General
Observations on Spa Design
Interior design should provide a residential not institutional
feeling. A simple yet effective zone keying system should be installed. A
proper “signage” system should be installed for easy traffic flow. All
treatment areas should be as sound proof as possible.
Materials
Non-corrosive materials should be used in all high moisture areas
(Vents, ducts, drains, ceiling & wall cover). Easy to clean moisture
resistant materials should be used in all high moisture areas. Consider using
local materials and integrating cultural and artistic traditions
Locker / Changing
/ Vanity Area
• Provide for appropriate number of half size lockers (two per
full size locker banks) on each side
• Provide a separate alcove with third-size lockers (two per full
size locker banks) for members on each side
• Utilize movable benches or Ottomans on casters for seating by
lockers
• Provide wall mounted soap, shampoo & conditioner dispensers
in showers
• Provide make-up lights around vanity mirrors on women’s side
• Provide wall mounted magnified shaving mirrors at vanity on
men’s side
• Provide wall mounted hair dryer units at vanities on both sides
• Provide for electrical outlets above vanities
• Flooring in locker and changing area should be carpeted, all
other areas tiled
Locker Room Wet
Area
• Accommodate Sauna, Steam, Whirlpool and Cold Pool (if
applicable).
• Provide lounge with water proof seating near each wet area.
• Provide clothing hooks throughout area.
• Flooring should be non-slip easily cleanable tile.
• Provide for non-corrosive ventilation ducts in this area.
• Outflow of HVAC should be provided for 25 air changes per tour.
• Provide for ozone water purification system for whirlpools. (No
smell).
• Provide a self-service beverage service station with sink,
counter, storage cabinet, mini-fridge & ice machine.
• Provide for clean and soiled linen storage.
Spa Design Tips
from The Experts
Create Texture: Use wall
hangings, pillows, rugs and unique bed coverings to create texture and contrast
in your spa. Locally made textiles embody a return to folkloric ideals and
handmade crafts. Balance a combination of elements, such as reclaimed woods and
other recyclables, textured glass, and metals such as copper and bronze.
Bring the
Outdoors In: Create a sense of the outdoors indoors by using with waterfalls,
bamboo, and stone. Natural elements such as calming waters and meditative
gardens intrigue spa visitors as they experience the environment along with
their treatments.
Don’t Forget
Dramatic Doors: Pay attention to doors and entryways: they signify a
“crossing-over” to a place where people can leave their everyday lives behind.
“People are focusing on the client transition from the street to the spa
interior,” says Clodagh. Water features, plants, and specialized lighting can
liven up a plain looking door. Choose Colors that Stimulate the Senses: “Flat
color is out, and color with depth and character is in,” says well-known spa
architect Robert Henry. “Our design philosophy is to create environments that
engage the senses. Splashes of color enliven our spirits; luxurious textures
engage our touch; aromas tantalize our sense of smell. All aspects of design
contribute to the overall experience and ultimately the success of a spa.”
Components of a
Spa Facility
The Basics:
• Reception Desk and Welcome area
• Reservations and Scheduling
• Retail/Spa Boutique
• Men’s and Women’s Locker Rooms
• Dry Treatment Rooms
• Wet Treatment Rooms
• European Hydro-Massage
• Treatment Showers and Baths
• Treatment Waiting Area
• Treatment Lab
Optional:
• Private Relaxation/Meditation Areas
• Men’s and Women’s Wet Areas
• Common Wet Areas
• Movement Studio
• Fitness Equipment Studio
• Swimming Pools and Aquatics
• Administrative Offices
• Staff Lounge
• Storage Areas
• Laundry Room
• Spa Café and Juice Bar
• Beauty Salon
Design for Beauty
Services in a Spa Environment
• Beauty-related services such as nails, hair, and make-up can be
integrated into the spa environment, and some are best offered in a separate
salon area.
• Floors should be of a material that is easy to clean (ie. Vinyl
tile).
• Lighting should be flattering to hair and Skin.
• Include a separate small reception counter which also acts as
the retail point of sale.
• Clients must be able to directly access the salon from the
women’s locker room.
Design for Facial
Rooms
Design
Considerations
• Laundry drop directly outside of rooms, preferably dropping into
chute or carts.
• Millwork for cabinets must washable.
• Provide extra sound proofing in between rooms and hallways.
Equipment:
• Facial lounges: 72”x30”.
• Provide a sink.
• Provide stool on rollers, with adjustable height and back
support.
•Tip: mount items like mag and infra-red lamps on walls to lessen
wear and tear on equipment
Space
Requirements
80-100 sq. ft. 8’x10’ or 10’x10’. (allow enough space for door to
open comfortably, at the foot of table)
Location &
Access
• Located in “dry” therapy area with massage rooms, or in the
Beauty Salon area.
• Lounge and wait area should be within close proximity to the
treatment rooms (this minimizes traffic in between treatments).
Room Set-Up:
Sink should be located behind lounge or to the side. (both hot and
cold running water is necessary) sink should be located behind lounge or to the
side. (both hot and cold running water is necessary)
Flooring
• Linoleum or vinyl tile- floor must be non-porous, surface,
smooth and washable
• Walls, Ceilings, and Doors
• Wall paper or paint.
•Tip:
wallpaper may separate at seems from the steamer.
• Doors must be solid and have some type of numbering or lettering
for identification and an “in use” sign.
