< PreviousKnowledge partner commercialinteriordesign.com August 2021 40 We sat down with Ibrahim Al Harir, executive director of Sadeco Décor and Carla Conte, creative director of Brand Creative, to unpack the recent surge in beauty projects they have delivered together over the past year. These include Moroccan heritage spa Izil in The Dubai Mall, Blonde Beauty Lounge in Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi and currently three locations of The Loft Fifth Avenue brand. CONTRACTOR IS KEY "Designing a salon or spa begins with an in-depth study of the brand’s operations and functions as well as establishing the emotional drivers they wish to convey. Knowing the exact services being offered, the staffi ng requirements, as well as the storage and accessibility to products during treatments, impacts how planning is approached just as much as the customer journey does. Mapping out the experience from an aesthetic point of view, becomes the next critical step as it relates back to the careful selection of materials, colours, textures, equipment and lighting to achieve the desired wellness benefi t a brand is striving for," Conte explains. "Although the current trend of beauty spaces leans toward an earthy, organic and feminine look, recent client requests have seen an increase in concepts that inspire happiness and vibrancy. This may be in response to the need to reconnect after the pandemic and a desire to incorporate a positive, uplifting visual message within the interior environment." She went on to say that working with a reputable and knowledgeable fi t-out contractor is key. In regards to spas and salons in particular, the designer/ contractor relationship and the combined efforts of daily communication during the Blonde Beauty Lounge in Yas Mall BEAUTY SPACES REDEFINED fi t-out period is paramount to the project’s success. The salon and spa designs executed by Sadeco Décor have resulted in beautifully built environments that are both optimised for daily operations and have a focus on long term maintenance. QUALITY CONTROL Established in 1981, Sadeco Décor prides itself on being a customer centric and result driven company. Offering innovative and exclusive fi t-out solutions to leading sectors and brands in major retail and hospitality locations throughout the UAE, they have gained recognition amongst the design community for delivering successful turnkey solutions. Since inception they have focused their efforts on delivering the highest level of service and quality workmanship through a process driven team of architects, project managers and site engineers. Sadeco is Knowledge partner 41 August 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com in the enviable position of having their own in-house factories for joinery, MEP, gypsum, glass, metal, and painting. They are able to create very detailed shop drawings as well as MEP drawings with their internal technical design team which helps them maintain complete control over program execution and quality standards alike workmanship through a process driven team of architects, project managers and site engineers. Al Harir discusses how important it is for Sadeco to deliver projects that impact people’s quality of life: "Having recently delivered several fi t-out works for spas, luxury salons and wellness centers, we believe these spaces portray unique environments and services that can uplift the mental well-being of customers. This type of work is rewarding to us as we feel connected and responsible for ensuring the experience is exactly as it was envisioned by the client and designer – whether that be urban and energetic or natural and serene. Our qualifi ed team members from design, project, MEP, execution, factory and production, have years of experience in their respective fi elds and have the expertise to plan proper work schedules, ensuring that project completion falls well within the agreed timelines. We care deeply about the quality of our fi nishing and the design co-ordination for MEP provisions. Our team also has an in-depth understanding of the submissions and processes required from major commercial Landlords, Municipality, Civil Defense and the DHA." He goes on to say: "We pay special attention to details and offer designers insight in how to customize the space in regards to MEP, HVAC, fi refi ghting, drainage, plumbing and electrical works in order to retain the functional needs of the client whilst maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the project. Understanding where to place drainage points and which exact plumbing parts are suitable for the heavy chemical breakdown that happens 'behind the scenes' is key. With a beauty space having anywhere from 10-50 drainage points, you can imagine how important this issue is in ensuring smooth operations for our clients." On addressing how the pandemic has affected the beauty industry, Conte says: "Our salon and spa clients have generally seen growth in their businesses. With social media spearheading personal beauty awareness and the time we’ve all spent distancing from one another yet glued to our mirrors, a refreshing acceptance of investing in one’s appearance and openly documenting the experience now exists. Our interiors help brands and people deliver a message about personal style and that in itself can be an important factor in elevating someone’s wellbeing. An emotional connection to a brand fosters acceptance and a feeling of belonging. It’s very rewarding to receive feedback on how our beauty spaces make