THE CAT VET

The Cat Vet, a specialised feline veterinary clinic located in Melissia, a northern suburb of Athens, is carefully designed within 48 square metres to combine strict functional requirements with a soothing and practical environment for both cats and their owners.

The clinic occupies a long, narrow ground floor unit with a fully glazed façade along its longest side. From the total area, 1.2 square metres was taken up by an existing bathroom and 12 square metres were allocated for the waiting area, as required by building regulations, leaving just 34.5 square metres for the core medical functions, which are the examination, surgery and laboratory rooms.

A key feature is the custom-designed vinyl graphic applied to the entire glass facade. This element ensures full privacy from the street, allows light permeability, all while concealing drywall partitions behind it. The graphic’s playful blue tones reference the clinic’s branding and soften the exterior’s clinical nature. Functionality was the central focus throughout the design process, driven by a clear emphasis on efficiency and purposeful solutions. The spatial layout was determined by the dimensions and operating proximities of veterinary equipment, with continuous input from the clinic’s owner to reflect her routine and working habits. To maintain a bright and clean atmosphere, internal glass partitions and doors were installed for the compartmentation. This allows natural light to reach all areas of the clinic while visually separating the rooms. The materials palette is kept minimal with off-white walls, ceilings and upper cabinetry paired with lower wood-effect cabinets to add some warmth. The floor is finished in dark granite tiles for durability and to subtly hide any imperfections, contributing to a consistently clean appearance.

The layout follows a carefully curated linear logic: the examination room is located immediately after the waiting area, as it is the most frequently used, followed by the surgery room. A sliding glass door connects the examination and surgery rooms, allowing the two areas to open up into a single space if needed. The laboratory is placed at the far end, directly adjacent to the surgery room for functional proximity during operations. The compact nature of the clinic was balanced by the relatively low spatial needs of feline patients, who are easily transported either by hand or small trolleys. Narrower corridors and tighter turning points were therefore feasible, allowing more space for functional areas.

Natural daylight is maximised through the clinic’s extensive glazed façade, significantly reducing reliance on artificial lighting during daytime hours. This not only conserves energy but also creates a more pleasant and uplifting environment for both patients and staff. The artificial lighting system is thoughtfully designed with ceiling lights divided into multiple zones, each controlled by separate switches. This allows staff to adjust lighting levels according to different needs throughout the day — from bright, focused illumination during procedures to softer, more relaxed lighting during quieter periods — further optimising energy consumption and enhancing the clinic’s atmosphere.

One year into its operation, the clinic continues to run smoothly, with the layout supporting an efficient workflow and offering an upgraded experience compared to its previous situation.

Type: Remodelling veterinary clinic

Area: 48m²

Year of Completion: 2024

Location: Melissia, Athens