Architec Robert Henry

ROBERT D. HENRY ARCHITECT IS ONE OF FEW DESIGNERS

ROBERT HENRY The Architect for Islands of Serenity 'Sensuous Architect' Creates Successful Spas

IN THE WORLD TO SPECIALIZE IN THE MEDICAL SPA INDUSTRY "From traditional massage and yoga to liquid balancing, a spa visit can purify, revitalize, and balance your body, mind, and soul," says Henry, president of Robert D. Henry Architects in New York City. He has presented his ideas and work at several conferences for spa and hospitality industry executives.

Among the successful spas Henry has been involved with are Palm Beach's Trump Mara-Lago, New York's Ajune, Las Vegas' Wynn Las Vegas, New Jersey's DePasquale/TheSpa, and London's Cobella Akqa, and the eco-

they feel a sense of equilibrium upon arrival.

Entering from the street-side retail area, spa patrons begin their journey along the "Hall of Whispers," transporting them to an ephemeral environment in preparation for a luxurious treatment. An elongated passage with a glowing veil of white scrim, the Hall is infused with the sound of falling water from the fountain beyond.

Henry's spa interiors reflect his philosophy of balance and harmony through the use of a sensuous material palette coupled with a sensitive lighting strategy.

The special ambiance of Henry's work is derived from his sensitive material selection extracted from nature, complemented by soft indirect lighting combined with a muted color palette. Henry begins with the concept of a sensuous journey for a heightened architectural experience.

sensitive Amelia Island Resort in Florida. He is the co-author of the new book Spa: The Sensuous Experience to be published this Spring 2006. l am interested in creating perfect environments for indulging all the senses."

D

esigned to be islands of serenity for pampering, day spas are cropping up in various forms in cities and suburbs, while destination spas in exotic locations are becoming cherished vacation spots.

Architect Robert Henry takes ultimate leisure seriously, as one of the few designers in the world to specialize in the spa industry. He has become the individual the industry consults when looking to create a spa that is spiritually, physically, and emotionally uplifting. Seeking to engage all of the five senses in his architecture, Henry sees himself as the Sensuous Architect."

For DePasquale/The Spa, Henry expanded an existing 4,000square-foot hair salon into a 20,000-square-foot total beauty and wellness experience. A curved, hand-rubbed plaster wall guides visitors along earth-toned slate floors, custom pear wood cabinetry, and a signature treatment room clad in recycled-glass mosaic tile (a Henry hallmark). "We paint with light," says Henry, who specifically lit each room to enhance the overall experience.

The special ambiance of Henry's work is derived from his sensitive material selection extracted from nature, complemented by soft indirect lighting combined with a muted color palette. Henry begins with the concept of a sensuous journey for a heightened architectural experience. All that one sees, touches, hears, and smells is carefully orchestrated between Henry and his clients.

"Destination resorts provide both the designer and the fortunate visitor an immersion into the sybaritic spa lifestyle," notes Henry.

At Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, FL, Henry worked within the historically landmarked 1927 estate's framework, adding elements of luxe that befit a Trump property. For the new Amelia Island Plantation Resort on a remote Florida island, he will create original buildings delicately placed within an eco-sensitive environment.

At the Ajune spa on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Henry's interior concept is bold yet sensitive. Spa clients have commented that

Henry's designs for spas offer a custom designed concept that enhances the particular property and complements the client's menu of various services, emphasizing unique signature treatments.

FROM TRADITIONAL MASSAGE AND YOGA TO LIQUID BALANCING

ORIENT RETREAT SPA CALMS TAIWANESE CITY LIFE Robert D. Henry Designs Urban Oasis for Flagship Day Spa The new Orient Retreat Spa is enlivening a corner of Taiwan, literally and figuratively.

A SPA VISIT CAN PURIFY, REVITALIZE, AND BALANCE YOUR BODY, MIND AND SOUL designed destination spas throughout the world, including the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach with Donald Trump, the Spa at the Wynn Las Vegas for Steve Wynn, and GSpa at Hotel Gansevoort in New York City.

For Orient Retreat Spa, Henry created warm, contemplative spaces that accentuate the spa’s focus on stress-relief, personal care, mind/body wellness, and relaxation. “The building and courtyard are designed as sanctuaries where guests can completely

Noted spa architect Robert D. Henry created a harmonious building that engages a fast-growing, healthoriented neighborhood in Taichung, Taiwan. Henry collaborated with spa entrepreneur Shenyn Wang, whose owns and operates more than 16 spas throughout Asia and North America. Henry's Orient Retreat Spa is now her flagship location.

The building itself is an elegant respite with public and private spaces for the community and spagoers alike.

Using his brand of architecture that engages the five senses, Henry creates an atmosphere that entices visitors to see, feel, hear, smell, and taste pure relaxation and well-being.

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ueled by increasing wealth and luxury lifestyles, Orient Retreat Spa has flourished since its recent opening in this growing cosmopolitan city two hours outside of Taipei. Designed as a sophisticated urban oasis by Robert D. Henry Architects, the spa’s meditative environment has been luring fast-track city dwellers in need of peace.

Located in an emerging neighborhood that is quickly gaining momentum as a wellness enclave, Orient Retreat Spa is a full-service

lifestyle spa that integrates both Eastern and Western philosophies of well-being. Operated

by Asia’s premier spa entrepreneur, Shenyn Wang, Orient Retreat Spa serves as the flagship location for Orient Retreat – Tawain’s largest spa group, with 16 locations throughout North America and Asia.

Orient Retreat Spa – which includes a 7,000-square-foot treatment and wellness center, as well as a courtyard garden and café – is designed to elevate the sensory experience of guests. As principal of New York Citybased Robert D. Henry Architects, Henry has

with meditative sounds and wafting fragrances. A wood bridge crosses the pool, leading guests from the courtyard to the indoors.

