This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a serene spa design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Rodrigo Vargas Design.
This Spa is the first of its kind, complete with personalised treatments, immersive facilities and approachable wellness offerings. The modern, warm space draws upon the principles of the golden ratio with rounded rooms, curvilinear walls and intuitive design to promote a transformative and holistic experience. Rich texture and luxurious materials embrace the client, while unexpected elements create moments of surprise and delight. Lighting sparkles in hushed golden passageways, leading to an immersive oasis, transporting the mind and body through design. Earth- borne finishes of stone, cerused wood, grass cloth and linen bring the soothing serenity of nature to one’s fingertips.
SBID Awards Category: Healthcare & Wellness Design
Practice: Rodrigo Vargas Design
Project: Awana Spa at Resorts World Las Vegas
Location: Nevada, United States of America
There was no brief but the following directive: work within existing planning and programming and time sensitive delivery.
We wanted to create a transformative experience that transports you to a different place. A full departure from the wild aesthetic of a casino hotel. Juxtapose the high energy and colour saturated world above to a quiet spa space, a completely calming and rejuvenating experience.
The project was in the basement of the casino hotel, and the ceiling above received all of the mechanical from the entire operation above. Heights were low and long, at moments, claustrophobic. We shaped, contoured and divided the ceiling and spaces into a path of discovery and movement.
Collaboration with the other teams and ownership, they were understanding and encouraging of our vision.
To be part of the greater design community and acknowledge what our community does.
We are honored to be considered as part of a larger group including both our clients, vendors and peers, who are interested in the process of creating beautiful spaces. It's wonderful to have our design as part of a whole and not just stand alone.
Questions answered by Rodrigo Vargas, Principal at Rodrigo Vargas Design.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's design!
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a modern penthouse design by Fenton Whelan, click here to read it.
A gym’s layout has a big impact on the aesthetics of the overall space and, as such, careful planning should go into the positioning of each piece of equipment. “As with every room in a house, a home gym should be worthy of an amazing photoshoot and avoid falling into the all-too-common trap of looking like a cluttered jungle of metal and plastic,” advises Edward Thomas, Managing Partner of Gym Marine Yachts & Interiors.
Firstly, it helps arrange equipment in a way that is aesthetically optimised when anyone walks into the gym so that the space feels expansive and orderly. This can be done by placing equipment in ascending height order and avoiding any bulky machines directly in front of the entrance.
It is also recommended that gym layouts feature zoned areas in terms of the equipment, creating distinctive cardio, strength and stretching or yoga areas. Each of these areas come with individual considerations that will impact the overall layout of the gym.
For the first incarnation of any home gym, it’s also advisable to only fill the space up to 75 per cent. “Fitness is an ever-evolving pursuit and if the user takes up a new discipline in the future, this extra space will allow for new additions, such as specialist machines,” adds Edward.
Access to equipment
Leaving enough space to get on and off equipment might sound obvious, but it is often overlooked during the planning of a gym layout. This is a particularly important consideration for cardio equipment, with treadmills accessed from the back, and bikes and cross trainers accessed from the side.
Minimum safety clearance
Manufacturers will require that treadmills are positioned with a minimum safety clearance of at least one metre behind for safety purposes. In smaller spaces, this can be challenging and will often dictate the layout of the room.
Ceiling height
Cardio equipment requires ample ceiling height, which may also dictate the layout of a gym, particularly in spaces with pitched roofs.
Power supply
Cardio equipment generally needs to be powered and, therefore, positioned near power sockets. While more flexibility can be added to the gym layout with self-powered equipment, these versions don’t feature touchscreen displays. Installing floor boxes with power sockets is another solution that allows for flexibility in the layout of powered cardio equipment without visible wiring.
Television
It’s advisable that all cardio equipment faces a television as these are the machines that people spend the longest duration on and may like to watch TV or an online class while doing so. It’s important, therefore, to consider the distances between the machines and the TV.
Strength Area
Flooring
As strength areas usually incorporate free weights, such as dumbbells or Olympic barbells, a different type of flooring will be needed in this area to provide protection.
Multi-functional equipment
Traditional strength equipment takes up a lot of space, but modern-day solutions allow gym designers to optimise the number of strength exercises per square metre. Choosing multi-functional equipment can allow more layout flexibility by incorporating many different exercises into a single footprint.
Working area
A lot of strength equipment, such as dual-adjustable pulleys or power racks, requires a certain amount of working area around it. These working areas are not included in the item’s CAD block, which many interior designers and architects rely on to plan a gym layout. As such, it is important to check the recommended working area for each piece of equipment and draw that onto any plans to ensure that users will have space to move around it and exercise to the full potential of the machine.
