Header: Maxime Brouillet
When you think of an orthodontic clinic, you might picture bright white walls, fluorescent lights, and a purely functional design. But at Clinique Monkland in Montréal, the experience is quite the opposite. Thanks to the thoughtful transformation by local design studio Atelier Échelle, the clinic feels more like a cozy home than a medical facility.
Clinique Monkland is located in a century-old building in the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce neighborhood. Rather than the typical sterile atmosphere, the design team created a warm and welcoming space that puts patients at ease. They took inspiration from residential interiors, replacing clinical starkness with rich textures, warm wood tones, and carefully chosen design details that add character to the space.
A living room welcome
Stepping into the reception area, patients are greeted by a space that feels like a stylish living room. The original brick fireplace has been preserved, bringing a sense of history and warmth. Long, custom velvet benches line the walls, offering comfortable seating for waiting patients. A curved walnut desk is the reception counter, flanked by full-height cabinets decorated with books and sculptures. The result is an environment that feels personal and inviting rather than cold and impersonal.
Thoughtful design throughout
Beyond the reception, the layout follows the original structure of the building. A hallway runs through the clinic, with consultation rooms on one side and technical areas on the other. Instead of the typical clinical ceiling panels, wooden boxes conceal dental equipment, offering patients something visually interesting to look at while they receive treatment. The materials used throughout – white oak, walnut, and fluted glass – add warmth and texture, making the space feel carefully curated rather than purely functional.
More pleasant medical visits
Atelier Échelle has found a way to balance modern needs with the charm of the historic building. The mix of period details with contemporary design elements ensures the space feels timeless and up-to-date. The clinic’s transformation goes beyond aesthetics; it rethinks the patient experience, proving that even medical spaces can feel comfortable and inviting.
With this project, Atelier Échelle shows how design can make medical visits less stressful and more pleasant. By blending elements of home and hospitality, Clinique Monkland has redefined what a dental clinic can be, and it might just make a trip to the orthodontist something to look forward to.
