Samford Emergency Vet

Located in the tranquil Samford Valley and led by Dr. Leigh Hanlon, Samford Emergency Vets has become a destination that not only supports exemplary animal care but also provides an inviting, nostalgic environment for clients and their pets. Dr. Hanlon’s vision was for a space that embodies warmth and vintage style. This guided Elite’s design and construction approach from start to finish.

Elite worked closely with Dr. Hanlon to develop a design that would reflect the retro charm of the 1970s while maintaining the functionality required in a veterinary practice. The goal was to create a comfortable and distinctive space that would allow clients and pets to feel at ease.

Key Design Features

1. Warm Timber Wall Panelling:To evoke the cosy feel of a classic 1970s interior, Elite installed rich timber wall panelling features to the reception joinery and waiting areas. This creates an inviting atmosphere, helping to ease the stress that often accompanies veterinary visits.
2. Retro Colour Palette:Inspired by the muted tones of the 70s, the hospital features a carefully curated colour scheme of orange, yellow, green, and blue. These colours are applied consistently across the space, enhancing visual cohesion and reinforcing the nostalgic theme.
3. Rounded Architectural Elements:Consult doors with circular viewing panels are design elements that echo the retro aesthetic. These features add visual interest while supporting a functional flow of movement throughout the facility. The signature 70’s curve was also used strategically on the reception desk and in feature paint and bulkhead profiles to define spaces and add visual interest.
4. Terrazzo-Inspired Vinyl Flooring:Elite utilised terrazzo-inspired vinyl flooring to add durability, easy maintenance, and style. The flooring is colour-coded for different areas:
   • Consult and Treatment Rooms:Soft yellows and oranges create a welcoming environment for consultations and offer consistency into the adjacent treatment areas.
   • Animal Wards:Subtle blues promote a calm atmosphere for medical care and rest.
   • Grooming Spaces:Muted Greens establish a fresh, clean aesthetic suited to grooming activities.

This flooring choice reflects the design theme while maintaining the durability required in high-traffic areas of a veterinary hospital.

Implementation Process

Elite’s execution of the project was staged.

1. Design Collaboration:From the initial concept, Elite worked closely with Dr. Hanlon to finalise the selection of colours, materials, and fixtures. Every decision prioritised both aesthetics and practical application.
2. Construction and Fitout:Elite managed all phases of construction, ensuring precise installation of key features such as the timber wall panelling, rounded bulkhead thresholds, and integrated equipment and joinery. Each element was carefully implemented to maintain structural integrity while achieving the desired retro effect and functional use.
3. Interior Furnishings and Decor:The hospital’s decor was selected to enhance its vintage atmosphere, from vintage decorative tile to lighting and artwork that echoed the design of the 1970s. These touches complete the look without sacrificing the clean, professional environment expected in a veterinary practice.
4. Optimised Layout Design:The final layout of Samford Emergency Vets is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally efficient, allowing staff to move seamlessly through consultation, treatment, and grooming areas while providing clients with a cohesive experience.

By combining Dr. Hanlon’s passion for vintage style with Elite expertise in veterinary design, Samford Emergency Vets has established a unique, memorable presence that serves as an asset to the Samford Valley community.

We are proud to have contributed to the success of Samford Emergency Vets and looks forward to future projects that allow us to blend creativity with high-performance design in healthcare settings.