people 'feel' above all else." Al Harir concludes: "Besides the creation of new beauty salon and spa brands to the market, many clients found themselves in need of renovation due to the harsh and frequent cleaning processes their fi t outs have recently endured. "Now more than ever, salon and spa owners are concerned with the durability and maintenance of solid surfaces as well as all areas that interface with MEP points. We are able to fi nally discuss investing in materials that have longevity as opposed to seeing these items cut out during the value engineering process." The Loft Fifth Avenue salon Izil spa in The Dubai Mall Special Report commercialinteriordesign.com August 2021 42 CASE STUDY: CLAY BEAUTY LOUNGE BY ROYAL METIS CONSULTANCY M uddy, earthy and restorative, the use of clay as a beauty product is as old as humankind. The Pharaohs' physicians used the material as anti- infl ammatory and today's beauty bloggers praise the abilities of cosmetic clay to suck up impurities and return us to the world with a fresher faced look. In the heart of Abu Dhabi, Clay Beauty Lounge is a new salon that wants to bring a detox to the wellness scene. Owner and founder Noora Al Meraikhi seeks to create not only a beauty lounge, but a brand that speaks its truth while shedding all exaggerated superfi cial elements offered by the industry and focuses instead solely on bringing out every woman's natural beauty. Spa and salon experts at RMC (Royal Metis Consultancy) were tasked with painting the portrait of Clay Beauty Lounge through an entire product scope: Interior design, branding and marketing, to products and menu engineering, as well as fi nancial and business planning. SMOOTH LINES The salon's name embraces the raw beauty of clay and so the interior concept and direction were designed to mimic the natural smooth lines and unevenly charismatic colours of the fi ne-grained earth. Indeed, this became the salon's philosophy, capturing the essence of every woman's beauty through its individuality. Sophistication, femininity and the embracement of the naturally-drawn curves painted through smooth lines and warm colour tones, seeping into the open space of Clay, allowing an easy fl ow of circulation between all its sections. CHALLENGES OVERCOME The architectural challenge came from the space itself. RMC needed to fi nd a creative way to transform a long narrow layout with diverse angles, unparallel walls and columns into an interesting ergonomic, ever-fl owing space without disturbing the workfl ow and functionality. RMC opted to divide the space into four sections, each dedicated to a specifi c service vertical. This avoided The salon's hair station Natural curves allow an easy fl ow through the salon any claustrophobic effect by assuring a seamless journey between them from the client's arrival to departure. The entrance and waiting lounge area are designed to create an inviting and welcoming atmosphere. The curvy soft off-white sofa is complemented by the curvaceous reception desk, while a pendant light guides any client to their arrival destination. From this point on, the curvy walls guide leads into a world of beauty, where the hair section is the fi rst to start taking shape. Crossing this curve, clients fi nd dramatic frameless back-lit mirrors along the right side wall, faced by the deep olive green chairs, while the hair back-wash Special Report 43 August 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com Y to infuse calmness and serenity. Once the client step inside; the simplistic vanity counters invite relaxation. Real beauty isn't made to measure, and nature has no straight lines, says RMC. As such Clay's fl owing lines and minimalism to the core fi ts perfectly with the concept and message behind it. The designers believe the beauty of Clay is not only the design but it's the functionality that has not been compromised by any means. Just like contouring takes trial and error, designing uniqueness while incorporating the ethos of the salon is no easy task. Rather than just 'doing it for the 'Gram', instead every single element has been taken in consideration, from fl oor to ceiling, walls to treatment rooms, fi xtures to lose furniture, lights to acoustics. An earthiness of colours and fi nishes infused with liveliness through faux plants and dramatised by the walnut wood veins brings the entire space to life. CLEAN BEAUTY As the humble clay mask makes a resurgence in an era where consumers seek products that are mindfully created and toxin free, so sustainable and eco– friendly materials is embedded at the heart of the salon build. The openness of the space is designed to minimise AC consumption and lighting loads have been calculated to assure, not only aestheticism but also that a continuous dramatic motion is delivered. Loftnets create a space for staff units are concealed on the left opposite side, in a private room enclose with soft sheer curtains that command privacy and separation from the rest of the facility. At the colour bar, an opening lets us peek and see the colour artist at work, not unlike framing views into an open kitchen at a Michelin star restaurant. Full height walnut wood panels act as a transition factor between the hair and the nails section. With the sheer curtains separating each station, each client is given privacy yet can still enjoy the atmosphere and ambience of Clay. MINIMALISM AT HEART Treatment rooms at the back of the salon are shrouded into low-lit warm light tones Sheer curtains at the back wash Flowing lines and the