Willow Urban Retreat
Combining sanctuary and self-care, Willow Urban Retreat’s interior of soft tones, textures, natural light and seamless curves provide a welcome retreat from the cityscape. Through this project we highlighted how holistic wellness design and architecture can actively influence our experience of well being and restoration.
Housed behind a two-storey Victorian building in Armadale, this tranquil space includes a wholefood café, a movement and meditation studio, a day spa and a tea lounge.
Our re-imagining of this unique wellness space is truly integrative, combining the elements of water, earth, metal and wood, together with low-toxicity ethically sourced building materials. The end result is a building that exudes wellness and clean living from every pore.
We also drew on innovative technologies to create ambient sensory conditions, by maintaining ideal purified air quality, temperature, sound and light levels to soothe the senses and promote tranquillity, balance and health. The Movement room floor is sprung to actively support back and legs when participating in dance and rebound classes.
A central courtyard and the introduction of archways, cylindrical walkways and skylights create a sense of spaciousness, light and an ongoing conversation between the different areas.
Arches are used, both in homage to the building’s heritage, and as a way to connect the café and spa. The space’s soft seamless curves encourage circulation and flow throughout the multi functional building.
The tones and materials of Willow are soft and natural primarily consisting of stone, jade green onyx, hand applied cement render and bespoke pigmented hand-poured cement bar and stools made by local artisan Maddie Sharrock.
We also collaborated with Christopher Boots on a crystal feature light pendant in the Tea Room. The finishes of Willow are intentionally subtle, enduring and minimal to maintain the balance of a healthy wellness design build, that is adaptable and durable.
‘Owner Sharon Bassat engaged Meme with the vision of creating a space that embodied the principles of wellness from the ground up. That meant exploring how architecture and design can actively contribute to human health, and integrating the latest innovations to encourage restoration, relaxation and rejuvenation.’ aconsciouscollection.com
The reimagining of the space is truly integrative, combining the elements of water, earth, metal and wood, together with low-toxicity and ethically sourced natural building materials. The end result is a space that exudes wellness and clean living from every pore.
Meme has also drawn on innovative technologies to create the ambient sensory conditions, including purified air, ambient temperature, soft sound and light to soothe the senses and promote peace, balance and health.
The colour palette and finishes are intentionally subtle, enduring and minimal to maintain the balance of a healthy build that is adaptable and durable
Creates a sense of place, community and belonging
‘Warm lights beckon you beyond its stunningly restored heritage-listed grey façade, where purified air, a neutral colour palette, and pared-back materials set the soothing scene. Notes of cedar wood, lavender, vanilla and citrus envelop your senses, wrapping you up in a warm, welcoming hug, while soft, natural light, muted textures, and pops of lush greenery add to the sense of tranquillity, transporting you far away from the hustle and bustle of High Street, Armadale’s bustling strip.’ aconsciouscollection.com
Nourishing, nutrient-rich food is also on offer at the Willow café. Resident naturopath and nutritionist Steph Gobbo has personally designed the nourishing, nutrient-rich menu to support health and wellbeing.
‘The light-filled space is already a hit among retreaters and locals alike, with an organic, farm-to-table ethos, as well as a dedication to presenting food in a way that delights all of the senses.’ aconsciouscollection.com
Fosters positive behaviour change towards a healthier lifestyle
The world-class wellness sanctuary, which was five years in the making, has considered every possible detail, taking into account modern and ancient wellness practices to create a luxurious urban retreat that seamlessly balances old and new, mind and body, yin and yang.
“It’s an urban sanctuary,” says general manager and wellness director Amanda Wilson, who has spent 20 years working with luxury spas around the world. “A place that promotes and educates about physical, nutritional, mental and social wellbeing, where you can come to escape from city stressors and stresses; a place that feels like a wellness destination, but that is also convenient and accessible to your everyday life.”
Completed whilst director of Meme.
