What inspired the design concept for our new spa?

I would say the inspiration was taken from the natural woodlands setting and the role nature plays in our wellbeing. The different textures, natural palette, the way light filters through the canopy, vertical woodland elements, the calm and quiet nature and more.

 

How did you incorporate nature and sustainable principles into the spa’s design?

From a conceptual perspective we tried to keep the interior design calm, minimal and tactile. By using a palette that includes sustainable choices like textured natural clay plaster from Clayworks on walls and ceilings and locally harvested timbers, the interiors become an extension of the woodlands, they support wellness and perform the role of nurturing.

 

Is there a particular element or feature in the spa that you’re most proud of?

I have tried to pay attention to the materials and what people touch and see around them as they move from space to space, how light can play a role in wellbeing. I would say this interior is less about outstanding features and more about making people feel happy, healthy, and a little closer to nature.

 

Can you tell us a little about your background and experience in interior design?

I was born and spent many years working as a designer in Cape Town, South Africa. I am now based in Zurich, Switzerland and work in locations all over the globe. With over 20 years’ experience as an interior designer, I work on project types including hospitality, gastronomy, retail, residential and more. I love working with my clients, other professionals and artisans to develop deeply considered experiences that support wellbeing and our client’s brand or personal values.

 

When designing a space like a spa, what’s your guiding philosophy to make it feel welcoming and relaxing?

I try to be guided first by the spirit of a place, so that the interior feels connected to its surroundings. I then spend a lot of time crafting the layout to support the requirements and take advantage of features like natural light, views and the architecture. The design being guided by its location and setting can take on many forms, but generally speaking I enjoy working with natural, solid and tactile materials in unconventional minimalist arrangements. Of course natural, sustainable and locally sourced are standard practice too.

 

If this spa had a personality, how would you describe it?

Quietly confident, grounded.

 

Which part of the spa makes you feel most connected to nature?

The arrival area, food and beverage lounge and connecting spaces are very special in their use of materials.

 

Did you have a favourite sustainable material or design trick you used?

Clayworx – the British made, natural sustainable clay plaster we have used on walls and ceilings. I am looking forward to seeing how the spaces feel once this is installed.

 

What’s your secret to making a space feel instantly relaxing?

That’s a good question, and a hard one to answer. I think its starts with good layout and considered positioning of elements, but is also elevated by what you see, touch and feel and the emotions and connections that evokes.

 

What’s the most unexpected idea or feature you wanted to/have included?

I designed the reception counter to be made from long beams of local solid timber, stacked on spacers, and inspired by timber piles seen on my walks in woodlands areas.

 

Who or what do you draw inspiration from in your work?

I am inspired by things I see around me daily, particularly in the natural world, but also sometimes the simplest things people make. I have two young children, and the creativity that’s comes out of their unrestricted minds is so refreshing. If I had to name a person I am constantly inspired by, it would be the playful design from Thomas Heatherwick’s studio.

 

What’s one design element in the spa that you hope surprises our guests?

It’s not so much an element as it is the experience. I would like if people left with the surprise of feeling fabulous and not being quite sure why.

 

Did you have a “design challenge” moment, and how did you solve it?

After our first sketch layout had been presented, the engineers reported that the existing building had been unusually constructed in that the floors above were supported by the existing hotel dividing walls and that they could not be feasibly removed. We went back to the drawing board, working within the framework of the existing walls, and carefully opening up only where needed, to create a layout that doesn’t resemble or feel compromised by its existing use.

 

How do you balance beauty and functionality in a spa setting?

We pay a lot of attention at the design detail phase of the project to make sure as much as possible is resolved and integrated into the design. This is stuff the spa customer doesn’t see, but plays a huge role in their comfort and the businesses ability to provide a seamless experience.

 

What’s one little detail most people might not notice but makes a big impact?

The lighting has been designed to support the wellness rituals and highlight the healthy tones in skin. I have also tried to work with hidden light sources as much as possible, in order to reduce glare.

 

What has been your favourite part of the project so far?

I have loved and enjoyed every minute working with the people that make up the full project team based in the UK. They are all lovely and so good at that they do!