54 | Wellness zone well recognised Photos: Stephen Goodenough T T Rosa Watson ARCHITECTURE Wilson & Hill Architects A day spa fit out in a busy central Christchurch retail area has caught the eye architecture leaders, picking up numerous awards for its elegant design. The Lovoir Day Spa fitout, designed by Wilson & Hill Architects, took out an interior architecture award and Resene colour award at this year’s New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) Canterbury Architecture Awards, and was also named as a finalist in the healthcare and wellness category at the 2023 Interior Awards. The day spa is located at The Crossing retail precinct in the city centre. NZIA judges said the project was a carefully considered fitout of a commercial space within a busy mall. They were impressed how the design navigated the commercial realities of the mall to create a wellness zone, “underscoring the value that architecture brings to both client and context”. “The architect has curated this sense of retreat as a series of spaces, thoughtfully manipulated with colour, volume and texture to take the spa customer on a journey of increasing sanctuary. The treatment rooms have a tranquility far removed from the busy mall outside.” Wilson & Hill director and principal Stuart Hay said the clients had an existing day spa in Avonhead and were looking to increase their presence in the city. “They were great clients to work with who came to us with a goal to produce the best spa in Christchurch. The project includes seven treatment rooms – five single and two double – along with a reception and retail area. “A key part of the whole project was the client lounge which was conceived as a cocoon like space for you to relax and recover before and after a treatment. Basically it gives you a big hug. “They wanted it to be quite a luxurious feel; quite simple and elegant.” The 260m2 space runs off a public arcade, so the challenge was to create a luxurious and exclusive space while ensuring enough connection to the outside to encourage walk-ins from the public, Stuart said. “We did this through progression of space from public through to private … having a little bit of openness between the public and the arcade.” Through the use of carefully crafted curved walls, the public retail reception zone moved through to the consultancy space, then to the lounge and finally into the main corridor servicing the private treatment rooms. The space was an unusual shape to work with but they succeeded in their goal was to open it up and create an ordered orientation. “So that you’re not a rabbit warren or corridors.” The untenanted space was originally two retail spaces and work had to be done to bring the two together, which involved removing a corridor that had originally led to public toilets. “It was quite a raw shell. We had the roof above and the floor below,” Stuart said. “The great thing about the project was the clients and their desire to do what was right.” It’s not the first awards for the firm, but it was first time entering the Interior Awards. “We thought it was a special project to enter. A little bit unique.” He said it was always great for the clients to receive the recognition. “There’s some projects that we feel really proud of and it’s nice to get the recognition for clients that have shown faith in us to deliver their vision, as well as committed considerable energy and resources to see a project like this come to fruition.” Judges were impressed how the design navigated the commercial realities to create a wellness zone. Contact Keith Lowe - Director 027 943 2848 / 03 331 6618 keith@kmlinterorsltd.com KML Interiors are proud to support Wilson & Hill Architects. BUILDING TOGETHER www.anco.nz PROUD TO BE APART OF LOVOIR’S SUCCESS
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=