Forming part of a wider hotel development, King Street Townhouse Gym and Spa is an exclusive two-storey spa and leisure destination, situated within a Grade-II listed Italian Renaissance building. Adjacent to the existing King Street Townhouse hotel, it forms part of our client THG’s Experience portfolio, answering their brief to create an oasis in the heart of Manchester that seamlessly blends opulence and comfort, with health and wellbeing as a key design driver.
This stems from the initial design response to reuse and repurpose a dilapidated basement within an architectural gem located in a city centre conservation area. With wellness at the forefront of the design, it was imperative that we researched the impact certain colours, textures, forms and light levels have on the human body both physically and psychologically. Throughout, we worked to create spaces that engaged all of the senses, whilst simultaneously offering a place to relax, unwind or become energised.
The basement-level spa incorporates an array of tranquil spaces and facilities which can be accessed by guests and members, including treatment rooms, a sauna, an uplifting lounge and the only Himalayan salt cave in the north of England. A central reception space links the contemporary facilities to a relaxed Spa Lounge.
A striking spa entryway boasts a chandelier by Cox London and leads into an uplifting spa lounge featuring a ceiling and lighting installation reminiscent of a cave or inverted forest. The spa’s steam room is adorned with hand-laid bespoke tiles and the treatment room design is immersive, with bespoke joinery and a ‘starry night sky’ ceiling feature to create cocoon spaces that provide an escape from the bustle of the city.
Situated above the spa, the wellness line-up is complete with a protein bar and state-of-the-art gym, that carefully balances performance, functionality and innovative design. The multifunctional space is designed in warm and rich finishes, surrounded by industrial materials, a mood-boosting colour palette and dynamic bespoke lighting – all spatially planned to appreciate the nature of the architecture, utilise natural light and to enhance the visitor journey. The gym boasts four specially designed workout zones – cardio, functional, strength and free weights – where guests will find an advanced selection of fitness equipment to suit all strengths and abilities to feel energised and re-balanced. The elegant space combines a hospitality feel with a technology lead gym experience to invigorate and encourage wellbeing.
Functional yet beautiful materials were specified with sustainability in mind, to ensure design quality and longevity were achieved. The final design leaves a lasting impact on the user, with beautiful bespoke spaces, finishes and joinery working in harmony to create an immersive and unique experience, unlike any other gym and spa in Manchester.
