Plastic surgeon Dr Julia Berkei found the ideal location for her surgery in the centre of Frankfurt, metropolis on the river Main. Situated in a core-renovated historical building, the generous premises allowed the doctor to create a pleasant environment for her select clients that reflects her very own style.
The patina of the wood blends in beautifully with the unique choice of furniture and modern office equipment
Not that long ago, surgical correction of physical characteristics was considered the privilege of the rich and famous. Now that a perfect body is increasingly seen as an expression of success, expectations of the results delivered by aesthetic and plastic-reconstructive surgeons are very high. Dr Berkei therefore considers initial consultations of supreme importance and wants them to take place in an atmosphere in which future patients are bound to feel good.
Long-standing experience has given Dr Berkei the confidence to put herself in charge of the design of her new surgery premises in Frankfurt am Main. She repeatedly travelled to Italy to track down individual pieces for furniture made by top-quality manufacturers. The generous floor plan on the third floor of the historical building in a prime city centre location provides the requisite space for the beautiful furniture. The modern, almost playful, lighting concept and the minimalist office furniture system in white, which also dominates the reception, provide a welcome contrast.
Constructed in the second half of the 19th century, the stately residential and commercial building was hit by a WWII aircraft bomb which inflicted great damage to the upper floors. Due to the housing shortage in the 1950s, the building was quickly repaired, involving visible interference in the interior and exterior structure. After more than 70 years of compromise, the owner decided to embark on a core renovation to allow the building to blend in with today’s ambience of the Goethestrasse area.
Despite the modern conversion, Dr Berkei had the firm intention to revive the former grace of the building, at least within the confines of her surgery. She had all of the doors rebuilt in the original style and selected the oak parquet floor with herringbone pattern that was prevalent at the time. The special feature of the surgery’s Unopark floor in warm Tabacco hues is its used look. The floor comes with signs of wear and tear that convey its authentic character and natural grace.
The floor perfectly complements the surgery’s unusual furniture selection and modern office equipment. Its oiled surface complies with the hygienic requirements of a modern surgery. More extensive operations are performed in hospitals. Ms Berkei received technical assistance from architect Carsten Eisenecker, Aschaffenburg, Bavaria, who was in charge of the building’s overall renovation. Mr Eisenecker advised Dr Berkei on the implementation of the layout programme. This included, for instance, direct access to the external lift at the backside of the building to safeguard the patients’ privacy.
| Location | Frankfurt, Germany |
|---|---|
| Architect | Eisenecker |
| Building owner | Mrs. Dr. Berkai |
| Floor installer | Parkett Wippler |
|---|---|
| Parquet | Unopark, Oak Tabacco |
