Designed by Gardiner Architects, The Cat Clinic in Melbourne is a purpose-built, state-of-the-art veterinary facility that sets a new standard for feline care.
Spanning two levels and 335sqm on a 650sqm site, it offers a calm, highly functional environment tailored to the unique needs of cats while prioritising sustainability and staff well-being.
The project marks a major step forward for the client, whose long-running practice in Prahran had outgrown its repurposed terrace house after 20 years. With demand growing, they envisioned a cutting-edge clinic designed to last for decades.
The new site in Caulfield South, previously a medical clinic, provided a great opportunity despite some initial challenges due to its residential surroundings. The best approach was to demolish the existing building and construct a new two-storey clinic, maximising space while maintaining a welcoming feel.
The layout places clinical areas on the first floor, freeing up the ground level for entry, staff facilities, a garden, parking, and supporting spaces. The result is a practice two to three times larger than its predecessor, efficiently using every square metre of the single-lot site.
Sustainability was a key focus from the start, with several passive and active systems built into the design. The clinic is powered in part by an 18kW solar panel system, while a large water tank collects rainwater for toilets and garden irrigation.
High insulation levels, double-glazed windows, and a sealed building envelope minimise energy loss, supported by a mechanical heat recovery system that repurposes warm air for efficient heating and cooling.
A vertical batten screen around the first-floor glazing provides shade, privacy, and a warm natural aesthetic without compromising function.
Staff well-being was just as important as patient care. Veterinary work is demanding, and the design prioritises a comfortable, supportive environment.
Natural light, garden views, and warm finishes soften the clinical setting, while a dedicated staff room provides space to unwind. The layout ensures smooth circulation, separating public and private areas to allow the team to work efficiently and comfortably.
Designed exclusively for feline patients, the clinic carefully considers their sensitivity to sound and open spaces. Smaller consultation rooms, custom joinery, and specialised equipment create a calm atmosphere, reducing stress for both cats and their owners.
The first-floor layout also allows for future expansion, with non-load-bearing internal walls and additional foundations on the ground floor ready for heavier equipment like a CT scanner.
The building’s design balances function with an inviting atmosphere. Natural light floods the space, while warm materials and landscape views make it feel open and welcoming.
A full-height central courtyard separates reception from the clinical and staff areas, bringing greenery and daylight into the heart of the clinic. The first floor is designed as a "glass box" resting lightly on the solid ground-floor structure, with a striking cantilevered front section that subtly lifts towards the street, enhancing the sense of arrival.
Externally, honed blockwork and angled steel columns ground the design, while the vertical batten screen brings a refined yet practical touch.
Unlike many veterinary clinics where consultation rooms are tucked away in dark interiors, The Cat Clinic flips the norm, placing them along the building’s perimeter with views of the tree canopy outside. This simple yet thoughtful change transforms the experience for both vets and pet owners, making each consultation a more comfortable and pleasant interaction.
