Located in the South Island of New Zealand, in the vicinity of the Southern Alps' Mount Aspiring National Park, Northbrook Wānaka is a ‘later-living community’ for residents aged 70 years and over.

Designed to offer both independence and privacy, the precinct supports the safety, autonomy, connectedness, and health and wellbeing of New Zealand’s ageing population.

One of several such communities in the Northbrook portfolio, Northbrook Wānaka is deeply contextual in its design response, evidenced in its typology programming and relationship to landscape.

“The typology features congruous gable roof design, mimicking the undulation of the surrounding landscape, while the robust palette of sustainable materials responds to a site-based design approach,” says Woods Bagot Auckland Studio Chair Joe Murphy.

“This architectural motif draws from the modern farmhouse sheds characteristic of the region, celebrating the local vernacular.”

Continuing the vernacular of the wider development, the Wellness Spa incorporates this gabled form, strategically framing views out over the landscape. Daylight is deployed as an architectural consideration, animating interiors while strengthening connections to the scenery.

The design is intended to promote activity and movement through a sense of belonging, drawing on design queues from luxury day spas to support residents’ holistic wellbeing.

Woods Bagot Principal and interior design leader Bronwyn McColl says recently-completed wellness facilities feature a curated collection of wellbeing amenities – including pool and gym facilities, consulting suites, spa, salon, sauna, yoga and pilates studios – designed to enrich residents’ everyday lives and support physical and mental wellbeing.

“The interior offers a luxurious and sensorial experience for the residents with the layering of natural materials, tones and textures,” says McColl. “Textured limestone walls and timber detailing evoke warmth and craftsmanship, with framed vistas celebrating the dramatic scenery to enhance the internal connection to the surrounding natural beauty.”

“Each space is designed to balance moments; for privacy with opportunities for interaction, restoration and rejuvenation, all with a sense of belonging within an engaged community lifestyle,” McColl continues.

Through a sequence of carefully curated thresholds and screening materials, designers have balanced user requisites for both vision and privacy, supporting intuitive circulation while maintaining varying degrees seclusion and openness.

Through considered spatial planning, honest materiality, and integration of landscape, the Northbrook Wellness Spa creates an environment that is calm, timeless and distinctly rooted in place.

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