Aro Ha Wellness Retreat - Lobby Design
For this project, I was tasked with the redesign of the reception and lobby spaces for Aro Ha Wellness Retreat. The site is located in Glenorchy, amidst the beautiful mountainous landscape of Queenstown, Aotearoa. This location is ideal for a luxury retreat like Aro Ha, which provides their clients with relaxing experience bringing them closer to nature.
Site, located in Glenorchy, Queenstown
Due to the gorgeous location, emphasis was put on the view and indoor-outdoor connection when designing the space. The goal was to bring customers’ attention to the landscape as soon as they step into the space.
Wabi Sabi was used as a central design philosophy for the space. This can be seen in the emphasis placed on natural materials in the space - a central concept within Wabi Sabi is appreciation for the beauty found in natural, imperfect objects.
Several custom fit-out pieces were also created for this project, including a reception desk, as well as a shelving unit for product display in the gift shop. Both of these pieces draw from the surrounding nature, in form and materiality.
Programming Iterations
Gift Shop
Look and Feel
Custom Desk - design sketches
Lobby Plan
Seating area and view of surrounding landscape