Natural Lighting Highlights Natural Materials
Frederick Tang Architecture has recently wrapped up its design for MOXI, a clean, color-driven acupuncture and wellness studio situated in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood. Set atop the twelfth floor of its building, the beautifully bright loft area features plenty of views onto New York and plenty of light. A striking oval skylight sets the scene and accentuates the material palette of wood, stone and ceramic.
The overflow of natural lighting within the space brightens the colors, as well, highlighting tones of cypress green, copper, terracotta and peach. Meanwhile, saturated passages hearken back to works of color theory done by artists like Wassily Kandinsky, Mark Rothko, and James Turrell.
“Color is powerful and we wanted to be strategic with its use,” says Barbara Reyes, the firm’s director of interiors. “The color green became the palette foundation, chosen for its ability to heal and create balance for your mind and body. A darker version of the green lime wash in the barrel-vaulted halls was utilized to create intimacy for the patron—a transition before heading into treatment.”
Design Belies Function in the Wellness-Focused Space
The open-format plan of the location comprises six treatment rooms in addition to offices, an herb dispensary and a pantry. The four arched windows that overlook Broadway serve as focal points in the reception area, which also doubles as a function space for workshops and special events.
Handmade ceramic pendants are suspended above a custom low-slung bench comprising white oak slats and copper detailing, and orb sconces add another layer of warm light. Terrazzo side tables accent plush bouclé- and velvet-upholstered seating against lime-washed walls as well.
Meanwhile, the treatment rooms are sheathed in softly toned gradient wallpapers. The colors of the wallpaper each vary slightly to indicate programming, also acting as a subtle wayfinding measure in the process. A slight iridescence also accentuates each room with a captivating, shimmering appearance.
Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister site Hospitality Design.
