The Wellness Clinic
Harrods has launched The Wellness Clinic: the world’s first clinic to offer an integrated approach to wellness and beauty occupying 10,500 sq ft on the fourth floor of the Knightsbridge store with world renowned experts in the field of aesthetics, wellness and dermatology.
Harrods has partnered with award-winning architects Stanton Williams to design a one-of-a-kind, calming environment for their clients. Harrods Interiors has worked on a contemporary furniture scheme for the relaxation area and luxurious waiting area. Within The Wellness Clinic there are 14 treatment rooms, two personal training studios designed for one-to-one training, a private consultation room and a photography studio featuring a state-of-the-art Vectra 3D Scanner System.
Stanton Williams' design aims to create a sequence of restful spaces throughout the Wellness Clinic, using a refined palette of natural materials including Portuguese limestone, cherry timber and hand applied polished Italian plaster which work harmoniously to create an intimate clinic environment.
The architecture of the clinic aims to transport the visitor from the busy shop floor into a quiet, considered inner environment that invites a feeling of reflection and relaxation - the client’s brief was to create a luxury clinic that would allow visitors to be able to enter into the ‘spirit of wellness’. The design is arranged as a sequence of unfolding, carved sculptural spaces, allowing visitors to move through the space in a way that matches and compliments the clinical journey of consultation, treatment and post-treatment relaxation.
As the clinic is located in the heart of the department store with no natural light, it was important to bring a sense of daylight into the spaces to create atmosphere and mood. Lighting apertures in the ceiling and set within the stone linings give the subtle feeling of cool light outside and also brings out the reflective quality of the natural stone and plaster materials and warmth of the cherry timber.
A sculptural vaulted ceiling lies at the centre of the clinic providing a generous main waiting area, with lighting set into the walls, rhythmically echoing the curves of the ceiling. Treatment rooms are grouped in distinct bays around timber lined rotundas which are top lit by a central oculus. Timber screen doors open onto medical and holistic treatment rooms of differing finishes relating to the different functions and services provided. Private studios are lined in a light toned lacquered panelling with warm solid oak floors providing a serene background for personal training.
