Guardian Radiology

Guardian Radiology is a medical imagining group, who embraces the progressive shift to providing local care for rural communities regardless of location or size. So, when they were ready to open a Flagship location in Canmore, Alberta, they came to Sticks and Stones Design Group looking to achieve a distinct Mountain Modern aesthetic.

A collaborative project, the Floor Plans for the space were prepared by UGG Universal Consulting Group out of Lloydminster, AB. The Scope of Interior Design services was to evaluate the Floor Plans for efficiencies and design feature opportunities. We focused primarily on the Front of House – the reception and waiting areas, as well as circulation zones, exam rooms, lighting and ceiling features.

The design intent was to create a grounding space for clients, staff and visitors, using a palette that speaks to the earthy elegance of Canmore’s (Rocky Mountain) natural surroundings. Through the careful curation of a progressive yet elemental materials palette, unique millwork and signage design, impactful ceiling details and effective way-finding we focused on creating layers rhythm and emphasis throughout a unified design scheme.

The reception area was allocated around a curved bulkhead, creating a statement metal-clad reception desk with an elegantly swooping wood transaction counter. The gentle curves are further articulated with carefully placed timber beams and bulkhead cladding, a feature which runs through the Waiting Area and Hallway.

One of the show-stoppers is the artistic signage wall behind the Reception Desk. Built up by layering painted MDF panels laser-cut in mountain-shape silhouettes (some may recognize the iconic shapes of Mt. Cascade and Mt. Rundle) with inter-spaced LED lighting strips for back-lighting. Further increasing the depth of the installation, the front face is made of multi-toned wood slats with a layer of metallic lettering. This brilliant installation was a coordination feat with a sophisticated Mountain Modern finish.

Other noteworthy custom millwork pieces are Mountain-Scape murals in the Waiting and Corridor areas, made using a combination of Metal Panels and Rift-Cut Oak veneer. By alternating the grain directionality and stain tone, the design is accentuated by contrasting material textures and patterns.

Room designation and way-finding are enhanced by custom wood doors framed in high-contrast black metal frames, each finished with an adjoining millwork panel for signage. Over-size, custom-designed vinyl wall graphics guide visitors to the Public Washrooms and a carefully selected Vinyl Wallcovering pattern is introduced in each room in a different, soothing color. The Waiting Area features a custom-designed waiting bench with magazine display, a combination of medical-grade bariatric and standard waiting chairs upholstered in custom vinyl and a well-appointed built-in beverage zone.

Natural elements can be found throughout the clinic including various wood, metal, wallcovering and stone finishes, leaving no wall untouched with elevated & detailed design features. Now the flagship location of the Alberta-wide company, we assisted Guardian Radiology in setting a new standard for future clinic development.