The juggernaut of wellbeing has manifested itself in the way we lead our lives, build our futures and design. It has shifted our perspective on life and has been advantageous for commercial venues and experiences that emphasise wellness. Through the tumultuousness of recent years, wellness has persevered and stood its ground, and for us to perceive the movement as an ephemeral trend would be naïve. So, it’s worth mentioning that the wellness landscape of the Byron Bay, a location renowned for its positive energy and a magnet for wellness hubs, continues to grow.  

“A great deal of the Comma experience is about anticipating the needs of the users. I think that is a big mantra for Comma as a brand. So, the design had to do the same,” says Kristen Hawes, Practice Manager of We Are Duet.

Comma Byron is the latest design-centric wellness centre that has taken the scene by storm. An ethereal bathhouse that is the collaborative result of the design coalition between We Are Duet and Eloise Fotheringham Architect and Interiors. Set upon a reasonably tight floorplan that lacks natural light infiltration, the designers were challenged to draw light inward and make the spaces radiate warmth. 

A stairwell carves out the entry and leads up to the first level landing, where visitors and employees alike will find the reception space. The space is anchored by a monumental angular counter etched with a zig-zagged storage wall of joinery and complemented by a custom banquette of salvaged timber artfully patchworked together with a jute and leather upholstered seat, and set against a glowing neon commissioned artwork by Ryan Hoffmann. “The space then narrows to a more intimate lounge opposite a timber ladder display and a custom hanging rail for product. Hand-painted mirrored wall panelling wraps the corner creating a beguiling illusion, the striped lines playing with reflections and solidity,” says Hawes.

Related: Inside W Hotel Sydney

Regarding materials, nearly everything is tinted; the lacquer helps foster a moodiness within the space while allowing sunlight to reflect off the surfaces and generate warmth. The colour palette is striking on a backdrop of a high-gloss biscuit colour that covers the walls and ceiling. Meanwhile, the base palette boasts warm neutrals with varieties of rusty reds, buttercup yellow, deep cool-toned mustard and piercing neon orange. While the reception is warm and glowing, the bathrooms are cooled by a mid-toned dirty blue wall and ceiling colour and raw chocolate brown handmade ceramic tiles. “The mixed media of materials allows for a submersion of the senses,” explains Hawes.

“A few materials are unconventionally used but equally perfectly placed in this welcoming space to achieve harmony. The silhouette of all designed joinery pieces is a classic frame, and durable materials allow for a life cycle of heavy use and beyond. The selected items which round out the design are all classic design pieces.”

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