This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a relaxing and Oriental spa design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Lude Design.
As a strategic partner of Renhe Zudao Spa, Lude Design participated in the design of the new project in Hangzhou, China. As a relaxing space, the foot spa must be a livable and tourable place that the body and mind yearn for. With the Chinese culture and aesthetics throughout the project, the design starts from nature and returns to it, arousing a new understanding of elegant oriental living.
SBID Awards Category: Healthcare & Wellness Design
Practice: Lude Design
Project: Renhe Zudao Spa Huafeng
Location: Hangzhou, China
Established in 2004, Renhe Zudao Spa is an upscale commercial healthcare spa chain brand that features a cinema-style vibe. It is currently credited as a leading registered agency of the Hangzhou Health Care Service Industry Association. Since its establishment, it has opened numerous stores. Renhe Zudao Spa boasts a fashionable and elegant decoration style that creates a comfortable and warm health environment. Their professional and skilled massage manipulation and thoughtful and attentive service have gained a word-of-mouth reputation and over 15,000 members in 18 years of development. Renhe Zudao Spa perfectly integrates a natural healthcare approach with cutting-edge technology, setting a new benchmark for the foot bath and healthcare industry.
The inspiration for this design is drawn from Jiangnan, which is a blend of natural landscapes and urban features. The city of Hangzhou is known for its strong cultural identity and regional symbols, but it also has a dynamic and constantly evolving nature. We embrace change and innovation and blends modern consciousness with avant-garde concepts. Through active exploration and experimental design practices, we strive to create something truly unique.
As the spa was constructed during the peak of the pandemic, workers could not all come on-site, so the construction could not be completed efficiently.
Our team specialises in identifying unique brand cultures and crafting effective business models that help our clients thrive even in the midst of an epidemic. We offer both design services and brand consulting to our valued clients.
As a brand consultant for our clients, we also have a professional consulting company that offers us valuable predictions and suggestions. With their guidance, we have participated in numerous international competitions, such as SBID, and have won several awards. We are optimistic about achieving further success in the future.
The field we have been specialising in is relatively niche and our design style is quite distinct. Being on this shortlist has given us confidence that we can make a name for ourselves on the global stage. We hope to enter the following year’s SBID award with better projects.
Questions answered by Bin Liu, Design Director of Lude Design.
We hope you feel inspired by this week’s design!
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a warm and earthy salon design by Layrd Design, click here to read it.
In this week’s interview with 2022 SBID Awards winners of the Contract Fit Out Project of the Year category, Portview, Paul Scullion discusses the sustainable elements of the project and how to ensure a customer journey is considered within design, as well as challenges of designing a basement space.
Portview were appointed to deliver a mixed-use residential development venture between Canary Wharf Group & Qatari Diar, London’s South Bank – a serene city oasis where residents can escape to relax, unwind, and reinvigorate.
SBID Awards Category: Contract Fit Out Project of the Year
Practice: Portview
Entry: Southbank Place Spa & Fitness Suite
Southbank Place Spa forms part of a unique mixed-use development in Waterloo, London. The ultra-sleek design of the lavish amenities was conceptualized by Goddard Littlefair, with an experiential focus to create a serene city oasis where residents can escape to relax, unwind and reinvigorate.
Portview’s material prowess sees the use of unique and innovative fittings throughout the spa. A light and calming palette of sensitively selected natural materials paired with ambient lighting to create a cocoon-like space within an uber-contemporary spa setting. Residents can enjoy a luxury hotel-standard spa experience within their dynamic city-living environment.
Sustainability was crucial on this 2,000 sqm spa and wherever possible, greener fabrics and finishes were implemented. Sustainable timber that is certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council was used throughout the facility, including the reception and spa entry areas. The timber was used for the flooring, timber panels, doors and various other joinery. The saunas’ hemlock and spruce bear the ‘Blue Angel’ quality certificate label, for particularly low-emission products made of wood and wood materials. The knotless, robust wood of the Canadian hemlock fir and Aspen are not only beautiful, but are also durable and resin free.
The bespoke and exclusive nature of the details of the spa design is evident in many areas. Despite the challenges and rigours of working in a hot and humid environment, tactile luxury has not been ignored. Panels of marine-grade faux leather have been embroidered and stitched by artisans, with Portview ensuring the detailing of the high-specification design and custom joinery throughout the entire area was converted to reality.
Providing users with a sense of privacy and exclusivity through cleverly zoning spaces was critical in this design, and was rewarding to deliver. One example of this is the use of beautiful custom-made burnished rock crystal screens in the reception area.
The guest journey was hugely important in the design of this project, with the recognition that while some users will want to be energised through a hard-hitting workout, others want to relax. These two elements can therefore be accessed separately without overlap to heighten the experience.
The spacious reception area acts as a hub and a social area for residents to meet one another, therapists or trainers. Two fully equipped gyms are available along with separate studios, which can be heated for a hot yoga workout or cooled for a dynamic spin class. The alternative wet and relax route takes residents through plush changing rooms, the gentlemen having a dedicated sauna area, while ladies can enjoy their own vitality pool, sauna and steam room.
