When Holly and Evan from HEEA Therapy approached the Total Fitouts Wide Bay team, they had a vision—to convert an old retail shop in Urraween into a state-of-the-art commercial medical fitout. HEEA Therapy, a practice offering speech, language, occupational, and physical therapy for both adults and children, needed a space that not only catered to the technical requirements of their services but also fostered a welcoming, calming environment for clients. The challenge was to ensure that this new location, further away from the coast, would evoke the same bright and open atmosphere as their previous glass-fronted office with ocean views.

Understanding the Client’s Vision: A Balance of Functionality and Comfort

At HEEA Therapy, the therapeutic environment is critical to the success of their treatments. For adults and children alike, the setting needs to be engaging enough to capture attention but calming enough to help clients feel at ease. Holly and Evan wanted to ensure that the new space met these criteria and surpassed them.

The Total Fitouts Wide Bay team, led by Project Manager Annet Maurer, worked closely with the HEEA Therapy team to identify their exact needs. “We knew from the outset that this project wasn’t just about creating a functional medical space,” said Annet. “It was about creating a space that would encourage healing and growth, both for the clients and the practitioners.”

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Key Design Features: Custom Joinery and Adaptable Spaces

One of the standout aspects of this commercial medical fitout was the custom joinery created to optimise the storage and functionality of the therapy rooms. Since HEEA Therapy provides a range of therapies, including speech and occupational therapy, the spaces needed to be versatile and adaptable. The custom joinery was carefully designed to store various therapy aids, tools, and materials, ensuring that each room remained organised yet flexible.

Flexibility was also key for the video therapy sessions that HEEA Therapy offers. With the rise of telehealth, it was important that the rooms be able to transition from in-person therapy spaces to setups suitable for virtual consultations. The joinery not only provided practical storage but also contributed to maintaining an uncluttered, serene environment for both types of sessions.

To further enhance the adaptability of the space, Total Fitouts Wide Bay installed a Unifold operable wall. This wall allowed the space to be easily converted from a smaller therapy room and lunchroom into a large, open area for team meetings or group therapy sessions. “This feature offered the kind of flexibility the growing team needed,” noted Annet. “It was a practical solution that ensured the space could adapt to HEEA Therapy’s evolving needs over time.”

Lighting and Ambience: Creating a Soothing Atmosphere

Lighting was a crucial element in the overall commercial design of the fitout. To ensure that the space remained as open and inviting as possible, LED light strips were installed in every room. These lights offered adjustable, mood-based colour changes to suit different therapy sessions or client preferences. For example, cooler tones could be used for focused tasks, while warmer, softer lighting could be used to create a more calming atmosphere, particularly for younger or more anxious clients.

Dimmers were also installed on all lights, giving the therapists control over the brightness in each room. This allowed for quick adjustments depending on the needs of the client, making the environment not only functional but also therapeutic.

Bringing Personality into the Space: Vibrant Wall Prints

HEEA Therapy wanted the new space to be vibrant and engaging without overwhelming the senses. Jessie from Dead On Signage collaborated with the design team to create custom wall prints for each of the four therapy rooms. These prints were not only visually appealing but also functional, with their durable gloss finish ensuring longevity even in a high-traffic environment.

The wall prints added personality to the space, making it more inviting for children while also offering a professional aesthetic that appealed to adult clients. “The colourful prints became a key feature in each room, helping to differentiate the spaces while maintaining a cohesive overall look,” said Annet. “It was important that the design felt warm and approachable, and the prints helped achieve that.”

Challenges and Solutions: Turning Limitations into Opportunities

Every project comes with its challenges, and this commercial medical fitout was no different. One of the main challenges was ensuring that the new space, located further inland, did not feel dark or enclosed compared to HEEA Therapy’s previous beachfront location. The team at Total Fitouts Wide Bay tackled this by strategically using light colours, maximising natural light wherever possible, and incorporating lighting solutions that gave the space a bright, airy feel.

Another challenge was ensuring the versatility of the space. With a range of therapies on offer and the potential for future growth, the fitout needed to be adaptable to changing needs. The inclusion of the Unifold operable wall was a key solution here, providing flexibility without compromising on the design.

Collaboration with Local Trades: Bringing the Vision to Life

A seamless fitout requires the expertise of many skilled trades, and this project was no exception. Trades involved in the commercial medical fitout included Fraser Coast Joinery, Core Electrical, LT Walls & Ceilings, Bin King Skip Hire, 1300 Prep It, Bayview Glass, Scott Sparks Painting, Mr Air Refrigeration, Peter O’Brien Consulting, CT Plumbing, GCDE Electrical and Rob Nissen’s Floor Covering. Each team played a vital role in bringing the design to life, ensuring that the fitout was completed on time and to the highest standard.

The success of the project was a result of this collaborative effort. “Every trade involved brought their expertise to the table, and it was this collaboration that allowed us to deliver a space that exceeded our client’s expectations,” said Annet.

The Final Result: A Space for Healing and Growth

The completed commercial medical fitout for HEEA Therapy is a true reflection of what can be achieved when a client’s vision meets thoughtful design and expert craftsmanship. The space perfectly balances modern functionality with a calming, engaging atmosphere for clients of all ages. The adaptable joinery, soothing lighting, and vibrant design elements all work together to create a space that feels welcoming and professional.

“The final result is a therapy space that is not only functional but also beautiful,” said Holly, co-founder of HEEA Therapy. “Our clients and staff love it, and it’s made a real difference to the way we work.”

Looking for a Commercial Medical Fitout?

If you’re looking for a commercial medical fitout that combines practicality with aesthetics, Total Fitouts are here to help. Whether you need a small renovation or a complete transformation, our team has the experience and expertise to deliver results that exceed your expectations.

Inquire with us today to start your commercial medical fitout.