Addressing both the street front and courtyard, the L-shaped building inverts the expected. Massed in heavy local limestone, the second level appears to float above the ground floor’s delicate glass enclosure. The interiors – done in collaboration with Taipeibased interior designer Thomas Wang – evoke a clean and airy feeling with the use of local redwood and contemporary furnishings. Changing areas, lounges, café, and tea and juice bar are all oriented toward the garden viewed through broad expanses of glass.

Treatment rooms are designed to facilitate contemplation and repose. For example, the couple’s room provides a poetic vignette of nature by focusing on a single tree illuminated by the open lightwell above.

surrender to the spa experience,” Henry says.

“Our intention was to engage the five senses and create a heightened sense of anticipation as visitors travel between the indoor and outdoor elements.”

To achieve this, the outdoor courtyard garden – which includes a café and relaxation areas – serves as the main entry point for guests. The entrance features a halo of light, which visitors ceremoniously walk beneath as they enter the courtyard. Upon entering, guests are greeted with aromatic landscaping and water elements. Seating for the outdoor café rests atop limestone islands that float upon an Lshaped reflecting pool. The pool features dancing water elements and planted indigenous tress, which activate the senses

The second level features 15 treatment rooms, as well as a relaxation lounge that overlooks the garden. Treatment rooms are designed to facilitate contemplation and repose. For example, the couple’s room provides a poetic vignette of nature by focusing on a single tree illuminated by the open light-well above.

The hydrotherapy room forms a cocoon of deep slate and glowing light. Diaphanous window treatments and ceiling coves encourage the flow of soft light throughout the interior spaces.

Treatments available at Orient Retreat Spa include massage therapies, facial care, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, slimming/firming programs, and the signature spa treatmentHealing Flower Remedy with Chinese massage practices.

ORIENT RETREAT IN TAIWAN IS DESIGNED

ORIENT RETREAT SPA ARCHITECTURE Robert D. Henry Architects Principal: Robert D. Henry Project Architect: Nicole Migeon Design Team: Harris Levy, Kanchalee Sookawesh, Laurin Goff, Paula Saco

INTERIORS Robert D. Henry Architects and Thomas Wang Interior Design LOCATION Taichung, Taiwan CLIENT Orient Retreat Spa Group PROGRAM To establish this flagship spa, the architect created a relaxing indoor/outdoor environment with a hardscape garden, café, reception area, and retail space on the ground floor. The second floor features the treatment

rooms – including 11 massage rooms, two vichy shower rooms, a couples treatment room, a hydrotherapy room, a relaxation lounge, and a salon.

SITE Located in a neighborhood emerging as a wellness enclave, Orient Retreat Spa shares a block with a yoga studio and other wellness-related businesses.

Situated on the corner, with its café and courtyard open to the general public, the spa is literally a community “retreat” for both local residents and spa goers alike.

SIZE 7,000 square feet

TO OFFER VISITORS A PEACEFUL ESCAPE FROM CITY LIFE DESIGN Orient Retreat is designed to offer visitors a peaceful escape from city life. Its limestone walls Spa line the street front, giving way to a corner entrance where visitors glide under a literal circle of light. A limestone courtyard is a garden of fragrant exotic flowers, indigenous trees, and water features. Open to the public to promote wellness in the community, the space provides a peaceful, natural environment.

the custom-designed entry door. The grand entrance emphasizes the physical transformation from the outside world to the inner retreat.

The two-story, L-shaped building inverts the expected – the second floor’s monolithic limestone façade floats above the first level’s delicate glass enclosure. Rich teak-wood elements offset the transparency of the water and glass. Breezy and modern, the building and courtyard exhibit clean lines and a soft color palette. A shimmering reflecting pool runs through the courtyard, mirroring the Lshape of the building. One side of the pool holds custom-designed planters with indigenous trees and features 15 fountains shooting streams of dancing water into the air. The adjacent side holds a floating island with café tables that spill out from the interior eatery. A teak-wood bridge glides over the surrounding water and connects the café island to the spa entry. Made from the same wood, the bridge seamlessly morphs into

The café, reception area, retail store, and women’s lounge are carefully configured on the first level, surrounded by glass. Visitors have full views of the spectacular outdoor garden and water elements.

Interiors evoke a clean and clear feeling with the use of local redwood and contemporary furnishings. The first floor’s glass enclosure and the bright, airy interior allow indoor guests to experience the sensation of being outdoors.

An elegantly detailed, lightfilled stairway leads to 15

An elegantly detailed, light-filled stairway leads to 15 treatment rooms and relaxation lounge on the second floor overlooking the garden, where bubbling water sets a meditative tone.

treatment rooms and relaxation lounge on the second floor overlooking the garden, where bubbling water sets a

The couples’ room provides a poetic vignette of nature by focusing on a single tree illuminated by the open light-well. The hydrotherapy room forms a cocoon of deep slate and glowing light. Soft light creates an ethereal ambiance throughout the space.

meditative tone.

Robert D. Henry, Architects 37 East, 18th Street, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10003 T: 212-533-4145 F: 212-598-9028 www.rdh-architects.com Robert D. Henry Architects is a New York City-based, full-service firm offering planning, architecture, and interior design including specialty lighting and furniture design. Henry received an M.Arch. degree from Columbia University, and lectures internationally to the spa industry. The diverse practice includes residential and hospitality with a focus on spa design and eco-sensitive resort projects. Some of his most recognized projects include the Spa at the Wynn Las Vegas, the Spa at the Mar-ALago in Palm Beach, Amelia Island Plantation Spa in Florida, Ajune Medi-Spa and Potion Lounge in New York City.

ŠMEDI CAL SPAS REVIEW • MARCH 2006