On the pool deck itself, the heat experiences continue with a stunning 25m heated swimming pool, accompanied by a further vitality pool, sauna and steam room along with social relaxation spaces for residents to enjoy. In addition, calm yet luxurious treatment rooms are available where selected therapies including beauty treatments are available.
A challenge of the project was its basement location, which meant there was no natural light. Portview introduced a system of sensory experiences throughout the spa to create warm and radiant ambient light. The design creates an immersive feeling of light and space through carefully concealed architectural lighting that casts warm glows across rich surfaces, while decorative lighting provided beautiful accents through the space. The glowing feature lighting in the pool area was created with each glass drop specifically crafted to allude to the flow of water, contributing to the serene atmosphere.
To achieve the extraordinary, industry leaders need to work in collaboration, which is exactly what Goddard Littlefair and Portview did to deliver Southbank Spa. The award from SBID highlights to the industry that Portview should be the trusted partner of any client or designer who wants to turn their vision into a reality. The team at Portview are genuine, ambitious and hard-working, which I could have told you before winning this award, but it’s extra special to have this recognised by SBID too.
Questions answered by Paul Scullion, Contracts Director, Portview.
When it comes to delivering exceptional interior fit-outs, you need high quality that’s built to last. At Portview, our dedicated team listens to your vision and uses their extensive knowledge to find a way to bring it to life. With over 40 years of experience, our hands-on, straight-talking approach ensures projects are delivered on time and on budget, which is why we are chosen by some of the world’s top brands, including Arsenal FC, All England Lawn Tennis Club, Tottenham Hotspur, Tiffany & Co and Fortnum & Mason. We are creating the extraordinary.
If you missed last week’s Interview with the Healthcare & Wellness Design category winner Mane Design, click here to read it.
In this week’s interview with 2022 SBID Awards winners of the Healthcare & Wellness Design category, Mane Design, Mane Mehrabyan explores the concept of the project and shares how they achieved set goals, including respecting personal space in a public setting.
The fitness club’s concept focuses on individual training and visitors’ personal comfort. The premium level is finely emphasized by the club-style design.
Practice: Mane Design
Entry: Sandler Smart Fitness
The main point of the realization of an exceptional health club’s design was the creation of a comfortable, elaborated, multifunctional sports territory for humans with personal space values. It is a fitness club that upgrades health via sport. The training hall is intended for individual pieces of training accompanied by a personal trainer and not more than five people at a time. Visitors’ personal space and comfort were the priority that is successfully brought to life by our design studio.
Modern style combined with sumptuous materials is an ideal match for the design of this close-type club.
When I see the magnificent result of our work after the completion of each project brought into life from the scheme, I always feel great moral satisfaction and joy.
We are so very happy and appreciative to the competition for such a high valuation of our work. It is very precious for our studio to have such a high-level international award.
The Club concept provides only five-person training at a time, and there are well-thought comfortable men’s and women’s locker zones.
Each shower box consists of the cabin itself and a prebox dressing personal area if the clients prefer not to be in the common area.
The key to a beautiful sports centre is comfortability and correct logistics. Each zone must be in its correct place for a cozy stay in the club. What concerns the design, it must provide the feeling of an atmosphere of non-cluttered space.
All lightning was created and realized by our studio specially for this club. We are proud with coping with such a complicated task.
Questions answered by Mane Mehrabyan, Founder and Head, Mane Design.
Mane Mehrabyan, founder and head of “Mane Design” designing studio based in Kyiv, Ukraine. Has two University degrees – in International Business and Interior designing.
If you missed last week’s Interview with the Hotel Bedroom & Suites Design category winner Brime Robbins, click here to read it.
PARKLEX PRODEMA has extensive experience supplying panels for applications in many countries all over the world. The use of wood in the construction of hospitals facilitates the recovery of patients: it reduces stress and improves people’s mood.
Architects are provided the possibility of matching interior walls and ceilings with the soffit, creating a feeling of continuity both inside and out. They can also match the interior floor with interior walls and ceilings -as well as with the furniture-, creating a feeling of continuity within the same space.
PARKLEX PRODEMA’s own technology that contributes to improving the performance of the wood. Natural wood where the use of wood is not considered suitable.
With PARKLEX PRODEMA’s products, raw forest materials are an important part of the product. Aware of the importance that forest masses have for development of life on the planet, and to limit the greenhouse effect, we believe in purchasing sustainable forest products. Maintaining forests with controlled, appropriate felling helps to maintain biodiversity and the recovery capacity of the forests themselves.
In addition to environmental benefits, purchasing certified products has economic and social benefits, since it guarantees dignified social and labour conditions for the employees of the forestry management companies and other companies farther down the chain. In many cases, it is also a huge boon to revitalise rural areas.
The life cycle of an HPL is more than thirty (30) years. During all this time, and thanks to the surface composition of the board, that protects the wood, the finish of our product is stable and does not need any maintenance, sanding, varnishing, painting or any type of arrangement. Our materials do not require any type of chemical product to fix or clean them, so environmental impact in this regard is zero.
NATURFLOOR-W is a maintenance-free floor for indoor spaces. Designed specifically for areas with heavy traffic, like hotels, offices, museums, airports, and shops, it is also suitable for residential applications and can be installed over radiant flooring.
