its ancient surroundings. With a wealth of choices for more traditional finishes and designs this was, on the surface, no issue.

Working with the client and design management company there was an
outline for us to work with.  However, when there is an existing branch in an urban setting less than six kilometres away,  the specification had to take a different turn.

So, how to deliver cohesion with its local sister branch while ensuring a definite, separate look and feel, without compromising functionality and compliance? The decision was made to split finishes and designs between the front of house and back of house.

Speaking with the staff on a recent site visit they love the antique brass front of house hardware with the contrasting black doors. And with detail in mind, matching fire door signage and cylinders. You can’t ignore the visual impact this pairing has.

Back of house was the more-expected-for-a-vets satin stainless steel finish hardware. DIN standard lockcases make an appearance throughout with finish to match each area. This was topped off with the master key system. Access2 euro profile cylinders were an extension to the system at the existing, sister branch, plus accommodating expansion to include future sites. 

With high levels of inclusion of all parties throughout the process of specification and supply, it was a straightforward project to work through, with swift progress on site, and no snagging with any element of the door hardware. The end result? A boutique hotel design and feel for a functional, clinical space, presenting a peaceful, calming atmosphere to pets, owners, and employees alike.