Dental Clinic Halley

When you see this building, a dental clinic is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. And that’s exactly what we aimed for in the design of Dental Clinic Halley on St. Maarten. The result is a contemporary design rooted in the Caribbean context.

Completed in 2005, this was the first project in which Lyongo had the freedom to fully express his creativity and begin to define his architectural signature.

Designing with the landscape

Our client had previously run his practice from home and was ready to take the next step. When he came across this steeply sloped plot, he immediately knew it was the perfect location for his new clinic. The site presented a number of challenges due to its steep incline. To adapt, the building was elevated on columns at one end which created a beautiful view of the lagoon and the green hills.

This design choice not only optimized the space but also helped make the clinic financially sustainable, as the ground floor can be rented out for additional income.

Eliminating fear

The building is spread across two floors and features large windows and skylights to maximize natural light and connect the interior to its lush surroundings. A key goal was to prioritize the comfort and experience of users—especially given the anxiety many people feel about visiting the dentist.

For us and for our client, it was important that people feel as comfortable as possible. This approach can be seen in the soundproof treatment rooms. Waiting patients don’t hear the sound of the drill, helping to reduce stress and make the environment as calming as possible. Once in the treatment chair, patients are treated to expansive views of the lagoon and surrounding hills through the glass façade. The purpose of this was to provide distraction from what is happening during treatments.

Pipes and tanks

Before designing, Lyongo thoroughly researched the technical requirements of a dental clinic—such as specialized piping for dental chairs and dedicated waste disposal systems with a separate tank, ensuring hazardous materials are not released into the environment.

Sustainability was a key focus in the design of the Dental Clinic Halley, with several features contributing to the building’s energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. The building incorporates a rainwater collection system, with the water being reused for various functions within the clinic. This not only conserves water but also reduces the clinic’s dependency on external sources, a crucial aspect on an island.

Hurricane proof

Additionally, the building was designed to be hurricane-proof, with reinforced construction and an emergency power generator to ensure the clinic remains operational even after a natural disaster. This resilience is a testament to the island’s vulnerability to storms and the importance of making buildings capable of withstanding harsh conditions. The design has withstood the test of time, remaining intact through several hurricanes over the past 20 years.