The anti-moisture treatment on the surface, along with the birch plywood (9-layer marine birch plywood) and counterbalance with HPL barrier, applicable to all woods and finishes, means that NATURFLOOR-W can be installed in areas frequently in contact with water. There is an option to specify even better anti-slip resistance.
This is a durable and sustainable product (FSC), 100% water-resistant, and with an AC6 score on wear resistance and Grade-4 scratch resistance. This makes it an ideal material for commercial spaces with heavy traffic.
Health
To certify our NATURFLOOR-W product, we use the Indoor Advantage Air Gold Certificate, since this certificate is well-known for floors around the world. It is based on controlling the quality of the air within and around buildings and structures, especially in terms of the health and comfort of the building’s occupants. When we speak of air quality, we must speak of VOC emissions (Volatile Organic Compound), meaning the volatile organic components that the product emits.
This document certifies that NATURFLOOR-W has low VOC emissions with the indoor air quality standard (IAQ). From a sustainable construction perspective, these products are candidates for obtaining LEED credits in the Indoor Air Quality section.
Cleaning and desinfection
Durability
The finish of our interior floor product is stable with minimal evolution over time. It does not need any varnish or paint to remain just like the very first day. The surface composition of the boards protects the product from moisture, wear, scratching, blows, marks from heels and pets, fading from sunlight, and stains, eliminating the need for any later treatment. Thanks to its durability, no type of maintenance is required.
The life cycle of an HPL is more than thirty (30) years. This makes our engineered hardwood floor a product with structural durability of more than thirty years. The structural durability of natural wood is less.
This is a durable and sustainable product (FSC), 100% water-resistant (NATURFLOOR-W can be installed in areas frequently in contact with water), and with an AC6 score on wear resistance and Grade-4 scratch resistance. This makes it an ideal material for commercial spaces with heavy traffic.
Natural wood that is extremely moisture- and fire-resistant, for interior walls and ceilings.
Thanks to the technical leak-tightness and moisture-resistance properties of the natural wood veneer, NATURHARDPANEL-W brings a feeling of special warmth to indoor areas in frequent contact with water. It is also a high resistance covering for commercial spaces.
It has been designed for high-traffic areas such as hospitals, hotels, offices, museums, or institutional buildings.
Anti-bacterial surface protection
NATURHARDPANEL-W contains silver ions, a naturally antibacterial element that helps to eliminate 99.9% of surface bacteria (Staphilococcus Aureus and Escherichia Coli) within 24 hours.
PARKLEX PRODEMA use a technology that impregnates the natural timber veneer with a specific anti-bacteria overlay. This overlay lasts for the whole life of the panel; therefore, the anti-bacterial features are permanent and require no additional treatment (Tests according to ISO 22196:2007 / JIS Z 2801:2010).
The antibacterial properties of our panels have been verified by independent regulators, with tests carried out to certify their effectiveness in eliminating 99.9% of surface bacteria.
Besides, a special resin incorporated into our production process protects our panels against damage from household, commercial and alcohol-based cleaning products, as long as PARKLEX PRODEMA standard cleaning and maintenance recommendations are followed.
NATURHARDPANEL-W anti-bacteria: the best solution for high-sensitive areas -hospitals, surgeries, nursing homes and laboratories-.
Resistant to chemical agents
Greater lifespan
Preventing bacterial surface contamination extends the lifespan of our products. As antibacterial protection is a natural part of our products, rather than an additional coating, PARKLEX PRODEMA panels are ingrained with longer lasting protection.
The finish of our interior wall and ceiling products is stable and does not change over time. It does not need any varnish or paint to remain just like the very first day. The surface composition of the boards protects the product from moisture, wear, scratching, blows, fading from sunlight, and stains, eliminating the need for any later treatment. Thanks to its durability, no type of maintenance is required.
The life cycle of an HPL is more than thirty (30) years. This makes NATURHARDPANEL-W a product with structural durability of more than thirty years. The structural durability of natural wood is less.
These are durable and sustainable products, moisture-resistant, and with Grade-3 scratch resistance. This makes it an ideal material for commercial spaces with heavy traffic. Thanks to the technical leak-tightness and moisture-resistance properties of the natural wood veneer, NATURHARDPANEL-W is a high-resistance covering for commercial spaces.
To certify our NATURHARDPANEL-W product, we use Clean Air Gold Certificate. It is based on controlling the quality of the air within and around buildings and structures, especially in terms of the health and comfort of the building’s occupants. When we speak of air quality, we must speak of VOC emissions (Volatile Organic Compound), meaning the volatile organic components that the product emits. This certificate analyses the results obtained, based on the CDHP (California Department of Public Health Standard Method). Based on the numbers, it indicates in which of the three foreseen scenarios the product can be installed: offices, schools, or private residences.
This document certifies that NATURHARDPANEL-W has low VOC emissions with the indoor air quality standard (IAQ). From a sustainable construction perspective, these products are candidates for obtaining LEED credits in the Indoor Air Quality section.
Food contact
The NATURHARDPANEL-W S HPL board is suitable for contact with food in accordance with CE Regulation 1935/2004 and EU Regulation No. 10/2011.