About Gym Marine Yachts & Interiors
Gym Marine Yachts & Interiors is a specialist wellness design for the superyacht and prime property sectors. Their experienced team have an unrivalled understanding of the complexities of gym and space design, both on land and at sea. This together with our vast experience in the health and wellness industry helps create an unbeatable service.
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Award winning and WELL certified Interior Designer, Emma Webb, is passionate about designing for the wellness of her clients and focuses on delivering restorative spaces. Her creative vision and expertise in implementing the principles of Biophilic design and Nudge design result in interiors that are beautiful, restorative and supportive of positive lifestyle choices. Over a 25+ year career, Emma has built an extensive portfolio of distinctive projects in Ireland and Internationally. Emma’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, WELL Building Standard professional accreditation as well as certificates in Biophilic design, Healthier Materials and Sustainable building.
I was always arty and had planned on being an artist when I left school. But my parents told me to get a “proper” degree before I could go to Art College, so I did a degree in Psychology at University College Dublin. It was here that I learnt how much people were impacted by the natural and built environment and so I went on to study Interior Design and open my design practice in my early twenties.
Whilst working on every project is invigorating, I really enjoy the energy and camaraderie encountered on our building sites. I work with many skilled tradesmen and artisans, and I love to see what they produce and to learn from them.
Achieving Business All-Star Accreditation and being named South Dublin Interior Design Company of The Year 2023 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation.
I love a tricky building that needs to be completely remodelled for today’s busy lifestyles. I can lose myself for hours as I imagine myself in a client’s shoes working out how to best use the available space.
Lead times for materials can be very challenging especially here in Ireland, where we are at the mercy of weather impacted sea crossings. So our building programmes often require careful monitoring and good communication with clients, keeping them up to date.
I wish I had appreciated the power of marketing! When I was setting up my business we didn’t have social media to publicise on. We relied on referrals for new projects as well as sometimes investing in advertising or editorials in glossy interiors magazines, which was very expensive. This meant that we really overlooked the power of advertising in the early days.
Don’t build toxic interiors! Understand what your materials are made from and how they are produced. Research their impact on the environment and on people’s health.
Wellness interior design and Biophilic Design are still very much on trend – although I think that this is more of a movement than a trend and here to stay. So, I think we will see more responsible sourcing of materials and a focus on health and sustainability developing over the coming years.
I'm really proud to be accredited by SBID. When you are self-employed it’s easy to forget to celebrate any success and so thank you for reminding me that after 28 years in practice, weathering a global recession followed by a pandemic and then a war, that I still love what I do!
Questions answered by Emma Webb, Founder, Emma Webb Design.
About Emma Webb Design
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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.
If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more.
This week’s instalment of Project of the Week series features an elegant and modern spa design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, Ina Rinderknecht.
Situated in the Croatian town of Dubrovnik, sits the 5-star Rixos Premium, recently renovated by our design studio. Inspired by the surrounding culture, architecture and history, we were entrusted with the renovation of the hotel’s lobby, its two restaurants, the sports bar, the outdoor and indoor pools and the large spa area.
The spa area is over 2000 sqm featuring state-of-the-art treatments and offering various experiences. One enters the spa through the newly designed tea lounge featuring one of the best tea selections worldwide and a concept store that sells unique local pieces.
Passing through the spa, arched niches in white marble, rippled walls and the use of trees help to create a pleasant environment. A dry sauna, wet steam bath, cold room, a Himalayan salt room, a hammam and treatment rooms, together with small pools are all included in this spa as well as an indoor and outdoor pool.
Practice: Ina Rinderknecht
Project: Rixos Hotel Premium, Dubrovnik
Location: Dubrovnik-Neretva, Croatia (Hrvatska)
Taking into account the client’s brief to modernize the hotel we were inspired by the surrounding culture, architecture and history. We were given creative freedom to reinterpret the Rixos lifestyle brand in a fresh and unexpected way. The idea was to create a boutique style hotel in the scale of a large commercial project.
Inspired by the surrounding culture, architecture and history, our design approach seeks to create a holistic environment where shapes, materials and light combine and balance each other naturally. The story is told across different areas always with a breeze of freshness and elegance. Playing with the symbolic meaning of ‘Libertas,’ the Latin word for freedom and liberty but also happiness and light, we created a place where people can express themselves whilst enjoying a sense of belonging. As with all of our projects, we have taken a holistic approach to interior design, to achieve architectural integrity and structural purity within the original building structure, simultaneously combining playful design elements and comfortable furniture.