Lighting
• Indirect lighting with dimmer control on wall or overhead at
edge of ceiling, not directly over facial lounge.
• Task lighting at counter surface.
Tip: provide separate overhead lighting for waxing, on separate
switch. room does not require daylight.
Electrical
• Wall outlet at foot and sides of table.
• Counter-height outlet for sterilizer, waxing unit, essential oil
diffuser. • In-house with intercom, in each room.
• Sound System: same system as for massage rooms-centrally located
sound system with speakers in each room.
Tip: each room needs individual volume control knob.
Storage:
Storage cabinet for professional products with locks and drawers
for small tools. Countertop for small sterilizer
Design for Massage/Touch Therapy Room
Design Considerations
• Massage rooms should have a small sink and linen cabinet.
Tip: provide storage above and below sink
• Rooms need to be sound insulated.
• use lever-type hardware for door knobs (therapists have oil on
their hands)
• Equipment: 72”x30” massage tables: (deep tissue tables should be
39” wide)
Tip: tables should have built-in shelves and an adjustable face
cradle attached to the end of table--adding another 12” to the end of table
massage table upholstery should be made from Naugahyde with a smooth surface
with medium firm padding
Space
Requirements:
Generally 120-140 sq. ft., room variations include: 9’x12’,
19’x12’, 10’x14’, 12’x12’ therapist requires a min 3’ work-space around the
massage table
Location &
Access:
Located in “dry” therapy area. Tip: should have access to laundry
storage and drop off
Room Set-Up:
Sink and cabinet should be in corner at an angle in 9’x12’ rooms.
Sinks should have hot and cold water
Flooring:
Vinyl tile, wood, or cushioned recreational surface. Tip: avoid
tile, marble, or granite (too hard for the therapist to stand on)
Walls, Ceilings,
and Doors:
Washable wall paper or paint. Allow doors to open comfortably.
Doors need lettering or numbering and an “in use” sign or light
Lighting:
Indirect lighting with dimmer control on walls or overhead (not
directly above massage table) windows lighting preferred with vertical,
horizontal, or roman blinds.
Electrical:
Provide wall outlets at foot and sides of table, and a
counter-height outlet for and essential oil diffuser.
Tip: In-house phone with intercom in rooms is advised in larger
facilities.
Sound System:
One centrally located sound system, with speakers in each room
that have an individual volume control knob.
Storage:
Smaller rooms can have tables with built-in storage space for
linens, towels, oils, bolsters etc. If room is too small to provide storage
inside, storage directly outside room is necessary.
Designing Spa
Treatment Rooms
Treatment Rooms:
A wet area treatment room should feed off of each wet area. Access
to these treatment areas should be from both the men’s and women’s locker rooms
through a hallway. The area should include: • Treatment tables.
• Sink.
• Counter space.
• Clean and soiled linen storage.
• Floor drain.
• Overhead showers or treatment shower.
• Infra-red heat lamps recessed into ceiling over each tables.
Dry Treatment Rooms:
• Keep treatment areas as flexible as possible. Rooms to change
when program changes.
• Provide for sinks, lockable storage cabinetry, counter space
with mirror above, clothing hooks on back of door, clean & soiled linen
storage, electrical outlets on two side walls and above counter, floors of an
easily cleanable material (ie. Vinyl tile).
• All lighting should be indirect and on rheostats.
• All treatment rooms should be as sound proof as possible.
• Provide for separate music system with individual controls.
• Provide for clothing hooks.
• Provide for “In Use” signage on all treatment room doors.
• Provide for lockable storage in each room.
• Provide for numbers or letters on doors of each room for
identification.
• Balance of nature and man-made elements
•Focus on healing environment
Dry Room
Treatments
• Massage
• Facial.
• Body dry brushing.
• Body masks (seaweed, herbal, paraffin, parafango) seaweed, clay,
or mud body wraps (bust, back, cellulite, arms and legs) body exfoliation self-tanning
application (better in wet room)
• Thermal heat treatments (blankets, packs, etc.).
• Herbal wraps.
• Sound and light machines (controlled environment therapy)
• Relaxation lounge.
Key Environmental
Dimensions
Ambient Conditions
• Temperature
• Air quality
• Noise levels
• Music
• Smells/odors Space/Function
• Layout
• Equipment
• Furnishings Signs/Symbols
and Artifacts
• Signage
• Personal/thematic
artifacts
• Style of decor
Minimum Treatment Room Dimensions
The minimum dimensions for a massage room are 10' x 12'. This will give you almost
4 feet (45 inches) on each side of the table.
Sound Systems and
Lighting
Sound System:
There should be 3 separate sound systems in the facility for each of the following:
1. Public spaces--general
system for majority of including weight gym.
2. Treatment rooms- strategically
located system with individual controls
in each room.
3. Aerobics gym -
separate system housed directly
in gym with cassette and CD
player.
Lighting
1. Consider incandescent “mood” lighting
2. Lamps and
sconces should reflect theme and “soul” of property
3. Should be
indirect and on rheostats throughout the building
Space Planning
Effective space planning must be a team
effort. You and your management team
(architect, designer, consultant
and existing employees), will
need to develop a facility
layout that takes into consideration:
• Programs plumbing and
electrical requirements.
• Environmental
variables such as noise control, colors and lighting.
• Accessories and
equipment requirements.
• Traffic flow for peak
use.
• Ergonomics.
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