Fire: the best classification
NATURHARDPANEL-W timber faced panels are classified as Class A (ASTM E84) or B-s1,d0 (as per EN 13501-1). This proves that it achieves the absolute best reactionto- fire classification for an organic product. The test also includes a measurement of smoke production and the presence of burning droplets, with NATURHARDPANEL-W achieving the highest rating in both categories.
NATURSKININT-W – Natural wood veneer for application on surfaces
NATURSKININT-W is a high density natural wood veneer. Its thickness (1.5mm – 3mm / 0.06” – 0.11”) makes it flexible for application on different surfaces, such as doors, columns, furniture and other interior elements. It adheres to any material -chipboard, fiber cement, MDF, metal, etc.- and its radius of curvature of up to 25cm / 9.85” allows it to cover rounded corners, columns… Suitable for covering doors, making furniture, etc.
NATURSKININT-W contains silver ions, a naturally antibacterial element that helps to eliminate 99.9% of surface bacteria (Staphilococcus Aureus and Escherichia Coli) within 24 hours.
NATURSKININT-W anti-bacteria: the best solution for high-sensitive areas -hospitals, surgeries, nursing homes, laboratories-.
PARKLEX PRODEMA panels are protected against potential damage caused by alcohol-based cleaners, including those used to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Preventing bacterial surface contamination extends the lifespam of our products. As antibacterial protection is a natural part of our products, rather than an additional coating, PARKLEX PRODEMA panels are ingrained with longer lasting protection.
The finish of our interior covering product is stable and does not change over time. It does not need any varnish or paint to remain just like the very first day. The surface composition of the boards protects the product from moisture, wear, scratching, blows, fading from sunlight, and stains, eliminating the need for any later treatment. Thanks to its durability, no type of maintenance is required.
The life cycle of an HPL is more than thirty (30) years. This makes NATURSKININT-W a product with structural durability of more than thirty years. The structural durability of natural wood is less.
These are durable and sustainable products, moisture-resistant, and with Grade-3 scratch resistance. This makes it an ideal material for commercial spaces with heavy traffic. Thanks to the technical leak-tightness and moisture-resistance properties of the natural wood veneer, NATURSKININT-W is a high-resistance covering for commercial spaces.
The NATURSKININT-W HPL veneer is suitable for contact with food in accordance with CE Regulation 1935/2004 and EU Regulation No. 10/2011.
NATURCLAD coverings provide for installation of wood covering (NATURCLAD-W) or super-texturized panels (NATURCLAD-B) for ventilated façades, with no need for maintenance.
They consist of a high-density Bakelite body, a wood veneer treated with synthetic resins on the surface (NATURCLAD-W) or a unique texture on the surface that does not create repeated patterns (NATURCLAD-B), and a triple-layer exterior film that provides greater durability to the panels and protects them from solar radiation, atmospheric agents, and dirtiness, and has anti-graffiti properties.
NATURSOFFIT-W is an HPL product with natural wood designed for exclusive use in sheltered and horizontal applications, such as false ceilings and roofs. The panels cannot be directly exposed to ultraviolet radiation or water, but they can be applied to outdoor areas protected from these two elements. They do not require maintenance and provide outdoor spaces with the warmth and versatility of a natural wood design.
NATURSOFFIT-W increases the range of wood species for outdoors without maintenance.
Provides for installing pre-machined wood or super-texturized panels on façades with no need for maintenance.
They consist of a high-density bakelite body, a wood veneer treated with synthetic resins on the surface (NATURSIDING-W) or a unique texture on the surface that does not create repeated patterns (NATURSIDING-B), and a triple-layer exterior film that provides greater durability to the panels and protects them from solar radiation, atmospheric agents, and dirtiness, and has anti-graffiti properties.
About PARKLEX PRODEMA
PARKLEX PRODEMA is the merger of two international brands, specialized in coverings for architecture. For decades, they were competitors in the architecture, interior design, and construction industry. The union between these two brands is our new future, because we believe that union, today (on this new international stage), is the best formula to keep growing and innovating.
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With rising costs, is a “five-star” luxury space what residents want and need?
One of Just Imagine Interiors‘ favourite parts of designing a care home is the ability to design an exciting new cinema room for residents. As you will see not only is this a vibrant and fun space to be but its benefits are endless when it comes to bringing people together. This is where our design and creativity really flows, in order to achieve a fun space for residents to relax and enjoy the movie.
Why are cinema rooms so important in care homes, specifically dementia care homes? Who doesn’t love a feel-good movie? Being able to switch off from the outside world with a good movie, in a comfortable chair or preferably a recliner, cosy blanket and a bag of popcorn can revert a bad day into a good day. For residents living with dementia – something as simple as watching a comedy movie or a nostalgic film of the past can help ease stress and anxiety by being so immersed in the film it can be a form of escapism.
We start with the design and choice of funky furniture. We like to be more daring with our colour choices, using vibrancy to add to the fun! The installation of interesting lighting design wholly contributes to an authentic mood in the room. We like the design to be bold and nostalgic or simply a mixture of both! We try to create the full cinema experience in terms of design, look and feel including the smell of popcorn! When designing a home we obey our ethos of creating home from home interiors; the opposite of our design ethos applies in a cinema, as residents can enjoy the experience of stepping out and taking a visit to the Cinema.