Not only was the intensity of the time constraint from the beginning of conception to the end of construction was 8 months for a project of this scale, but the project was interrupted by the coronavirus and extreme collaboration and coordination between the international teams was very much needed during this time.
The 2000 sqm spa area was the heart of the project. The client’s wish was to transform the vast spa level into a unique oasis of recreation and well-being. The choice of treatment areas with sauna, steam bath, salt- and ice-rooms, massage rooms etc. were all fully renewed. The main focus was on creating a one of a mind tea lounge which would offer one of the largest tea selections worldwide.
We believe we have the high standards that represents SBID. We are a team of creative international designers who always seeks to create innovative yet timeless spaces, that are unexpected and fresh yet utterly comfortable.
Questions answered by Ina Rinderknecht, Owner & Creative Director, Ina Rinderknecht.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a stunning and unique steakhouse design by Bishop Design by Paul Bishop, click here to read it.
In a particularly turbulent world (enduring an ongoing pandemic) where there is so much uncertainty, striving for wellbeing in our daily lives is all the more important. Our homes now act as a substitute for offices, gyms, entertainment centres and sanctuaries to name but a few of their additional uses. As we’re spending significantly greater time in them overall, it is clear they need to work harder than ever to meet our demands, suit our needs and ease our minds. The question is - can biophilic design really help? Peter Oudejans, director of leading biophilic design studio, Oudejans Interiors shares key insights on the benefits of integrating concepts of biophilia into our interior environments.
Biophilia, simply stated, is the human connection to nature that assists us in attaining wellness in our lives. Have you ever noticed how calm and uplifted you can feel when walking in the woods, strolling along the beach or simply sitting in a park? That’s the ‘Biophilia’ effect. In rural settings, this connection can be more obvious, but as more of us live in densely populated, urban environments, this connection is slowly being lost. That does not mean however, that we are unable to embrace nature’s beauty at home. There are numerous ways to live more meaningful, holistic lives and in practice this is about re-establishing links with nature to create healthy environments for life and work.
“It is the simple core truth that humans need a connection to nature to be content”, according to Sally Coulthard, author of the book Biophilia. It is the notion that humans need to feel connected to their natural environment not only to survive, but also to thrive.
Research undertaken over the past few decades has shown that biophilic design can improve cognitive function, physical health, and psychological well-being with benefits that include:
According to architect Claudia Bonollo of Monamour Natural Design, “our mood and our capacity for communication are influenced by a combination of physical, mental and sensory factors. Therefore, an environment that involves all the senses makes us happier and more receptive,” she says.
Oliver Heath Design, has found that the inclusion of Biophilia to the design process can increase productivity by 8% and rates of wellbeing by up to 13% in an office environment. In healthcare settings, pain medication was shown to be reduced by 22% and in the education setting, rates of learning can be increased by 20-25% where biophilic designs have been incorporated.
And finally, Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing weighs in with “I shall never forget the rapture of fever patients over a bunch of bright-coloured flowers… People say the effect is only on the mind. It is no such thing. The effect is on the body too.”
With regard to interior design, Biophilia is considered more of a lifestyle than a design trend. It can be applied across the entire spectrum of interior styles from contemporary to classic and has a place in all areas of interior design, be it in a residential or commercial setting. Eco design and green architecture are very closely related concepts with a focus on environmentally-friendly design practices that are good for people and planet, just as Biophilia is focused on the wellbeing of humans through their connection to the natural world.
Biophilic design has three key threads that together make a space biophilic:
1. Being in a space that has a direct, physical contact with nature; 2. Being in a space that reminds you of nature through the use of natural items; 3. Being in a space that connects to natural rhythms and outside spaces.
There are numerous key elements of biophilic design which include incorporating a few or all of the following:
Take the example of firelight and candle light, which have slowly decreased in domestic settings as the use of heating (central and otherwise) and of course, electric light, now almost completely dominate in the modern home. Yet the ‘red’ light that emanates from firelight and candlelight plays an important trigger in the body’s preparation for rest and relaxation, making us feel calm and cosy.
