Nestled among the trees, I oriented the facility to take advantage of spectacular views and passive solar design (to maximize daylight). The connection with nature begins before entering the spa—guests follow an earth-bermed walkway lined with plants, rocks, misty fog, moody lighting, and the soothing sound of water, evoking the feeling of entering the woods and setting the tone for a rejuvenating experience.
I designed an award-winning holistic day spa for multiple sclerosis patients, and integrated a private residence for the business owners, all within a 4,600 SF building footprint. The design emphasized inclusivity, sustainability, and the therapeutic benefits of nature.
MY ROLE
Interior Design Student
SCHOOL
Meredith College, CIDA-accredited
PROJECT TYPE
Commercial and Residential Design
DURATION
1.5 months
AWARDED FIRST PLACE
Otto Zenke Competition, American Society of Interior Designers of the Carolinas
Aura Holistic Day Spa and Residence
Aura Holistic Day Spa and Residence
RESEARCH
With a clear understanding of the project requirements, client profile, and target audience, I researched multiple sclerosis to deepen my understanding of patients' needs.
Interviewed someone with multiple sclerosis
Toured a local luxury spa
Conducted online research
Reviewed a case study on holistic spas
Research Methods
Data gathering
Changes in sensation
Muscle weakness / spasms
Difficulty in moving
Difficulties with coordination and balance
Speech / swallowing problems
Visual problems
Fatigue
Acute or chronic pain
Bladder and bowel difficulties
Cognitive impairment / short-term memory loss
Research Findings
Neurological Symptoms of MS
Climate
A mild, stable climate reduces symptoms and makes the disease more manageable (it impacts exposed nerves less).
Bathrooms
Bladder difficulties could become a possible issue, so quick access to bathrooms is ideal.
Seating
Fatigue can set in easily, so frequent resting areas and places to sit are needed.
Accessibility
Wide hallways (for wheelchairs), sensory cues (for visual or hearing impairment), unobstructed surfaces for movement.
Research Findings
Environmental Needs for MS
Interviewed someone with multiple sclerosis
Toured a local luxury spa
Conducted online research
Reviewed a case study on holistic spas
Research Methods
Data gathering
Changes in sensation
Muscle weakness / spasms
Difficulty in moving
Difficulties with coordination and balance
Speech / swallowing problems
Visual problems
Fatigue
Acute or chronic pain
Bladder and bowel difficulties
Cognitive impairment / short-term memory loss
Research Findings
Neurological Symptoms of MS
Climate
A mild, stable climate reduces symptoms and makes the disease more manageable (it impacts exposed nerves less).
Bathrooms
Bladder difficulties could become a possible issue, so quick access to bathrooms is ideal.
Seating
Fatigue can set in easily, so frequent resting areas and places to sit are needed.
Accessibility
Wide hallways (for wheelchairs), sensory cues (for visual or hearing impairment), unobstructed surfaces for movement.
Research Findings
Environmental Needs for MS
Interviewed someone with multiple sclerosis
Toured a local luxury spa
Conducted online research
Reviewed a case study on holistic spas
Research Methods
Data gathering
Changes in sensation
Muscle weakness / spasms
Difficulty in moving
Difficulties with coordination and balance
Speech / swallowing problems
Visual problems
Fatigue
Acute or chronic pain
Bladder and bowel difficulties
Cognitive impairment / short-term memory loss
Research Findings
Neurological Symptoms of MS
Climate
A mild, stable climate reduces symptoms and makes the disease more manageable (it impacts exposed nerves less).
Bathrooms
Bladder difficulties could become a possible issue, so quick access to bathrooms is ideal.
Seating
Fatigue can set in easily, so frequent resting areas and places to sit are needed.
Accessibility
Wide hallways (for wheelchairs), sensory cues (for visual or hearing impairment), unobstructed surfaces for movement.
Research Findings
Environmental Needs for MS
Interviewed someone with multiple sclerosis
Toured a local luxury spa
Conducted online research
Reviewed a case study on holistic spas
Research Methods
Data gathering
Changes in sensation
Muscle weakness / spasms
Difficulty in moving
Difficulties with coordination and balance
Speech / swallowing problems
Visual problems
Fatigue
Acute or chronic pain
Bladder and bowel difficulties
Cognitive impairment / short-term memory loss
Research Findings
Neurological Symptoms of MS
Climate
A mild, stable climate reduces symptoms and makes the disease more manageable (it impacts exposed nerves less).
Bathrooms
Bladder difficulties could become a possible issue, so quick access to bathrooms is ideal.
Seating
Fatigue can set in easily, so frequent resting areas and places to sit are needed.
Accessibility
Wide hallways (for wheelchairs), sensory cues (for visual or hearing impairment), unobstructed surfaces for movement.
Research Findings
Environmental Needs for MS
FACILITY LOCATION
After carefully analyzing my research, I chose Marin County, California for its stable MS-friendly climate, strategic location near San Francisco, and stunning natural surroundings—all of which aligned with the project's requirements.
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
Guided by my research and the beauty of Marin County, I finalized the concept and brainstormed design solutions.
DESIGN
With a concept and initial ideas in hand, I drafted multiple iterations of the floor plan until I reached a solution that fit the overall vision, fulfilled client requests, addressed MS considerations, and met all project requirements.
SPA DETAILS
The spa is submerged in nature—creating a sense of unity with the land and wildlife, promoting holistic healing.
Design Solution
Interior columns were rounded to mimic the local redwoods
Color scheme based on surrounding landscape
10’ Ceiling height
Passive solar design
Plants support healthy indoor air quality
Indoor/outdoor boundaries blend seamlessly
Concrete flooring with anti-slip conditioners
5' turnarounds throughout
The Spa's Lounge
The lounge area is a place to cool down and relax with a view of a waterfall, trees, rocks, moss, and wildlife. Turquoise silk drapery panels are behind the lounge chairs, creating privacy for the space. The walls are covered with a shimmering tree-inspired wallpaper. The lounge chairs are upholstered in a gray fabric, symbolic of river rocks. Suede poufs mimic green mossy stumps, while aura-like pendants glow and float like fireflies.
Lounge furnishings
Lounge Location
Residence Design Solution
Color scheme is similar to the spa for cohesiveness
Concrete floor is treated with anti-slip conditioners
Kitchen is accessible (counter heights)
Dining area sits between columns for a mossy banquette
The setting sun maximizes daylight potential
Views include creeks, trees, wildlife—serene, peaceful
Smooth, unobstructed flooring for seamless mobility
Cool down zones to regulate body temperature
Hallways are 4' wide minimum
5' turnarounds throughout
Restrooms are ADA compliant
Soothing music defines each area for auditory cues
High contrast between floor and walls for visual cues
Bubble Diagram
An aura is the energy that surrounds all living things, a reflection of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. Just as nature thrives on balance, so do we. Aura Holistic Day Spa was created with this in mind, offering MS patients a peaceful retreat to heal in natural surroundings. Through connection with nature’s aura, a renewed sense of harmony and wellbeing unfolds.
Concept
Marin County, California
Photos are from Blogger (posts from 2006 and 2008).