Movies provide a great conversation starter, anticipation before the film begins, film enjoyment whilst it is been watched and an after the film review. What’s better than going to see a movie? It’s probably going to see a movie with a friend or loved one! Being able to share the experience of watching movies is a definite relationship booster. When visitors arrive, residents can enjoy taking the family ‘out’ to the cinema, a Birthday celebration or revel in a private film viewing for an everyday treat.
Movies can act like time capsules to a lost era, and the feeling of nostalgia is a powerful tool. Residents can watch old movies from their childhood to unlock memories that have long been buried over the decades. As nostalgia is a way of remembering, talking about and sharing the important events and memories of one’s life, watching nostalgic movies can help provide comfort and meaning to a person’s experiences, as can the cinema itself. This is why décor is so important to every experience that we create. As part of designing for care homes, it is important to accommodate for those living with dementia. We consider landmarks, as research shows that people living with dementia use landmarks as their way of navigation – signage with good contrast text and background, well-lit entrances and utilising natural light. Care and attention are given not only to the fabric and wallcoverings but often it is the accessories and finishing touches that complete the room. There is an emphasis on Artwork this could be old film reels, black and white movie star photos, signage and west end show prints. Well placed accessories such as a popcorn maker, drinks trolley or clapper boards make each room as realistic as possible. Each of these details generates a memory and completes the cinema experience.
Residents should always have a say in the movies being shown in their cinema. Popular films relate to those shown during a residents 30s and 40s, so age is a consideration of film choice. Staff need to know what is “meaningful” to each individual resident as they will have a wide range of viewing preferences depending on what they have done and what they like. Many residents love to sing along when they watch movies, so a good musical is always a winner! Providing residents with varied activities and social opportunities can improve their quality of life. Cinema rooms are installed with smart TVs in most instances so that residents can also access other entertainment online if they prefer. These options can be offered as an alternative or as well as watching movies. Galleries and museums offer virtual tours, which will appeal to the art lover. Whilst Google Earth lets you ‘travel’ all over the world. Simple online games can stimulate the mind, generate memories or help engage with grandchildren on a whole new level!
The cinemas we love to create are bespoke and tailored to the client needs. One of the main challenges when designing is the size of the room allocated. We can be limited to our choice if it’s a small area, but this just adds to the challenge. The seating layout is of a similar style to that of a commercial cinema, whilst where space allows, giving ample wheel chair access. Seats are arranged for maximum viewing. Comfort is key here as a standard film many be 1 1/2 long. Seating must be relaxed and fully support a resident through legs, back, arms and neck. Between each chair sits a table for ease of use and access to popcorn! To save any stressful spills, our specified carpets are impervious and so are the seats. It is difficult to assess the role of the environment in the transfer of infection, therefore our specified impervious finishes allow ease of cleaning and stronger infection control.
The TV screen size is vitally important! Too large or too small can cause a lack of visual clarity. Seating is always placed in proportion to the screen size. We can specify a number of screen options depending on the space. For example, in a more compact space a projector screen can work better. This screen is superior to a plain white wall, as the screen has a coating with reflective properties that help make the projection come out clear and will display every last detail of the projection.
Lighting or lack of lighting are carefully considered in each space. Firstly black out lining is standard on all cinema curtains as showings are mostly during the daylight hours. We need an element of darkness to create the nostalgic ambience, however, safety always comes first. With this in mind, the rooms have options of ambient lighting, task lighting and feature lighting all of which can be adjusted to suite the mood. In some instances the cinema room is used as a training room due to its ability to screen content and comfortably occupy a number of staff. This is where adaptable lighting becomes significant as natural light in addition to ambient light must be optimal.
Finally care is given to the sound quality in each cinema. Again, there are a number of options depending on the size of the room, number of occupants and occupant ability. Depending upon the venue, noise may significantly impact our experience, whether positively or negatively. Understanding the rooms’ acoustics and finding the right balance of sound absorption material, without compromising on our aesthetic is very important. A comfortable acoustic environment can improve well-being and motivation. Sounds are reflected off walls and surfaces in the room; sound coming directly from speakers is flat and even. The size of the room, wallcovering, curtain thickness and length, and items in the room will affect how the sound waves travel and overall quality of projection. Here we can assess location of speakers, add sound bars or, if it’s too much, sound proofing panelling can be installed to the walls. As it is well recognised that noise may be distressing for a person living with dementia it is important that exits are clear, visible and non-hazardous e.g. non slip/ trip.
So why have a luxury cinema in a care home? Having a social space where residents are able to relax, switch off from the outside world and unlock memories that have long been buried is extremely important to improving their quality of life and mental health.
About Just Imagine Interiors
With many years’ experience and a passion for functional and beautiful design, Jo Goddard is a highly motivated Director with a hands on approach to every project. Her team is at the core of each and every project they undertake. Every member brings something special to the table from in-depth knowledge of fabrics & textures, to a comprehensive understanding of designing for comfort and functionality.
This week’s instalment of Project of the Week series features a light and airy spa design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, Bishop Design by Paul Bishop.