salon's logo Pendant lights over the 'pedi thrones'Special Report commercialinteriordesign.com August 2021 44 CASE STUDY: Santorini Wellness Oasis at Mystique by Mary Gaze on the Caldera cliffs of Oia in Santorini, Greece and you're looking over one of the natural wonders on planet earth. The volcanic explosion that occurred here 3,500 years ago forever changed the topography of the Mediterranean coast. The caldera of Santorini is actually a basin, four miles in diameter, which scientists and archaeologists have linked with the myth of Atlantis. Although the island has known human inhabitation since the Neolithic Period, a tourism boom didn't come until the 1970s. In 2007, Greek company Kanava Hotels & Resorts tapped into this to create a five-star escape for the experiential traveller. At their brief, architect Mary Kavagia designed Santorini Wellness Oasis at Mystique, perched at the bottom of the volcanic cliff above the Aegean archipelago, where two pools, restaurant and bar offer the most spectacular views to the caldera and volcano, which last exploded in the 1950s, sadly destroying a village on the island and wreaking damage across it. Surrounded by this extraordinary natural landscape and the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea, all 41 suites and villas are sea-facing and boast large terraces. Linked by a network of cobbled pathways, Mystique's two swimming pools, rejuvenating Elios Spa, hi-tech gym, also featuring panoramic sea views across to the active volcano that has shaped this exceptional island. Predominant throughout is Cycladic architecture, where gentle curves and sculpted arches blend with a muted colour palette and enchanting light enhancing spaces. It's your quintessential barefoot luxury escape, but for 2021, Mystique has also on-boarded a growing trend in hospitality design. Wellness is one of the fastest growing sectors in the hospitality industry According to the Global Wellness Institute, its growth is on an upward trend, expected to reach a projected $919 billion by 2022. As noted by UAE hospitality design expert, Diane Thorsen of Gensler, this year, the hospitality industry has an An infi nity pool looks out over the seaSpecial Report 45 August 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com Kavagia opportunity to reinvent itself through resilient, human-centric designs that connect people with place. This includes embracing smart technologies to offer rooms that better align with the priorities of wellness-focused guests. At Mystique, the property has partnered with tech wellness start-up OPO, to create an immersive meditation programme for guests. Signposted from when they book their stay, visitors will receive a unique link to take them to the OPO app, and a pre-arrival meditation session to limit the stress of travel. On arrival, daily meditations cover four sessions – Morning Rise, Daytime Chill, Evening Refl ections and Night Sky – that cater for beginners and advanced practitioners. Fostering an appreciation for architecture is also blended into the experiential summer escape. Take part in the yoga programme and you'll be invited on a sunrise stroll to experience the cobbled streets of Oia and see its unique architecture, characterised by two kinds of buildings: Kapetanospita and hyposkapha. The fi rst term refers to the captains' and masters' residences and the second one to the houses the rest of the Oia population lived in, with the main street of Oia serving as a natural boundary between them. The upper fl oor of many of kapetanospita collapsed during the 1956 earthquake, but the spirit lives on of an honest, minimalist architectural idiom, thus offering a brilliant example of vernacular environmental sustainability. Designed with gentle curves Yoga is now on the itinerary Water fl ows through an arch A fi tness zone with amazing viewsSpecial Report commercialinteriordesign.com August 2021 46 OPINION I n August 2020, a panel of wellness– design experts shared their opinions with us on how they thought the still relatively new phenomenon of Covid-19 was going to change their sector. A year later, we catch up with one of the thought leaders – Ingo Schweder, head of spa and wellness specialists GOCO Hospitality. At the time he told us that there were some positives emerging from the nascent pandemic, with clients requesting for spas to be moved out of hotel basements. Challenges included older facilities, who could lack the budget and 'stamina' for retrofi ts to match client's new expectations. Here's Ingo's take on the wellness industry post-Covid era: Travel as celebration Stress and fear from the pandemic have left people with greater anxiety and poor psychological wellbeing. They have less money to spend so are looking for more meaningful and 'worth-it' experiences than before. People are getting Covid– fatigue, being less cautious and more willing to take risks and physical confi nement is aggravating the situation. Travel is now a celebration – people will spend money and be overwhelmingly excited about travel. A new design philosophy Wellness spaces will become more fl exible spaces, built around resilient design principles and using more hygienic materials. Design that anticipates interruptions – constantly adaptable to unpredicted changes and events – fulfi ls basic human needs – sanitation, potable water, energy, light, air quality, etc. Simplicity is more resilient – simplicity over the complexity that can produce demanding maintenance requirements. The selection of materials should increase