For this project, a 2-story wood-framed house was converted into a full-service Medi-Spa.

Situated on a modest-sized lot facing onto the Main Street of a small town, the challenge was to design an oasis of calm and relaxation that will provide patients and clients a tranquil but sophisticated urban spa experience in an otherwise typical suburban context.

Project team:

Richard Lucas; Daiki Kato; Lydia Kiehborth General Contractor: Spencer Building Associates Millwork: Better Glass and Woodwork

Left virtually untouched since the house was originally built, the interior of the building suffered from several code violations, a poor layout and insufficient number of rooms, as well as inadequate mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.

In order to meet current Building Codes, comply with accessibility requirements and be compatible with the new Owner's needs, a total interior demolition and gut renovation was carried out, transforming the house into a new facility complete with 6 Exam Rooms, 2 Treatment Rooms, Reception and Waiting Areas, a Director's Office, Call Center, and a small lab.

The serene, tactile experience begins immediately at the Entry Vestibule where a load-bearing wall, finished in warm grey tiles with back-painted glass accents, draws visitors inward to the main Reception Area.

Perpendicular to the first wall and articulated in the same manner, another load-bearing wall entices clients further onward to a gently rising stair, leading them up to the Second Floor Spa Waiting Area.

Overall, the strengthening of structural walls, along with the replacement and re-orientation of the existing central staircase, not only satisfied code and egress requirements, but also greatly improved circulation within the facility for both guests and staff.

Throughout the project, natural materials and finishes such as dark woods, custom cabinetry in clear-finished oak, pebble gardens, leather seating, sheer curtains, water elements and plants are complemented by polished, translucent and reflective glass surfaces, back-lit mirrors, aluminum trim, nickel-plated hardware and exposed steel details.

The overall combination of deep browns, light greens and blues that comprise the material palette also incorporate the company brand and logo.

The Treatment Waiting Area on the Second Floor features a warmer, intimate lighting scheme and a more generous use of plants and natural materials, as well as accommodations to serve refreshments and display a variety of facial and skin products.

In the Treatment Rooms, darker finishes, concealed lighting, stone, water bamboo and other natural materials continue the overall theme of the project as an oasis of serenity and rejuvenation for both the skin and the soul.