MODA Dental Clinic
Commercial Fitout | Medical Fitout | Malvern East
Project Duration
Project Brief
DAME Build has recently completed the transformation of a two-storey house into a fully compliant dental clinic at 1213 Dandenong Road, Malvern East. To achieve this, extensive structural upgrades, service installations, and a comprehensive interior reconfiguration were required to convert the house into a modern healthcare facility .
Client Brief
MODA Dental Clinic commissioned DAME Build to convert a 864 sqm residential property into a professional yet welcoming dental practice while preserving some of its features and history. The client requested to modify the existing bedrooms into modern treatment rooms, repurpose the dining area as a dedicated sterilisation zone, and upgrade the bathrooms to ensure compliance with DDA standards. Additionally, the worn-down staircase needs to be replaced, and the staff kitchen is to be relocated to the ground floor. An inviting break area is also to be created on the upper level.
Before
Design Stage
The design stage involved a thorough and collaborative effort by the DAME Build and licensed professionals from various disciplines. The design and architecture team developed the initial spatial layouts and design concepts, ensuring that the clinic would be both functional and welcoming.
Structural engineers developed specifications for the subfloor system to improve the building's structural integrity. Mechanical designers focused on the HVAC and underfloor ventilation systems, while fire safety engineers ensured compliance with regulations. Building surveyors inspected and approved the HVAC system and accessibility provisions at various stages of the construction process.
This teamwork resulted in a comprehensive design framework that addressed details like access, circulation, and material specifications. The outcome was a set of approved plans and reports, providing a solid foundation for construction and ensuring the client's compliance and confidence in the design's effectiveness.
Structural Work
After preparing all the designs and plans, construction and renovation began. Walls, outdated fixtures, and the old subfloor were removed, including existing joists, bearers, and stumps. A complete subfloor replacement followed, with termite-protected LVL joists and bearers installed. New concrete stumps were installed to meet engineering requirements, ensuring compliance with modern span tables. Soil removal was also extensive, requiring 30 cubic metres of excavation.
Masonry was rebuilt where walls were cut to accommodate larger doorways, and new steel lintels were introduced for added strength. Above, the framing was restructured, and the old staircase was torn down and rebuilt following a new design.
Outdoor Maintenance
Significant attention was also given to the outdoor area . External demolition was involved, removing the old brick fence and overgrown vegetation. The stormwater drainage system was updated with new underground lines connected to the downpipes, while the sewerage systems were upgraded to comply with AS/NZS 3500 standards. Additionally, preparatory work was completed for fencing around the track systems and for future upgrades to the car park.
The roof has also undergone a comprehensive restoration. Works included pressure washing, rebedding and flexible pointing of ridge caps, replacement of broken tiles and valley gutters, and sealing for storm protection. Additional carpentry work , such as reinstating fascia connections, replacing gable scotia, and fitting battens under tiles, ensured the structure was both weatherproof and durable.
Reception & Waiting Area Renovation
The old living room was transformed into a professional yet calming reception area, anchored by DAME Furniture Roxi Mini Reception Desk, which features timber-batten detailing and a curved privacy panel. The Orbit Satin Gold Pendant Light is another striking piece in the reception area, featuring four bulbs that provide ample illumination. The satin gold finish effortlessly complements the modern decor.
DAME Furniture has designed and built custom cabinetry for this area, utilising 16mm Premium Grade White HMR board. The design features Finista soft-close drawers and a Blum pull-out shelf, ensuring long-term durability in this high-traffic area. New double aluminium entry doors with frosted decals improved accessibility and privacy, while freshly painted walls and ceilings brightened the interior.
Treatment Rooms Renovation
Treatment Rooms Renovation This dental facility features four treatment/surgery rooms, each designed for durability, hygiene, and compliance. Plumbing provisions included rough-ins for surgery sinks and dental chairs, all of which were connected to the plant room via pressure suction lines. The cabinetry in each of the treatment rooms was elegantly finished in Laminex, featuring sleek shadow rail handles, glove and mask dispensers, Finista drawers, and Blum shelving systems for optimal functionality.
The benchtops and splashbacks in Rock Sugar and White Canvas stone provide a perfect blend of durability and aesthetic appeal. For ease of maintenance, vinyl flooring was installed, ensuring a seamless and hygienic surface. Treatment Room 4, the largest room next to the reception area, was further enhanced by a wider door frame and new windows, which improved accessibility and allowed natural light to flood the space.
