![Ortho Wijchen by Studio Prototype](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/01/ortho-wijchen-studio-prototype-health-architecture-wijchen-netherlands_dezeen_hero01-852x479.jpg)
Anxiety-reducing orthodontic clinic features serene interiors and garden views
Birch-framed skylights and windows offer garden views to patients at this dental clinic in the Netherlands, designed by Studio Prototype.
![Ortho Wijchen by Studio Prototype](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/01/ortho-wijchen-studio-prototype-health-architecture-wijchen-netherlands_dezeen_2364_col_8-852x551.jpg)
Ortho Wijchen is located in Wichen, a town in the east-Netherlands province of Gelderland, forming part of a cluster of healthcare-institutions in the new Huurlingse Dam urban plan.
![Ortho Wijchen by Studio Prototype](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/01/ortho-wijchen-studio-prototype-health-architecture-wijchen-netherlands_dezeen_2364_col_4-852x569.jpg)
Amsterdam-based Studio Prototype wanted to create a light-filled and uncluttered orthodontic practice with a sculptural form that acts as a keystone for the neighbourhood.
![Ortho Wijchen by Studio Prototype](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/01/ortho-wijchen-studio-prototype-health-architecture-wijchen-netherlands_dezeen_2364_col_13-852x1277.jpg)
Angled white walls with large expanses of glazing frame vistas of the district and the surrounding landscape. The space is topped with a high roof made from aluminium profiled sheets that creates a spacious interior.
![Ortho Wijchen by Studio Prototype](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/01/ortho-wijchen-studio-prototype-health-architecture-wijchen-netherlands_dezeen_2364_col_0-852x1216.jpg)
To bring plenty of light inside, the architects inserted the skylight above a hallway in the centre of the space, bridging the ridge of the roof.
![Ortho Wijchen by Studio Prototype](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/01/ortho-wijchen-studio-prototype-health-architecture-wijchen-netherlands_dezeen_2364_col_14-852x1277.jpg)
"The distinctiveness of the sculpture in combination with its freestanding position and sight lines, enhances the open and accessible character of the practice," architect Steven Otten told Dezeen.
![Ortho Wijchen by Studio Prototype](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/01/ortho-wijchen-studio-prototype-health-architecture-wijchen-netherlands_dezeen_2364_col_5-852x570.jpg)
"The open setup of the plan and the large panoramic view towards the garden create a light and spacious place in which the patient feels comfortable," he continued.
"Natural light flows in through the birch wooden roof light which acts as a backbone for the building."
![Ortho Wijchen by Studio Prototype](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/01/ortho-wijchen-studio-prototype-health-architecture-wijchen-netherlands_dezeen_2364_col_6-852x569.jpg)
The walls are further sculpted to create a covered entrance that opens to a light wooden reception desk, which is set at a diagonal on a slightly raised platform.
Beside the desk, a walkway leads underneath the roof light through to the main open space.
![Ortho Wijchen by Studio Prototype](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/01/ortho-wijchen-studio-prototype-health-architecture-wijchen-netherlands_dezeen_2364_col_7-852x568.jpg)
A series of open treatment spaces are arranged in a line on the garden-facing side of the building, offering the orthodontist an overview of the ongoing treatments, while low-level glass screens set between treatment chairs form divisions.
Two more private rooms are placed inside closed spaces on the other side of the building, alongside the X-ray, sterilisation and model-rooms
![Ortho Wijchen by Studio Prototype](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/01/ortho-wijchen-studio-prototype-health-architecture-wijchen-netherlands_dezeen_2364_col_11-852x1277.jpg)
Aiming to create a serene setting for the patients, the architects chose a neutral palette for the interiors, including light-stained birch wood furniture and translucent glass frames for cupboards lining the corridor.
These are complemented by white-painted walls and ceilings, while the flooring is grey.
![Ortho Wijchen by Studio Prototype](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/01/ortho-wijchen-studio-prototype-health-architecture-wijchen-netherlands_dezeen_2364_col_9-852x556.jpg)
Other clinics designed to alleviate anxiety include a surgery in Taiwan modelled on a living room and a dental training college in Brisbane where natural materials are used to create a calming environment.
Studio Prototype is a multidisciplinary design studio for architecture and urbanism. It previously designed a "puzzle-like" villa in the Netherlands, a houseboat in Amsterdam and added a gabled extension to a brick house in the town of Duiven.
Photography is by Jeroen Musch.
Project credits:
Design: Jeroen Spee, Jeroen Steenvoorden, Steven Otten
Project team: Gijs van Suijlichem, Jan van de Schaaf, Jan Paules Hoogenterp, Fabiana Tierni Imamura, Ruben Figueiredo, Pieter Mulder, Titus Lammertse
Structural engineer: F Wiggers
Systems engineer: ABT Consulting engineers
Contractor: HAEX B V