A basement wellness centre

Alexandrin Buraga and Marco Ballerini of AB + Partners, the architects tasked with designing the VIVI SPA wellness centre in Chisinau, Moldova, transformed the challenges of its basement location and limited natural light into key design features. Through a meticulous choice of materials – such as corridor walls reminiscent of a starry sky and the reception area ceiling that simulates sunlight – they sought to create a powerful sensorial and emotional experience for visitors.

“In contrast to the more intimate, darker spaces, the pool areas and cosmetics rooms offer splendid views of the landscape through large panoramic windows. We selected sombre tones for the communal areas, but chose soft pastel shades for these lighter spaces. The two hammams are also tiled with ceramic surfaces in an interplay of warm tones complemented by a decorative wallpaper,” explains Marco Ballerini.

Nature plays a pivotal role in the design of VIVI SPA, highlighted by contrasting accents of light and colour.

“The materials selected for the interior design make a significant contribution to the visual experience,” Ballerini continues. “The natural green and blue shades help to create a calming atmosphere and visually appealing spaces. The contrast between stone and wood adds texture and enhances the interplay of light and shadow. To evoke a biophilic experience, we incorporated lush vegetation into the indoor terraces, complementing the spaces with wooden furniture and leather upholstery. The central feature is the reception area, inspired by the power of rock surfaces. Another striking element is the bas-relief in the lift area, reminiscent of mountain landscapes.”

The Florim collections used in these areas are clearly inspired by nature. The architects chose Timeless Travertino for the floors together with the striking open-book design of the I Classici collection, in the Statuario A+B version with a 6 mm thickness and Glossy finish, for the walls.

“Natural stone adds a touch of elegance and stability to the space. The smooth, refreshing texture of the ceramic stoneware slabs ensures a pleasant and invigorating sensation. On both the walls and floors, the stone-inspired textures create an atmosphere that feels at once authentic and refined,” confirms Marco Ballerini.

In the communal areas, the architects have used dark tones to create an immersive and protective atmosphere. The choice of Natural Stone collection slabs in the colour Coal for the floors and pool and B&W Marble Mosaic 3×3 cm in matt black for the walls reflects their aim of bringing intimacy and refinement to every detail of the spa.

While playing a crucial role in defining the spa’s unique aesthetic quality, the materials have also helped to create an atmosphere that engages all the senses, offering a natural and regenerative “other dimension”.