Gawler Medical Clinic is a medical centre located at 1 light Square, Gawler, SA. The project was initiated by Humphrey and Chris George, a father and son partnership looking to establish a medical centre in Gawler for parent company Better Medical.
Chris contacted Medifit in 2018 and commenced talks with Medifit's Managing Director Sam Koranis. At this stage, a site had not been selected. When the site at Light Square, a prominent historical location in the centre of town became available, a feasibility study was commenced and design began in earnest.
Working with Medifit's architectural team, the building design process produced several concepts, before refining them into the final form.
The new owners wanted to preserve the historical aspect of the site, including an old stone barn that was painstakingly dismantled and rebuilt stone by stone by building contractors GC & J Building.
The fitout took place over the span of just 16 weeks, coordinated from Medifit head office in Perth and using a range of local trades under the supervision of Medifit’s SA project manager Johnny Altamura. With only 16 weeks scheduled, efficient project coordination was of the essence and trades and materials were booked ahead of time and works completed simultaneously where possible. Material and labour supply was challenging throughout the covid pandemic and this presented significant barriers. Working from Medifit Head Office, the Medifit construction team were able to liaise with all suppliers and keep the construction program on track. The project was completed on time and on budget and the new practice opened on time to the delight of the client. Medifit’s OHS policies ensured that there were no safety incidents on site.
Inside, the space is modern and contemporary. Textures are a mixture of natural wood finishes and light walls. The floors throughout reception and waiting are a textured carpet with feature neutral inlays delineating areas. The white flush plaster ceilings with recessed strip lights give the space an elegant, finished feel while bulkheads provide subtle cues directing people to the reception counter.
A generous waiting area has been provided for visitors to the clinic with colour carefully applied throughout to brighten the space for young patients and their families. Going deeper into the building, private consultation rooms and treatment areas are finished in commercial vinyls and solid surfaces to withstand the rigour of a busy medical environment. The practice makes use of natural and led lighting throughout, ensuring that energy efficiency is paramount.
Cabinetry throughout is bespoke and precise, with a mixture of timber veneer and Laminex solids giving warmth and a feeling of professionalism without appearing sterile.
A staff area complete with kitchen and meeting area has been provided in the rebuilt barn, creating a warm and inviting space at the centre of the property. The fitout throughout is a statement in understated elegance.
To complete the interior works in just 16 weeks was a remarkable achievement by the Medifit team.