Traditional ideologies of a spa have been abandoned, where functional expectations remain but are orchestrated in new forms – using natural materials in modern manners which gives this offering a unique edge, whilst never forgetting the most crucial of factors – serenity. The design approach has been heavily focused on introducing natural materials yet integrating them in a way to appeal to a contemporary new age, reflective of the SLS brand. Our methodology of tone-on-tone applications, with teases of pink and references to the sky, elevate an immersive getaway experience. Light palettes mix with darker shades, greenery and plenty of light to create a feeling of openness; allowing guests to fully surrender to tranquillity.
Practice: Bishop Design by Paul Bishop
Project: Ciel Spa
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Serenity and exclusivity were to come hand in hand at Ciel, the spa offering on the 69th floor of SLS Hotel & Residences in Dubai. The concept itself was an inherent part of SLS properties across the world, however it was up to us to enhance the offering. Still respecting the previous designs, but evolving the Ciel brand as a refreshed and new identity.
We conceptualized the narrative to focus on the view, and the notion of being high up in the clouds. This would lead us to orientate the space to capture the exterior perspectives, and that fascinating Dubai skyline.
Nestled in the hustle and bustle of Dubai’s Business Bay, Ciel Spa offers a hideaway for those seeking out more peaceful moments. Our inspiration for the spa became rooted in celebrating the natural beauty of raw, soft tone materials; much like the essence of a spa would. Welcoming guests stands a fluted concierge desk that is complimented by rose tinted lighting, an oversized planter and contemporary retail display which creates a softness yet contrasts to the space through a harder material selection.
Key characteristics within are the ephemeral pink tone on tone colour palettes. These hues signify the mystical skylight moods that edge our environment. These soft shades balance beautifully with textures and accessories within.
Operational requirements called out for independent Female & Male entities, where each area would have its own jacuzzi/wet zone, treatment rooms and relaxation zones. Despite these individual areas, we were also challenged to create a neutral zone for couple treatment rooms which required intelligent consideration towards spatial planning. Besides from functional aspirations, we were given freedom to explore aesthetics and determine how users should interact with the space.
Treatment rooms offer both couple and individual offerings, where we decided to derive certain aspects from existing Ciel outlets yet evolve them for our Dubai venture. Storage facilities are three dimensional pyramids with diamante handles, a subtle reference to the luxury sentiments of the hotel and a reminder of the exclusivity which guests are treated with. White illuminated sheer curtains elegantly surround the back walls, intervened with an extravagant oversized bevelled mirror in the centre. These areas are ever so slightly moodier than the otherwise light and airy spa environment to create an intimate retreat for those seeking out something a little more personalized and private – a sense of escapism.
At the heart of the spa is our wet zone. Grey stone steps lead guests up to the jacuzzi pools, where differing shades of natural wood panels are manipulated to form a beautiful backdrop to the relaxation that’s about to take place. These spaces were choregraphed to provide unobstructed views of the city. Flooring in these areas is an eclectic array of muted monochromatic mosaic tiles, encouraging feelings of movement, taking simplistic elements but combining them in a way that becomes much more visually interesting. Biophilia is introduced to contribute to the overall calmness that flows through the space, and an abundance of natural light is always evident.
Each year Bishop Design feel very fortunate at having the chance to submit our latest works to the SBID Awards, and 2021 is no different. We would like to take the time and say thank you to the prestigious awarding team, as well as the esteemed panel of judges, for their time and consideration. It is events like these that continuously motivate our team to create iconic experiences all over the world.
Questions answered by Paul Bishop, Owner & Founder, Bishop Design by Paul Bishop.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a minimal sales gallery design by A.RK Interior Design, click here to read it.
This week’s instalment of Project of the Week series features a rebranded gym design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, Adimari Studio.
SBID Awards Category: Healthcare & Wellness
Practice: Adimari Studio
Project: Fitness Flex
Location: Ruse, Bulgaria
The client wanted us to convert an old abandoned communist restaurant underground into a new, inviting and playful fitness space. The interior had to have a dual function – once as a gym and then as the official showroom for the Balkans/Eastern Europe of the Italian handmade gym equipment brand – Panatta. Fitness Flex is a chain of gyms and our purpose, upon the client brief, was to completely rebrand it, so we adapted the space guided by the concept of ”Flex Goes Green and Gold” and split the two floors into a “Green” Cardio Floor with lighter colours, wood and mirrors and a “Gold” Floor for heavy weight-lifting with black and gold accents.
Many elements came into play when creating this design. The key for us was to create bold transitions and juxtapose the “Green” and “Gold” floors through contrasting colours and textures yet still create a cohesive experience and unified, balanced design. A tunnel with a vertical garden takes you to the “Green” floor with all the cardio and lighter training equipment. We combined warm wood and moss walls with cold marble-effect tiles for the first floor. In contrast, the entrance to the lower “Gold” level is highlighted by tall vertical gold elements, which you can also see on the walls and ceiling. The different lengths of the golden elements on the ceiling, the mirrors and also the lights that continue from them create interesting visual dynamics.
Our main challenge was to completely demolish the interior of the existing underground restaurant, raise the ceiling as much as possible and create different functional zones for training within the very irregular shape of the interior, filled with columns, sharp angles and concrete beams. The space is completely underground and our main goal was to take the consumer’s attention away from that so we brought the outside in. We introduced wallpapers with natural scenery, walls clad in artificial greenery and moss and plenty of lighting and reflective surfaces to maximize the light and space, including dressing each column and beam we considered unnecessary in mirrors.
