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Residential

207 | Private Spa

Location
Al Dhaid, UAE
Type
Private Spa
The idea

Stone, timber and still water.

The lobby of this private spa is a passage over water. A path of stone slabs, set in pebbles, crosses between shallow lit pools, scattered with petals, with a potted tree standing in its own basin. Walls on either side are lined with tall timber fins, lit from below, that frame the view through to the treatment rooms.

The palette is kept to a few materials: brown veined marble on the walls and floor, dark textured plaster, warm timber and the turquoise light of the water. Ceilings stay low and dark, so that the light comes from the pools and the slots between the fins.

Material palette
207 | Private Spa material palette — Lit timber fins
Lit timber fins

Lobby walls

207 | Private Spa material palette — Brown veined marble & pebbles
Brown veined marble & pebbles

Lobby path

207 | Private Spa material palette — Lit pool edge
Lit pool edge

Lobby pools

01

Spa Lobby

A stone path between lit pools, lined with timber fins.

About the project

A slow crossing over water

The visit begins on the slabs. Each step passes between two shallow basins, so the walk is slow and measured, with water close on both sides. The potted tree, in a basin of its own, stands along the route. Ahead, the gaps between the fins give glimpses of the treatment rooms before you reach them.

Marble and pebbles make the ground: veined slabs to walk on, loose stones to hold them. The timber fins, lit at their base, warm the walls and set a vertical rhythm under the low ceiling. The lit pool edges give the room its cool glow, and most of its light. For this spa in Al Dhaid, materials stay few so that water can lead.

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