The Well takes a holistic approach to the body, mind and spirit with services including acupuncture, naturopathy, physiotherapy, psychology and kinesiology plus yoga, Pilates and a gym. Tom Mark Henry took an equally holistic approach to the design by focusing on principles of light, balance and alignment. “We created a radiant space that embodies The Well’s holistic approach to wellness, not only in how the centre looks but how it makes users feel,” says Cushla McFadden, director of Tom Mark Henry. “Our aim was to create a sense of calm so visitors can focus their attention inwards.”
Located on Campbell Parade, the entrance to The Well opens to the waiting area and reception with a spiralling staircase behind. There is a café, steam room, massage room, consulting rooms and bathrooms downstairs, and a gym, Pilates room and yoga studio upstairs.
Natural light is important for our wellbeing, and can be transformative for mental and emotional health. It is also transformative in the formerly dark and pokey site, which Tom Mark Henry has transformed into a bright and open environment by bringing natural light into as much of the space as possible. The two-storey space has a large glass ceiling, and the new spiral staircase, which sits beneath the glass, is a main conductor of light downstairs. White powder-coated perforated mesh treads and the steel batten enclosure allows light to filter through the staircase, bathing the reception desk and 5-metre-tall ficus hilli with sunlight.
Curved forms, as opposed to straight lines, are proven to have a calming effect, and the rendered reception desk enclosing the ficus hilli completes the circle of the spiral staircase. Likewise, the colour green is calming and healing and psychologically associated with health, wellbeing and growth. Tom Mark Henry thus used soft-green accents against a crisp white palette with contrasting black trim and oak panel joinery.
The Well Café is a relaxed space where produce from the client’s Crooked River Surf Lodge Farm on the New South Wales south coast is served. Tom Mark Henry captured the coastal charm with greenery, granite, oak panelling and olive green render. Light streams through the skylight above to highlight the zinc tabletops and walnut Thonet chairs.
Tom Mark Henry thrives on the creative and collaborative development of unique and exceptional spaces, and the team’s authentic and adaptable approach ensures the dynamic studio continues to push the boundaries of design and expectation. The Well provides an environment where health and wellbeing is paramount; a space that focuses on how people feel mentally, physically and spiritually.