We all fell in love with the black and white marble chevron tiling by Marazzi at entrance. Creating different zones within the space by switching up the colour or the material of the flooring altogether was a very fun design approach for us which would not have been possible in a different space. The flooring is all special non-porous, antibacterial virgin rubber by Paviflex which no water, liquid or sweat can penetrate, making the space safer, more hygienic and ease to clean. We wanted our design to be captivating but also functional.
Our studio is relatively young and small. We pride ourselves in our work and we wanted to exhibit it at an international stage. Bulgarian interior design is growing and we believe there’s many impressive, well executed designs which should be presented to the world to show that. SBID awards is a great place for that.
Questions answered by Marina Marinova, Senior Interior Designer, Adimari Studio.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring an art deco inspired design for hotel rooms and public spaces by Atellior, click here to read it.
This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a unique facility designed to surpass all expectations of a traditional care home. Set in a nature reserve and bringing new standards in comfort and sophistication for later-life in Dorset. The iconic building draws on art déco influences in the surrounding Poole and Sandbanks area, embodying an oasis of calm modern living, and a careful balance of striking design and the delivery of award-winning care.
Cafes, cosy sitting rooms and a contemporary bistro flow from the entrance atrium out to living walled courtyards. Opulent chandeliers and carefully considered lighting flood the home, while natural light streams through from private gardens. Refined decorative details and a bold colour palette, combined with gold finishes and ornate wallpapers give a hint of déco glitz. The contrasting aluminium-clad roof pod offers an impressive orangery style bar, flowing into a roof garden with views to the sea.
SBID Awards: Healthcare & Wellness Design finalist sponsored by The Stone Federation
Practice: Colten Care
Project: Bourne View Care Home
Location: Dorset, United Kingdom
What was the client’s brief?
To design an extraordinary home for residential and nursing residents, that provided luxury lifestyle living, in an environment that surpasses all expectations for a care home.
What inspired the interior design of the project?
The wealth of art deco heritage in the Poole and Sandbanks area inspired the design of this project. Modern nods to the art deco period can be found all round the home.
What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?
The biggest challenge with this project was creating an exciting double height central space that would be the hub of the home, but without being overbearing, and also meet the acoustic demands for an older person. Building on a steep sloping hill plot caused many delays and headaches for the architects and construction team.
What was your team’s highlight of the project?
Whilst creating the entrance and central hub was the toughest challenge, it was also the biggest success, the buzzing environment is a real highlight in the home. The lighting design in this space was a particular success.
Why did you enter the SBID Awards?
The SBID Awards are the most respected awards within the industry, and to be recognised by the awards is a huge accolade for the designers and the company.
Questions answered by Georgina Colwell, head of design, Colten Care.
We hope you feel inspired by this week’s Healthcare design! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring a palatial villa with 18th century rococo style decadence, click here to see more.
SBID Awards 2019 | Healthcare & Wellness Design finalist sponsored by The Stone Federation
It’s more important than ever to focus on our health and wellbeing during this challenging time. With this in mind, this month we’re serving up some interior inspiration from last year’s SBID Awards Finalists with their award-worthy designs across the healthcare and wellness sector; from gyms and spas, to care homes and health clinics.
This ‘Extra Care, Over 55’ development was to be something people aspired to rather than settled for. There were numerous communal spaces to design but also numerous special sector considerations to factor in. Suna was determined to avoid the stereotypical institutional look this sector often falls into. Colour and contrast have been used carefully throughout the spaces to ensure they look beautifully designed but help support people with visual impairments and dementia. Flooring has been carefully chosen to work with the overall design, while being practical and assisting natural flow between spaces without distractions. Suna worked alongside a specialist sector supplier and designed and manufactured items to support comfort, mobility and safety while still feeling ‘designed’. The client proclaimed the scheme a “gamechanger for the sector”.
Embracing Equinox’s luxury lifestyle brand, designers at Elkus Manfredi Architects reinterpreted select standards to introduce light and inspirational views at their newest location in the Boston area, Equinox Seaport. Designers resolved a significant challenge of the leased space – unifying two non-contiguous floors– by creating a monumental staircase leading from the ground floor retail and reception area directly to the members-only workout and gathering spaces on level three. Members climb to an upscale lounge and co-working area immediately adjacent to exercise areas beyond, reinforcing the brand’s holistic live/work/play lifestyle experience. Natural light streams deep into the interior through the floor-to-ceiling windows, an effect that designers amplified by painting ceilings and exposed ductwork white – a first for the high-performance wellness brand. Abundant daylight and harborfront views distinguish Equinox’s 35,000-square-foot fitness club in the heart of Boston’s booming Seaport District, while offering an on-brand fitness-as-lifestyle experience.
The site was in a 15 years old modern designed building, the original thoughtwas to rejoining the natural atmosphere within the construction.The project is to design the main lobby of the Welldosha spa. The main design concept of the space is to create a multi-functional space which many events can take place in the space. Therefore, we created a space that can be fully opened up suites for different purpose.
