WELLNESS
Lush vegetation, thick pine wood, and highly favourable climate throughout the year has made the Croatian island of Lošinj one of the first Croatian tourist centres. It was declared a climatic health resort back in the 19th century and is branded today as a place for physical and mental rest, which offers various antistress and wellness programmes.
Vitality Punta Hotel is located in the picturesque town of Veli Lošinj. Our office, Rusanov ured, was faced with the task of redesigning the existing wellness area that no longer satisfied the needs of the current standards and programmes.
Redesign and the new organisation of space and programme were limited by the existing structure and accommodation in a part of the hotel that had no connection with the outdoor environment. The only contact point with the outdoor space was the entrance reception area.
The new wellness concept was thus designed to introduce the user to a completely new world. Mysteriousness, dark tones and subdued space are all adjusted to encourage relaxation, contemplation and focus of the user on indulgence and wellbeing. Architecture and design are subjected to the programme, but the richness of materials, textures, forms and spatial sensations greatly contribute to the experience of users. Dark colour of the ceiling, mosaic black tiles, terrazzo floor, and custom made furniture in anthracite colour make the space special and unique. The existing concrete pillars were a special challenge. Their installation made the existing space appear too rigid and their size impaired the aesthetic component of the future wellness. The solution that included the cladding of the pillars with corrugated glass panels in yellow colour, additionally lit from the interior side, responded to the challenge. Dematerialisation of the rigid structure was transformed into an important and recognisable design signature of the whole space and is also used as a rich lighting backdrop.