In a study by the anthropologist Christopher Lynn, he measured people’s blood pressure and how sociable they felt after watching a log fire on a screen. One group watched with sound, the others no sound. The results found that those that watched with no sound showed little benefit, but those that experienced the audio and visual effects of the fire, had significantly reduced blood pressure, felt more mindful and focused on the present and were increasingly communicative and sociable. [1]
Including such a simple yet multi-sensory element such as a fireplace within the home can make a significant difference to the wellbeing of the individual. Just imagine the other benefits and sensations a real fire provides, such as the soothing radiant heat and comforting wood scent. And this is just one simple addition in the whole armament that nature and Biophilia can provide.
Biophilia is still deemed to be in its infancy within the interior design profession, despite being based on one of the most fundamental connections humans have with their environment. But with the current focus very much on the recovery, both physically and mentally, from a global pandemic, never has there been a better time or more crucial need to draw upon the healing powers of nature to improve our wellbeing.
Interior designer's approaches to home design should now be looking to design sustainably with nature at its core for the creation healthy, happy homes that are better for people and the planet. After all, it truly is all about creating nature-inspired spaces to support our health and wellbeing.
References:
[1] Lynn C.D. The Psychophysiology of Fireside Relaxation. American Journal of Human Biology 25 (2013). 265-265
Projects photographed are undertaken by Oudejans Interiors Ltd. All photos are credited to photographer Glenn MacKay.
About
As a leading biophilic design studio, Oudejans Interiors feels it is vital to live more sustainably, in an increasingly connected manner to the natural world. Their motivation for designing spaces is to consciously straddle the line between nature and interior architecture. From creating a living wall to redecorating with natural hues, incorporating biophilia into living spaces is an effective way to restoratively transform them, whilst boosting body and mind.
If you'd like to become SBID Accredited, click here to find out more.
Nestled deep in the heart of the English countryside, Avalon at Broughton Hall is part of The Broughton Sanctuary in the foothills of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The luxurious wellbeing retreat centre required a calming and harmonious aesthetic with sumptuous sound systems to play a key role in the Art of Being and relaxation.
Avalon, amidst the stunning 3000 acre Broughton Hall Estate in Yorkshire, is a retreat like no other. This special location was designed to serve the mind, body and spirit, creating the freedom for personal development and the pursuit of the inner voyage. This unique building was designed by Cirencester-based architects, Yiangou, with the interior design created by celebrated Opera and Ballet designer, Patrick Kinmonth.
The importance of the building and the way it helps people connect with it and each other during their journey cannot be underestimated. As a result, Patrick Kinmonth stage managed a deluxe and inventive interior for ultimate connectivity and wellness in mind. It is discreet, joyful and functional, combining natural materials, contemporary style and technology in a thoughtful and contextual way.
Sound is a key sense in the Art of Being. Kinmonth understands this well and with the invisibility of the buildings' technology being an integral part of the specification for Avalon, Patrick chose to deploy Amina invisible speakers throughout. Invisibility is, of course, key in keeping the interior space visually free and uncluttered. After all, a sanctuary is not a sanctuary when you are surrounded by technology. Amina was the logical step to ensure the audio solution fitted with the design concept and did not distract from the visual journey and intention of the spaces.
Not only was invisibility integral, but a sound that filled the space evenly with quality, calmness and control was of equal importance. Avalon is full of large open and empty spaces which is where the Amina speakers came into their own. Sound evenly fills the space and is delivered with aplomb, supporting and nurturing the beautiful Avalon experience.
When it comes to bass, there is only really only one name that stands out above the rest for quality without compromise; Velodyne. Or, more precisely in this case, the Velodyne 15" Digital Drive plus. Two of these power-house subwoofers are hidden away in descrete, bespoke cabinetry using vents to allow sound and bass pressure into the room. Bringing the Yoga Studio's Dolby Atmos experience to life with thunderously deep, tight and dynamic bass; whatever the audio application.
Needing high quality, deep and clean bass with an IP65 rating for the swimming pool area brought us to the Artison RCC320 range of subwoofers. Known for their phenomenal 'Reactance Cancelling' technology. Allowing them to achieve vibration-free, room-filling bass from a compact in wall unit.
About Redline
Formed in 2001, Redline's expertise lies in creating custom and discrete audio-visual solutions inline with client requirements. The brands they represent display a daring disregard for industry convention, while incorporating ground-breaking technology and a high attention to detail and superior quality.
The way we view and use our bathrooms has changed in recent years. It is now seen as a place for replenishing and relaxation as homeowners seek to a create more luxurious, spa-style experiences in the home, with dedicated space to unwind from the day and indulge the senses.