The Tia Clinic pairs science, technology, and community with real-world healthcare services to create a radically inclusive, highly personalised, and compassionate experience. The clinic’s lobby and entrance convey convenience and clarity, signaling that Tia is frictionless, clear, and accessible and puts patients at ease. When patients arrive, they are greeted by a curved white, ribbed wood reception desk with a terrazzo surface. A graphic environmental mural covers the walls with speckled, amoebic shapes in pastels and grays. Rather than a typical waiting room, Rockwell Group created the Living Room as a space that encourages members to choose their own adventure. Wellness and educational talks will take place here, and the Living Room softly and warmly assumes holds space for those events, while also creating a safe feminine universe.
Emerson Grange is a luxury Cinnamon Care residential home situated in Kent. Cinnamon asked Catalyst to create a home with ‘understated elegance’ throughout, with a focus on the entrance and reception areas. Emerson Grange has been designed with the social needs of the resident in mind. Providing a luxurious space in the foyer and reception designed as a hub for the local community. A piano bar, gym and salon offer a destination for residents whilst providing the sense of being in a public space, without sacrificing the safety of the home. As you travel through the building towards the communal areas the design takes a noticeable change. The focus takes a shift towards a more personal and connected environment that creates the true feeling of a home.
This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a comforting, patient-focused healthcare design. Needing a new Cancer Center, Virtua Health chose an old Acme Supermarket adjacent to their new Health & Wellness center for the project site. FCA Architects reimagined how that old Acme Supermarket could be re-purposed as a bright, warm place of healing. Creating easy-to-navigate paths through the space with a central gallery, which serves as a landmark for patients and families. This concourse then leads to smaller intimate waiting spaces that provides a more personal scaled spaces to interact with clinicians and staff. By reframing a former basic retail box for ambulatory oncology, they not only provided a community setting for a needed service, but avoided the decay of a structure that still has viable physical life. The new Cancer Center is an inspiring, patient-first facility that accommodates radiation oncology, an infusion treatment suite, and a cancer administrative suite.
SBID Awards: Healthcare & Wellness Design finalist sponsored by Stone Federation
Practice: FCA Architects
Project: Virtua Samson Cancer Center
Location: New Jersey, United States
Virtua wanted to relocate their Cancer Center from an outdated existing hospital to a new facility that would incorporate the latest technology; a facility that would improve the delivery of cancer treatment to patients as well as provide a community health care resource. They wanted to provide community-based cancer care to their patients in a way that would be deeply accessible to the surrounding community.
The main design goal was to provide a soothing patient experience within a very large footprint without overwhelming patients and their caregivers. For the interiors, the Design team emphasised access to natural light and views to provide a sense of place and orientation. A long skylight was created within the existing solid roof to provide an organising circulation element above the Main Gallery. For the exterior, starting at the front door, the White Box of the entrance is an off-balanced entry point: it reminds the visitor that, though cancer is not normal, it too is something we can pass through.
Virtua selected an old Acme Supermarket adjacent to their new Health and Wellness center as the project site. The existing facility was built to suit the intended supermarket retail function with a very large footprint to perimeter ratio and very high floor to ceiling height, as well as poor access to natural light. The new proposed Cancer Center program consisted of smaller rooms that required acoustic privacy and regular ceiling heights, and warm natural light.
The design team strategically placed treatment rooms to serve both patients that are sensitive to natural light versus those that aren’t impacted by natural light. Skylights were installed above the Main Gallery to provide diffuse, controlled light that eases the deep distance of the gallery through the centre of the building’s footprint. The site’s high ceilings led to the Main Gallery being designed to prioritise the access to natural light to improve patient experiences during visits and to provide clarity of circulation to the interior. It also prompted a challenge for smaller rooms that require acoustical privacy: in these cases, a substructure was implemented to allow the ceiling and lighting to be suspended, minimising the need to construct full-height walls to the full height of the structure.
The White Box: a monumental entry dressed in semi-opaque white panels, its elevation slightly at odds with the sidewalk. The mass is “supported” by three white column legs, an implied fourth leg absent. This is because cancer is not a normal event. It is disruptive. The White Box is not an everyday, straightforward entry point – it’s off-balance. But it is also a beacon: bright, warm, and uncluttered. It reminds the visitor that, though cancer is not normal, it is something we can pass through. At the bottom of the White Box, and above the columns, is a canopy. From a distance, the canopy and columns appear as a pair of hands, shielding visitors. From outside the building, the Main Gallery is visible through a full-height glass opening that allows visitors to orient themselves before entry. Beside this glass opening is a wall clad in the same material as the canopy, which is repeated in the entryway, transitioning the visitors through the White Box, into the Cancer Center. This serves as a visual connection between the white Box and the interior. These wayfinding elements go beyond functional necessity – they serve as opportunities to both differentiate the facility and make a brand statement, emphasising that cancer patients’ needs require a unique design sensitivity that differs from other patients.
The opportunity for our work to be recognised by a larger audience of our professional and international peers.
Questions answered by Jennifer Kenson, IIDA Principal of FCA Architects
If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring a boutique townhouse in Notting Hill with bespoke luxury detailing, click here to see more.
SBID Awards 2019 | Healthcare & Wellness Design finalist sponsored by Stone Federation
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