The jury’s comment:

“Providing a fresh, new spatial and atmospheric signature for an established hair salon and skin spa, this sophisticated design response draws inspiration from Aotearoa’s alpine environment. The calm, restorative narrative is skilfully delivered through a minimal and pure material palette and use of colour: honed and tumbled Timaru bluestone, deep-green velvet, textured walls and velvet-stainless steel cabinetry. A considered approach to choreography juxtaposes compression with expansion and light-filled areas with the dimly lit, cave-like spa. A beautifully executed space, which is simple in materiality and strong in concept, Stravinskij is an exercise in discipline that plays out courageously.”

PROJECT DETAILS

Location: CBD, Wellington

Client: Stravinskij

Building area (m²): 125m²

Project brief: The original Stravinskij salon, established in 1991, and located at The Intercontinental Hotel, was the flagship of Constantin Harach, a recent émigré from Lebanon. With the reincarnation of the Stravinskij brand came an opportunity to develop a recognisable spatial and atmospheric signature at a new site only a stone’s throw from the original. The brief called for a sophisticated and sustainable design response that established a restorative and calm experience for patrons and staff. The brief also required a considered approach to the choreography of arrival, being greeted, having a consultation, washing of the hair/skin treatment, cut, product consultation and farewell.

Credits: 

• Project principals - Thomas Seear-Budd and James Ross

“Grounded by the sustainable undertones of the Stravinskij brand and the clients brief the resulting interior draws from and celebrates Aotearoa, particularly those moments where rock meets water, the sun pierces breaking clouds and the deep greens of our flora retreat into shadow. Contrasts in light, materiality and texture create varied atmospheres throughout the salon forming an interior experience that, like our landscape, is constantly evolving. These shifts may be nuanced but together they present an architecture that is focused on space and the experience of calmness and purity. One that may trigger a memory of our landscape, the light, the textures, the colours, or even the sounds.”- The Seear-Budd Ross team 

Watch the finalist presentation here:

With thanks to our Interior Awards 2023 sponsors. Find out more about each of our sponsors here.