With the average female spending at least 29 minutes in this space every day, it’s becoming vital to ensure that bathroom environments are designed to deliver the right atmosphere of luxury and indulgence; redirecting the focus to our personal care and wellbeing rituals to cultivate more accessible wellness experiences without leaving the house.
The shower has become a large part of this wellness-driven, self-care lifestyle and in many homes it now replaces the traditional bath tub; with many showering in the morning to actively start the day or taking a shower in the evening to relax the body and soothe the soul. The ROYAL MIDAS shower light made by KEUCO creates a unique showering experience with the perfect combination of water and light.
The unique shower light concept has a large integrated shower head to create a stunning combination of light and water, providing positive effects on the person showering and offering a bespoke experience depending on the time of day. Single drops of water reflect the light, whilst the water streaming from shower above covers the body – whether refreshing, cooling and invigorating, or warming and relaxing, the shower light is a welcome addition to bathroom interiors for enhancing that at-home wellness experience.
The complete all-in-one shower solution means installation is quick, safe and easy in coordination with a KEUCO shower valve; the KEUCO shower light being autonomously operated via a momentary room switch providing on/off and light adjustment.
The shower light can be set or dimmed between 6500 kelvin (day light) and 2700 kelvin (warm white). This is especially good in winter time, allowing users to have a brighter ‘day light’ shower in the morning with a warming effect to activate the circulatory system. A dimmer, softer light during the evening shower creates a more relaxing ambience; mirroring the appearance of sunset to help stimulate the release of melatonin hormones, encouraging healthy sleep.
About KEUCO
KEUCO GmbH & Co. KG is an internationally active, full provider of premium bathroom furnishings. KEUCO offers a wide range of fittings, accessories, mirror cabinets, lights and mirrors, washbasins and bathroom furniture “made in Germany”. Design and function play a decisive role at KEUCO. The aim of perfectly crafted products is to combine aesthetic forms with sensible functionalities - a claim that is consistently taken into account right from the idea through to the implementation. KEUCO has a long tradition of working together with designers.
With over 20 years experience applying this intricate ancient wisdom to the modern built environment, Founder of Feng Shui Agency and classically trained Feng Shui master, Sarah McAllister shares her expert insights on applying feng shui principles in interior designs to create authentic wellness spaces.
Classical Feng Shui originated in ancient China and is one of the 8 Brocades of Traditional Chinese Medicine - if someone were chronically unwell despite acupuncture or herbal remedies, then the advice of the local Feng Shui master was sought out to see if sick earth chi might be the cause of their malaise.
Fast forward to the 21st century and Feng Shui is once again being acknowledged as a powerful energy medicine and is the perfect complement to the boom in Wellness Architecture and Wellness Real Estate. Wellness design cannot be complete without considering the subtle energies of the land and the built environment that contribute to our overall spiritual, mental and physical wellbeing. While the energetic and intuitive dimension to feng shui creates luminous spaces that FEEL fantastic, there is also a very pragmatic methodology to feng shui recommendations. Each direction has an energetic link to a part of the body and an internal organ so in the case of persistent conditions it is wise to consider if the environment is indeed affecting you.
Some architects say feng shui is just common sense, and while there are very pragmatic aspects of feng shui that can be likened to good ‘ergonomics’ there is a huge amount of robust methodology, which can only be understood when properly trained. Classical Feng Shui has unique time-tested techniques that accurately identify and reduce potential problems. From Form School & Dowsing to advanced Flying Star and Hexagram "Chi-calculations", 24 Heaven Stars, 8 Mansion, Sam Hap Water and Sang Set methods, there is a technique to assess every type of space from a small apartments to large family homes, whether opulent mansions or the planning of an entire wellness community, spa resort, hotel, hospital or industrial complex – entire cities can be designed with feng shui principles.
How your home or business property sits in the landscape has a huge influence on how smooth your life or business will be, and whether or not you encounter more than your fair share of obstacles and what the key aspects of your life ‘story’ might be so far. The career and relationship prospects and to a certain extent, the health and finances of occupants can be read and subsequently improved, if there is scope to make modifications.
Even in townhouses with small gardens or apartments with no outdoor space, the influence of feng shui still weaves its chi as all buildings hold the resonance of the orientation - whether N-S or E-W etc. each configuration has a unique feeling and quality of energy. One can argue that it is even more important to implement feng shui measures in city homes, so that they can have as much connection with natural energy as possible within the urban setting.
