Case Study: BCCE @Miller House
company interior design
company interior design
company interior design
company interior design
company interior design
company interior design

Case Study: BCCE @Miller House

Case Study: BCCE @Miller House

For this project, Turnkey Interiors was tasked by Life Healthcare to upgrade the old Miller House. The goal of the upgrade is to accommodate the new Breast Care Centre of Excellence (BCCE). 

The aim of the proposal was to create a beautiful and peaceful environment that will be crucial for creating a comfortable environment for the patients who will be visiting the centre. These visits are important since they take place during a sensitive period in their lives as they go through their cancer treatment journey.

History Behind The Property

Having reached a 100-years of age, the property required a sensitive approach aligned with heritage architecture by-laws. These regulations mandate that any renovations or updates respect the original structure, preserving the historical integrity of both the interior and exterior.

The Miller House, constructed between 1923 and 1928 by Paul Miller, exemplifies the architectural style of its time—spacious and single-story. Paul Miller, a Lithuanian immigrant, relocated to South Africa in 1910, initially settling in Hillbrow before acquiring an acre of land in the affluent suburb of Parktown.

The Miller family occupied the home for generations until Samuel Miller, Paul’s son, passed away in 2007. The property was subsequently acquired by Life Healthcare Group, Pty Ltd. The front and rear gardens were later modified to accommodate a car park for Brenthurst Hospital, located just across Park Lane.

Reception Area Upgrade

During the transformation of the main house into a clinic, the original Oregon pine floors and trims were carefully preserved.

They underwent thorough sanding and received a new, lighter oil finish, which brightened the space and introduced a warmer, more inviting atmosphere.

company interior design
Before
company interior design
After

Passage Area Upgrade

Another preserved feature of the property is the lead-framed stained-glass windows, which were retained to enhance the charm and character of the property’s refreshed look and feel.

company interior design
company interior design

Waiting Area Upgrade

Unique existing features of the building were refurbished wherever possible and, in some cases, accentuated to celebrate their character.

One standout example is the pressed steel ceilings, with each room—except for two—boasting its own distinctive design.

Before
company interior design
After

Consultation Area Upgrade

The new additions to the building were intentionally designed to be clearly distinguishable as contemporary elements.

Rather than detracting from the original structure, these modern enhancements serve to complement and enhance its historic character.

company interior design
Before
company interior design
After

Ablution Area Addition

A notable new addition to the property is the inclusion of an accessible restroom, ensuring improved convenience for all visitors.

Wound Care Area Addition

The transformation of the property included converting the garage into a second waiting area and a wound care room.

The design also prioritised accessibility, ensuring the new clinic meets the needs of both able-bodied and mobility-impaired visitors.

company interior design
Before
company interior design
After

In Summary

This project was both exciting and challenging, with key hurdles including the reconstruction of the main house and outbuilding roofs, installation of new flooring where necessary, and upgrading essential services such as electrical and plumbing systems. Additionally, the team managed the supply of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) for the property, as well as new landscaping to enhance its surroundings.

The property was renowned for its beautiful front and back gardens, featuring jacaranda trees, moon-flower shrubs, and palm trees—some of which remain an integral part of the site’s charm today. Despite these challenges, the experience has been immensely rewarding. The team at Turnkey Interiors takes great pride in contributing to the care of patients undergoing breast cancer treatment through this meaningful transformation.

For more information, contact us at Turnkey Interiors.