North Coast Orthodontics

North Coast Orthodontics – Santa Cruz, CA
North Coast Orthodontics is a striking 3,250-square-foot orthodontic office in Santa Cruz, California, created through the adaptive reuse of a former bank building. Surrounded by the iconic Redwood Forest, this orthodontic office transformation reflects a strong connection to nature while embracing a clean, contemporary aesthetic. Green Curve Studio, a national leader in orthodontic and dental office design, preserved the original redwood ceiling, providing warmth, natural texture, and a grounding backdrop for the patient experience. Large glass windows from the original structure were also retained, allowing soft daylight to fill the interior and honoring the legacy of the building’s prior use.

To soften the original boxy structure and introduce movement, Green Curve Studio added a sweeping curved ceiling header that arcs from the reception through to the treatment areas—guiding patients visually while reinforcing a sense of flow. This design gesture draws subtle inspiration from the nearby California coastline, balancing the raw character of the redwood with a fresh, coastal-modern feel. The result is a space that is both grounded and elevated—a standout example of orthodontic office design in Santa Cruz that reflects both the practice’s identity and the character of the local community.

Evergreen Takeaways – North Coast Orthodontics

1. Preserving character can amplify brand identity.
   Retaining the original redwood ceiling created a direct emotional and visual link to the nearby Redwood Forest—instantly connecting the practice to its local environment and making it more memorable.
2. Adaptive reuse can outperform new builds.
   Repurposing a former bank building allowed the team to leverage generous glazing, strong bones, and high ceilings—while still customizing every interior element. A well-adapted space often brings more charm and character than a sterile new shell.
3. Curved architectural features soften and guide.
   The sweeping curved header that moves from front to back introduces a subtle but powerful sense of flow, guiding both movement and the eye—while reinforcing a connection to Santa Cruz’s coastline.
4. Natural materials resonate with a wide demographic.
   The redwood ceiling and neutral palette grounded the design in warmth and authenticity—qualities that appeal to patients of all ages, from families to professionals.
5. Blending old and new elevates the overall experience.
   Combining preserved historic elements (wood ceilings, large windows) with clean, modern detailing results in a space that feels elevated, curated, and layered—not flat or one-note.

Lessons Learned – North Coast Orthodontics

1. Working with preserved materials requires coordination.
   Keeping the redwood ceiling introduced specific challenges for lighting integration, HVAC placement, and acoustic balance. We learned how important it is to plan for mechanical coordination early when preservation is a goal.
2. Curves demand precision in both framing and finish.
   The large curved ceiling header was a bold architectural feature that required exacting craftsmanship from the GC and framers. Even slight deviations would have disrupted the visual harmony, reminding us how critical it is to oversee construction detailing on site.
3. Glazing placement should be leveraged, not just tolerated.
   Instead of covering or replacing the original bank windows, we embraced their rhythm—allowing them to anchor natural light flow and align with the new interior volumes.
4. The “invisible” elements matter in historic conversions.
   Code compliance, structural verification, and ADA path of travel updates had to be addressed within the constraints of an existing shell. These invisible factors shaped many early design decisions and reinforced the value of thorough as-built analysis.
5. Clients value a space that reflects their surroundings.
   Dr. Schabel’s appreciation for the region and desire to stay true to Santa Cruz’s natural, coastal feel gave us the direction we needed. This reinforced that when the client’s values align with the design vision, the outcome becomes more meaningful for everyone.