Roar was appointed by Sensasia founder and Majid Al Futtaim Group to design the interior of Sensasia Stories – a destination spa at Kempinski Hotel. Combining elements from Pan Asian architecture, natural materials, a muted colour palette and textured tone-on-tone, the result is a 4,000 sq ft deeply tranquil space, specially curated to take clients on a unique journey through the senses of Asia. Organized around a central courtyard, punctuated by contemporary interpretations of traditional Asian arched structures, SENSASIA Stories comprises of 8 treatment rooms, one couples’, ‘hammam’, separate male and female changing rooms, therapeutic relaxation areas with heated beds. The design brief was clear: ‘don’t just design a spa that looks good – create an experience that feels unforgettable’. The interior concept is rooted in Sensasia’s Pan-Asian origins, evoking traditional architectural elements from the region and giving them a sleek, contemporary twist. We cast the net wide to understand the architecture of the region looking at arches from countries such as Thailand, Bali and Vietnam for inspiration. We have used large, illuminated arches in the male and female courtyard lobbies and incorporated arch-like retail shelving and a parametric shopfront structure to compose a dramatic and theatrical effect. The spa has two entrances: one from the hotel, the other from the mall, and the shopfront was designed to draw passing shoppers in from the mall. We even created an express service spa for quick treatments. The design process for Sensasia Stories was an exercise in restraint. We purposefully did not overpower the senses- something design in Dubai is notorious for; instead, this is a place of quiet, respite and reflection. The interior scheme – dark and light hues of grey, complemented by a warm wood finish and strong stone slabs – allows one to just be. We played with just three main materials and colours. Grey stone, brown tones within the luxury vinyl Bolon flooring, and natural textures such as wallpaper with hessian finishes. The materials are implemented across the space in a variety of forms. The grey basalt stone was either leathered, stripped, carved, or honed or used in its raw form. It is this versatility in textures that strengthens the totality of the space and offers a holistic design experience. The tactile layering was also helpful in controlling the acoustics of the space, as well as enhancing the warmth that cocoons the overall interior. This helps with the acoustics as well as tactility: the touch and feel; it’s a space designed for all senses. The space planning is the real genius in this design – we were able to increase the number of treatment rooms from 4 (that had been available with the previous to 8, helping the client to achieve their goal of maximising revenue per square foot. We also included an express spa just off the main lobby at the mall entrance for fast treatments to add an extra revenue stream. Bespoke facilities at the spa include experience showers, an ice fountain, herb saunas, steam rooms, a Jacuzzi and virtual reality headsets, which can be incorporated into treatments to offer complete, customised escapism and guided meditations, transporting clients to the world’s most beautiful destinations. “A lot of attention was given to the development of the brief, taking on board guidance and aspiration from the operations team and owners,” says Rasheed Duwaji, Director of Development at Majid Al Futtaim. “We knew we wanted a fresh new design and not an adaptation of a traditional spa. The design team addressed the brief and took risks with a new creative approach to spa design. I am very pleased with the outcome.”
Sensasia SPA
Roar Design Studio
Bronze

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Designer
Client
Majid Al Futtaim Group
Floor area
370 ㎡
Completion
2020
Founder and Creative Director
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