Wellness From Within: Adytum Spa in Canberra by Pattern Studio.

On the back of the semi-permanent gallery/retail space, Adytum Library in Canberra, Sydney studio Pattern have once again partnered with the Australian wellness group to deliver their first spa offering in the nation’s capital. Adytum Library served to establish Adytum as an exciting new brand to watch with an experimental project conceived as an ode to the repose offered through art, design, and literature. Pattern’s suitably lateral design approach resulted in an interior that was more akin to an immersive work of art than traditional retail.

Opening its doors in late 2021, the Adytum Spa is a flagship offering that’s both ambitious and extensive. Included in the 220sqm tenancy is a dedicated retail space and café, as well as spacious individual manicure pods, enclosed private treatment suites, an infra-red sauna, and a Japanese-inspired bathhouse.

Related: Adytum Library & Exhibition Space in Canberra by Pattern Studio.

The gun-barrel site demanded meticulous planning. Pattern strategically co-located retail and cafe at the spa’s entrance, highlighting the brand’s retail offering. Various treatment spaces, such as the manicure pods, enclosed private treatment suites, an infra-red sauna, and a Japanese-inspired bathhouse are located further within.

The design process included sourcing and developing locally produced sustainable building materials. Pattern commissioned Natural Brick Co company to fabricate custom bricks and solid moulds constructed using building waste and material that would have otherwise gone to landfill.

The gun-barrel site demanded meticulous planning. Pattern strategically co-located retail and cafe at the spa’s entrance, highlighting the brand’s retail offering. The discerning spatial quality of this multi-functional space mirrors that of the previous gallery-like Library concept—an impressive retail zone for the new brand.

Pattern continued their conceptual exploration of ‘sensual minimalism’ in this project, or as Lily Goodwin and Josh Cain describe it—“a refined design language that creates spaces which feel pared-back yet materially tactile and utterly serene”.

Sculptural additions come in the form of deep monolithic door thresholds; bringing heft and bespoke, brutalist quality. The design process included sourcing and developing locally produced sustainable building materials. Pattern commissioned the Blue Mountains-based Natural Brick Co to fabricate custom bricks and solid moulds constructed using building waste and material that would have otherwise gone to landfill.

A textured, neutral palette championing natural and sustainable building materials is the backdrop against which contemporary Australian designer furniture and lighting pieces are showcased, such as Grazia & Co and Volker Haug. Vessels by internationally renowned ceramicist Alana Wilson also feature throughout.

It is Pattern’s firm belief that health cannot and should not be separated from the quality of the built spaces we inhabit; that art and quality design indeed contribute to our physical and emotional wellbeing. The Adytum Spa lends weight to the thinking that it is indeed possible to design for pleasure and wellness; highlighting there is a growing market hungry to see and experience spaces that do so. Amen.

See more projects by Pattern Studio on Yellowtrace.

[Images courtesy of Pattern. Photography by Traianos Pakioufakis.]