Rodrigo Vargas Design: Creating a Serene Spa Design

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.

What was the client's brief? 

There was no brief but the following directive: work within existing planning and programming and time sensitive delivery.

What inspired the design of the project?

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.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

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.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Collaboration with the other teams and ownership, they were understanding and encouraging of our vision.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

To be part of the greater design community and acknowledge what our community does.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

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.