Behind the Grade II listed façade of 57-63 Knightsbridge, London, there has been an internal transformation into a unique sensory-led space for those seeking conscious wellbeing. The HVN is a wellness centre who has curated a selection of elements— from biophilia and bespoke art to specialised lighting, unique fragrances and nature-inspired sound— to create a unique sensory experience that enhances the guests wellbeing by simply experiencing their space.
zynk Design were briefed on the project by The HVN CEO, Jo Harris, who envisioned a conscious wellbeing retreat based on the Japanese practice of Forest Bathing (Shinrin Yoku). The HVN (pronounced The Haven) is pioneering the practice of a polysensoy approach to wellbeing, engaging all five senses to achieve seamless calm and peace for guests. The ancient practice has proven physiological, psychological, and emotional wellness benefits including reduce blood pressure and stress, and increased NK Cell activity.
As part of its offering, The HVN features an experiential retail space that provides a curated selection of wellness products such as diffusers, candles, creams and perfumes – serving as a secondary revenue stream for the clinic. Other operations include a forest bathing pre-treatment area, six treatment suites, a dedicated consultation room, two unique recovery pods, and seminar space.
All elements have been carefully considered to ensure a uniquely tranquil environment; a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of city life. In order to create the right environment to facilitate 45 different treatments, zynk Design needed to utilise every inch of the space. Careful consideration and coordination were required to overcome difficulties with the existing landlord services and the compromising demise of the lower ground floor.
The interior design concept took inspiration from the woodlands and ancient forests of the UK. The team used organic shapes, natural textures and diffused light to accurately represent the warmth and cocooning quality of ancestral caves. The HVN allows guests to draw upon their primal instinct to connect with the space around them and the innate human desire to embrace the essence of nature.
Tactile Clay finishes are embedded with botanical imprints to create a continuous thread of the forest, whilst live and preserved fauna hang from the canopy, creating a 360 representation of forest bathing. A bespoke steel staircase links the ground and lower ground floor, which was clad in clay to seamlessly blend into the surrounding space. A delicate glass chandelier was commissioned for the void to shimmer and gently reflect light throughout.
The HVN has been crafted with the philosophy that the space should enhance your wellbeing too. A multitude of sustainable elements have been carefully selected to create the unique sensory biome that enhances wellbeing by simply experiencing the sanctuary. The HVN’s therapeutic and restorative scent is fed through the space paired with the sounds of nature and birdsong. The dappled natural light compliments the Circadian lightings as it mimics the patterns of the sun, evoking the necessary hormones for many of the body’s anatomical processes.
Studies have proven that visually stimulating art is a pathway to mental wellbeing through increased dopamine release. Thus, The HVN features specially commissioned art which are in complete symbiosis with the architecture. Examples include Ossimoro by celebrated Italian sculptor Andrea Serra. The bespoke stone sculpture represents the union of opposing natural elements. Glow pots by renowned ceramicist Martha Freud is a nature-inspired installation composed of ceramic with reliefs of pressed foliage. And finally, The Cove Seat, a hand carved, organically shaped seating element designed to cocoon the user in a private waiting space. Crafted by GoldFinger designs, the seat uses ethically sourced wood from trees fallen to the ground naturally.
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