Hautmedizin Bad Soden is one of Germany's largest dermatological practices. Fourteen physicians and approximately 80 staff members work together under one roof. Beyond classical and aesthetic dermatology, medical cosmetics, and outpatient procedures, the facility also conducts clinical studies. Until 2018, operations were spread across three locations throughout Bad Soden. Following the relocation to the new gatehouse on the Main-Taunus-Kliniken campus, all specialized medical expertise is now consolidated in approximately 1,300 m² across three floors.

To ensure patients benefit from shorter distances, streamline communication, and arrange all necessary equipment, lasers, treatment rooms, and procedure areas efficiently and attractively, a well-conceived master plan was essential. The Bad Homburg-based firm AT Atelier Tappeiner is responsible for this master plan, which encompasses 24 consultation and treatment rooms, five procedure rooms, four waiting areas, a bathing department, laboratory, study center, and cosmetic institute. Despite accommodating numerous and highly diverse functional areas across three floors, architect Margit Tappeiner maintained a cohesive design approach: "Through a consistent color and material concept aligned with the corporate identity of the various departments, we created a calming atmosphere," she explains. She adds: "All materials used are easy to maintain and durable, despite their natural appearance—featuring wood and concrete finishes." This is crucial. The architect had to consider not only certified workflows for quality management and hygiene standards, but also implement strict, specialized regulations governing the operation of a medical facility with procedure rooms, including guidelines from the Robert Koch Institute and local health authorities.

Despite the complex planning requirements, all spaces were successfully distributed to benefit from natural light. A clear and intuitive wayfinding system directs approximately 500 patients daily to the appropriate treatment room. LED lighting provides additional illumination in corridors, waiting areas, and break rooms while adding subtle accents. To ensure accurate color rendering of the skin being treated, the architect specified particular light values and color temperatures in the treatment rooms. Built-in cabinetry was integrated into corridors and treatment areas. To facilitate faster orientation for staff and physicians, the architect standardized the furnishings in functionally similar treatment rooms during the planning phase and ensured that work materials are consistently stored in the same location—for instance, tweezers are always placed in the second drawer, bottom left, in the first compartment.

www.atelier-tappeiner-architektin.eu

(Published in CUBE Frankfurt 01|20)