Dost converts 1960s restaurant into heart clinic with cork cubicles
Swiss studio Dost has transformed a 1960s restaurant into a heart treatment centre in Zurich, featuring cork-lined cubicles and waiting rooms (+ slideshow).
![Heart Surgery Zurich by Dost](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/04/heart-surgery-dost-zurich-switzerland-cork-interior_dezeen_936_12.jpg)
Dost reorganised the existing rooms and corridors of the 260-square-metre space, which is spread over two floors of an existing building in the Swiss city.
![Heart Surgery Zurich by Dost](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/04/heart-surgery-dost-zurich-switzerland-cork-interior_dezeen_936_5.jpg)
The team then added a range of cork-clad cubicles and waiting areas, intended to visually tie together the two levels.
![Heart Surgery Zurich by Dost](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/04/heart-surgery-dost-zurich-switzerland-cork-interior_dezeen_936_0.jpg)
"Carefully proportioned cubes structure the space and organise the paths for the user," said the architects. "In this fashion, a backspace with a separate entrance and a light, courtyard-oriented patient area is created."
![Heart Surgery Zurich by Dost](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/04/heart-surgery-dost-zurich-switzerland-cork-interior_dezeen_936_3.jpg)
"A division of the waiting areas based on the urgency of the patient diminishes fear and promotes the feel of short waiting times," they added.
The warm-toned cork material offsets the clinical white finishes of the rest of the space, helping to create a less sterile environment.
![Heart Surgery Zurich by Dost](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/04/heart-surgery-dost-zurich-switzerland-cork-interior_dezeen_936_2.jpg)
"Natural cork provides for a comfortable sound reverberation, regulates humidity and absorbs odours," said the architects. "The resulting spaces embody the main values of the clients – care and tranquility."
![Heart Surgery Zurich by Dost](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/04/heart-surgery-dost-zurich-switzerland-cork-interior_dezeen_936_6.jpg)
The Herzpraxis Zürich-Höngg clinic treats patients with a range of cardiovascular conditions ranging from high blood pressure to heart disease.
![Heart Surgery Zurich by Dost](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/04/heart-surgery-dost-zurich-switzerland-cork-interior_dezeen_936_8.jpg)
Beyond the reception desk and initial waiting area, there is a suite of consultation and examination rooms, including spaces for heart imaging and stress testing.
Seating is set into a niche in the cork walls, facing floor-ceiling windows by the courtyard. Magazines are placed on small white tables alongside.
![Heart Surgery Zurich by Dost](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/04/heart-surgery-dost-zurich-switzerland-cork-interior_dezeen_936_7.jpg)
Inside the consultation rooms store computer equipment is stored in black wall niches. The rooms are dressed with white and pastel-toned furniture, and have translucent curtains in front of the windows.
Photography is by Andrin Winteler.
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![Heart Surgery Zurich by Dost](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/04/heart-surgery-dost-zurich-switzerland-cork-interior_dezeen_3.gif)
![Heart Surgery Zurich by Dost](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/04/heart-surgery-dost-zurich-switzerland-cork-interior_dezeen_2.gif)