ALLANDALE VETERINARY HOSPITAL
 

The owners of the Allandale Veterinary Hospital had outgrown their facility. To meet their growing professional demands and to better serve their clients they chose to relocate on a green field site in the south end of Barrie. This new facility would be purpose built and state of the art.

To achieve this end, they chose a team of specialists which included a well known local builder and 2 design firms: BDA Architecture from New Mexico who specialize in animal hospitals and 3stones for building science, construction design and documentation.

The challenges were significant. The owners wanted a residential scale and feel to comfort their clients. Interior finishes needed to be inviting and soothing while also being extremely durable without appearing institutional. The internal architecture needed to support a complex mechanical system which divided the interior into specific zones designed for thermal comfort and to prevent the migration of contaminants and odours. The control and prevention of sound migration between the zones was also imperative.

What emerged is a 9,200 square foot single storey building. A timber frame entrance off a landscaped path welcomes clients to the facility. The scale of the peaked roof building is moderated by the use of a stone base and wood siding on the exterior walls. Windows are residential in style to complete the exterior appearance. The entry opens onto a reception area with adjacent waiting area complete with fireplace and water feature.

Many special features were incorporated specifically for the comfort of the furry clients including walking paths and a fenced run complete with a pool and fire hydrant. Colours and lighting were carefully crafted to make a visit to the hospital as calm and soothing as possible for both pet’s and their owners.

Photography by : Sean O’Reilly