For the design of Fortell’s first physical clinic location on Park Avenue in New York City, Studio PHH Architecture selected natural materials that could support both the technical and human aspects of the patient experience. Among the defining elements of the project is the use of Suberra cork from EcoSupply, incorporated into the clinic’s custom millwork and reception design.
The 1,600-square-foot clinic is the flagship location for Fortell, a HealthTech company pairing AI-powered hearing aids with expert clinical care delivered through its own audiology practice.
At the center of the project is a curved steel-and-cork reception desk that immediately establishes the clinic’s material identity. Studio PHH paired cool industrial steel with the warmth and softness of Suberra cork, creating a tactile focal point that reflects Fortell’s balance of advanced technology and deeply human care.
Suberra cork was selected not only for its visual character, but also for its acoustic and sensory performance. In a healthcare environment focused on hearing and sound, cork’s natural sound-absorbing properties helped support a quieter and more comfortable patient experience. Its warm texture and matte finish also softened the clinical atmosphere, contributing to an environment that feels approachable rather than institutional.
Photography: Hanna Grankvist
Throughout the space, restrained material choices work together to create a contemporary interpretation of residential comfort. End-grain white oak flooring references the character of classic Upper East Side parquet interiors, while soft-toned curtains and walls diffuse light and add warmth. Within this palette, the Suberra cork millwork introduces natural texture and sustainable performance without overpowering the minimalist architectural language.
The project demonstrates how cork can play a meaningful role in modern healthcare and wellness interiors — offering acoustic benefits, tactile warmth, and sustainable materiality within highly refined contemporary spaces. Through the use of Suberra cork, EcoSupply helped support Studio PHH’s vision for a clinic environment that embodies innovation, precision, and care.