It is quite remarkable how powerfully colour influences our moods and emotions and Feng Shui Five Element Theory helps us make wiser choices around design shapes, texture and colour for the best harmony, or whatever experience you wish to create. Not everyone wants harmony and restfulness, especially in an office space – they might want something more dynamic (lime green, striped/bamboo pattern – wood element) or inspirational (reds, purples, geometric – yang fire element). Those seeking a more restful mood will want to use warm blues and wave patterns (water element) or soft pinks, mauves, lavenders (yin fire element). Not only can Feng Shui design help to promote emotional balance, but it also helps occupants to have much deeper sleep, which is a fundamental factor for overall good health.
Feng Shui is primarily concerned with how to observe, protect and strengthen ‘chi’ or life force energy. Many other wisdom traditions, not just the Chinese, have words describing the animating force of life – in Japan it is known as ‘ki’ , in Ayurvedic tradition it is referred to as ‘prana’, in Cherokee Shamanic traditions ‘the spirit that moves through all things’ and even in the West we have terms such ‘orgone’ (Wilhelm Reich) and the Latin term Genus Loci, meaning ‘spirit of place’ also indicates that space has a spiritual or energetic quality.
Even if you didn’t have wellness architecture or feng shui considered in the original design, you can usually retrofit key aspects by removing outdated systems or materials and replacing with much healthier substances and systems for water and air purification for example. Some feng shui cures can be added into an existing property or specific changes made to the landscaping that improves the chi circulation. Colours and interior layouts can be very powerful especially when combined with the unique Chinese astrology of the occupants. At the end of the day, the proof for all this theory is largely qualitative rather than quantitative, and those who are open minded enjoy distinct benefits from implementing principles of Feng Shui.
About the Author
Sarah McAllister is a classically trained Feng Shui master qualified in Environmental Psychology. Sarah sits on the Wellness Architecture Initiative of the Global Wellness Institute. Her love of nature and deep experience of Wilderness Spirit Philosophy helps her create environments with a deep connection to the natural world. Her projects range from residential eco builds and £25m luxury mansions to award-winning urban spas, boutique hotels and wellness resorts.
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New to the market, Paragon Studio was founded in 2020 in Bath, where all its products are designed. Manufactured in the UK & Europe, the SBID Accredited Supplier designs high-end, sustainable gym equipment for private, residential and superyacht gyms across the globe. With years of experience in the luxury fitness sector, Paragon Studio meets the increased demand for customisation and bespoke gym design with its extensive collection.
The company ethos of 'form follows function' ensures all products meet the highest standards of quality, whilst boasting an exquisite design aesthetic. Understanding that luxury gym products are made for real people and not museums, its equipment stands up to the challenge of everyday use. The collection has been carefully crafted and rigorously tested to guarantee long-lasting durability.
The British company offers its customisable gym products using sustainable, natural materials. With its origins in the Superyacht and hospitality sectors, Paragon Studio understands that the identity of a boat or hotel is part of the whole experience and enjoyment of a space. Its ability to customise products with logos and monograms, whilst matching materials used throughout the rest of the space offers interior designers complete ease of design specification.
Similarly, when it comes to home gyms, working alongside designers and architects, Paragon Studio is able to customise and incorporate the same colours, finishes, materials and handle patterns used in the rest of the design scheme, ensuring seamless integration so the gym becomes an extension of the overall design rather than an obvious add-on.
Using only the finest and sustainably sourced materials, the entire collection is plastic-free, manufactured in the UK & Europe. Every product is made-to-order preventing any surplus of stock or wastage of materials. Reducing waste further, the whole collection comes with a lifetime warranty for mechanisms and structural integrity. Repairing products rather than simply replacing them, Paragon Studio offers a full refurbishment service to ensure equipment continues to look and perform beautifully.
All wood components are FSC Certified and locally sourced where possible. Unlike synthetic alternatives, wood's natural grain and quick-drying properties offer unparalleled grip - essential for handles and storage. With its natural antibacterial properties, easy maintenance and a warm-to-touch surface, the collection includes a range of standard wood options including Oak and the ever-popular American Walnut. However, products can be customised with any wood specifications if required.
Where possible, Stainless Steel is sourced from recycled steel billets in line with the company's sustainability ethos. Resistant to corrosion and extremely hard-wearing, Paragon Studio only uses the highest quality stainless steel across the range - including offering the option of 316 marine grade Stainless Steel components for use on superyachts. Alongside the classic steel finish, products are also available in bronze.
The collection comprises benches, barbells, dumbbells, wall bars, boxing equipment, storage solutions and accessories - including exercise balls, rollers, skipping ropes, push-up handles, and plyo boxes.
Discover more sustainable products for interior design, here.
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