the durability and cleanliness of spaces and the design should increase the perception of hygiene in all spaces. A democratic shift in wellness living Wellness will continue to become more accessible and more commonplace. Two, three and four-star wellness retreats will become common. People are aware of their health and immunity in new ways that will drive new trends and needs. Wellness communities will become more popular as people search for healthier places to live, work and play and a combination of balanced private and public spaces will keep designs resilient and adaptive. Health through design The COVID-19 experience has shown us that many people are having mental health What does the future hold for wellness spaces in 2021? A year on in spa design with GOCO Hospitality CEO and founder, Ingo Schweder challenges due to isolation and change; increased anxiety surrounding immunity; social distancing is the 'new normal' (but it will pass); people seek safe and secure spaces; the wellness enlightenment is happening and that the effects of the pandemic will ripple through design, fi rst, as temporary and operational but second as resilient and long-lasting. Survival through resilient design Resilient design is the process of designing buildings, landscapes and entire communities in a way that mitigates the impact of extreme changes – such as weather, pandemic, external threats, social trends and environmental demands Resilient design principles that apply to all project scales – from local to luxury, immediate and long-term – include biophilic design, sustainable design, private space design, communal space design and wellness communities. Case study: Glen Ivy Community Development The fi rst internationally masterplanned and conceptualised mixed-use wellness community in Southern California, anchored by the 160-year-old Glen Ivy Hot Springs Resort. The project encompasses a total site area of 334,028 sq m, with two hotels, including one Glen Ivy Lifestyle Hotel of 165 keys and one wellness resort of 45 keys, plus 255 residential units. More than 40 percent of the land is zoned as conservation, green and open space with approximately 18.47 acres of parks and organic farms as part of the overall concept and the masterplan is rooted within green and sustainable design principles. Conclusion Wellness and real estate are merging faster than ever. A new consciousness around personal wellness, immunity and fi tness has emerged. A change of spending habits is seeing the wellness industry grow and a new travel segment is being born. Wellness will move away from luxury and begin to dominate the future of our lives at all levels.SINCE 1981 www.sadeco.ae | info@sadeco.ae Head Office: Sharjah Industrial Area 2 / T: +971 654 24637 Dubai Office: Golden Business Centre Office No 5008, Port Saeed / T: +971 425 46919 WE OFFER TURNKEY FIT-OUT PROJECTS FOR INTERIORS. EXPERIENCE OUR IN-HOUSE CIVIL, MEP, GLASS, ALUMINIUM, JOINERY, CARPENTRY AND PAINT WORKSHOPS. Suppliers: Hospitality commercialinteriordesign.com August 2021 48 Faustine Furniture From LA to Dubai Meticulously crafted, built to last, produced sustainably, we can see why the ultra- hip folk of Los Angeles, California love Faustine Furniture. With a presence in LA, Toronto and now in the UAE, the US brand boasts a designer direct showroom providing engaging products for home, hospitality, and commercial settings. The Faustine team can offer beginning to end solutions for any size of project with full customisation and project management capabilities. You'll find them locally in the urban setting of Al Quoz, just a short distance from the arts enclave that is Alserkal Avenue. It's good to know that all Faustine furniture is produced with ECO Design Methodology to ensure a sustainable and healthy product that is built to last. The wood used is Grade A, kiln dried, FSC Certified and all glues and adhesives are non–toxic. What's more, if Faustine deliver your order from Los Angeles, 100 percent of carbon emissions are offset via a partnership with One Tree, protecting both the environment and the health of the space you're working on. 49 Al Goze, Industrial Area, Al Quoz, Dubai 971 50 957 1362 design@faustinefurniture.ae www.faustinefurniture.aeSuppliers: Hospitality 49 August 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com PENT. fi tness Luxury fi tness equipment Afamily company established in 2011, Poland-based PENT. produces fi tness equipment for luxury hotel wellness spaces and home gyms in high-end residences. Its range of 50 pieces of fi tness equipment, from dumbbells or kettlebells to a multi-functional unit, add an element of elegance to any exercise regime While the products would not look out of place in a modern gallery or a showroom of designer furniture, they are intended both for use both in large hotel chains or smaller boutique hotels. Made of the best stainless steel, bronze, wood and natural leather the equipment represents elegant styling combined with innovative materials. The subtle play of light and shadow, smooth surfaces and the most precious materials will make the product impossible to ignore. Indeed, the combination of simple forms, curved lines and elegant proportions makes the products stand out so much that pieces have featured in Hollywood fi lms including Sex in the City. Up to now the brand's main focus has been the USA and Europe, however expansion to the Middle East and Asia is very much in mind. Bielsko-Biała, Poland 48 883 422 666 info@pentfi tness.com www.pentfi tness.comNext >