Sterilisation Room Renovation
Formerly the kitchen and dining area, DAME Build transformed this domestic space into a clinical hub for infection control, sterilisation, and laboratory functions. The team used commercial-grade vinyl flooring, with wall coving installed for enhanced infection control. Cabinetry mirrored the treatment rooms but included specific provisions for sterile storage and integrated dispensers. Floating shelves provided additional utility, while plumbing rough-ins were configured for steri sinks and water filtration. The result is a professional zone that seamlessly blends into daily clinic operations, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and tailoring to healthcare workflows.
Kitchen Renovation
The new kitchen was relocated to enhance staff efficiency and productivity. Positioned for easy access but still separated from the main areas, this kitchen serves as a private space for staff and a place to offer refreshments to patients. Custom joinery was built from moisture-resistant Premium White HMR board, complemented by a White Canvas stone benchtop. Plumbing and electrical services were also updated, allowing for the installation of modern appliances.
Bathroom Renovation
Accessibility was a priority, and the ground-floor bathroom was fully upgraded to meet AS1428.1 standards. The centrepiece is the Zava Care S Trap Disabled Toilet Suite paired with DDA-compliant grab rails and an accessible basin. Above the basin, an Aluminum Framed 900 MM Rectangular Mirror was installed at a compliant height for wheelchair users. The doorway was widened to allow wheelchair access, and circulation space was planned precisely to meet standards. To enhance safety, a Fienza Kaya Care Basin Mixer in Urban Brass with thermostatic control was installed to regulate water temperature and prevent scalding. Finishes were kept consistent with the clinic’s overall palette, resulting in a bathroom that is not only compliant but dignified and inclusive.
On the first floor, the second bathroom was designed for staff use. Although smaller than the ground-floor bathroom, it included a toilet suite and a wall-hung basin with a lever mixer tap, similar to those used downstairs, along with a mirror. In this bathroom, fixtures were finished in a matte black colour scheme, contrasting with the urban brass fittings used in the ground-floor bathroom. Commercial-grade vinyl flooring and thermostatic mixing valves completed the fitout, ensuring safety, durability, and compliance while supporting staff comfort and privacy.
1st floor Renovation
The 1st floor was carefully renovated as a dedicated staff zone to relax and unwind. The floor in this area is finished with natural timber flooring, while R2.5 insulation is used to improve thermal performance and acoustic comfort. Natural light and ventilation were introduced through new aluminium windows, positioned to brighten staff spaces and create a more pleasant working atmosphere.
Security & Comfort
In parallel with the structural upgrades, security was also prioritised as part of the clinic’s renovation. A WiFi-enabled security system with eight discreetly installed cameras now provides comprehensive coverage of both interior and exterior areas, offering real-time monitoring of high-traffic zones and critical entry points.
New aluminium windows were installed, strategically positioned to maximise natural light in key spaces. Complementing this, a series of stylish downlights, ball lamps, and pendant lights were added throughout the building.
Climate control was also upgraded to ensure comfort year-round. A Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 14kW ducted system was installed on the ground floor, while a Mitsubishi split system services the upper level. Both systems were designed and signed off by mechanical engineers and approved by the building surveyor, guaranteeing compliance and long-term performance.
Janitor's Closet
Janitor's closet was added on the ground floor, situated discreetly near the rear of the building, to house the clinic’s essential mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services. Plumbing rough-ins, vacuum suction lines, and water supply systems were routed to this area, consolidating the building’s infrastructure into a single controlled hub. To ensure water quality, an AquaCo Premium Three-Stage Whole House Filter was installed. This arrangement allowed for the discreet and safe positioning of critical equipment, minimising noise and vibration in patient areas while providing easy access for future maintenance.
The Result
The 1st floor was carefully renovated as a dedicated staff zone to relax and unwind. The floor in this area is finished with natural timber flooring, while R2.5 insulation is used to improve thermal performance and acoustic comfort. Natural light and ventilation were introduced through new aluminium windows, positioned to brighten staff spaces and create a more pleasant working atmosphere.
In 12 weeks, DAME Build transformed a two-story residence into a modern dental clinic that meets stringent commercial and medical requirements. Upon seeing this, Moda Clinic expressed their delight at how well their vision for a professional healthcare space that still maintains the comfort and familiarity of a home was realised. Their positive feedback highlights the project’s success and the effectiveness of the DAME Build’s efforts.
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