Nestled along the scenic Great Ocean Road, Indie Spa at Sunnymead Hotel is redefining the spa experience. With its unique blend of mid-century aesthetics and contemporary design, the spa, conceptualised by Interior Design & Architecture studio Cera Stribley, stands as a testament to innovative wellness spaces.
“Throughout the specification process, particular consideration was given to products and materials sourced from local suppliers with reputations for sustainable manufacturing.” - Cera Stribley
Indie Spa is an interpretation of the mid-century style, inspired by retro influences and a Palm Springs aesthetic. The team at Cera Stribley threw away the rule book and went to town with a vibrant colour palette and playful forms to follow their clients brief of bringing a sense of fun and whimsy to the project.
“One thing we wanted to avoid when designing Indie Spa, was your stereotypical, white-on-white spa environment. By way of introducing organic shapes and playful colour combinations, we created an invigorating wellness space that looks and feels delightfully different.” - Cera Stribley
The goal was to create a destination rather than a ‘stop-over’ as co-owner Damien Cerantonio puts it. That meant steering clear of typical wellness design which often looks to a minimalist approach. The team at Cera Stribley approached Nood Co when it came to basins, looking to compliment the 70s-esque colour palette with complimentary basins.
“Burnt oranges and mustard yellows juxtaposed by eucalypt greens and powdery blues injects a sense of energy and excitement to the space.” - Cera Stribley
Each room is injected with colour, playful forms and layered materiality which adds to a sense of nostalgia. With its 1950s inspired design, the Tubb basin fits right into each colour filled space. A highlight of the project was the custom colour collaboration between Nood Co x Cera Stribley to create ‘Sunny Yellow’ - a rich mustard yellow that perfectly fit in with the design typology of the project.
‘Sunny Yellow’ joins the portfolio of custom colours that Nood Co has created in collaboration with Architects and Designers over the years.
“Colour is our brand DNA. We recognise how important it is to get the right hue - especially when working with bold colour palettes. It was a pleasure to work with the Cera Stribley team to find their perfect shade of yellow.” - Matt Di Costa, Nood Co Co-Founder
Tubb in Pastel Peach elegantly complements the backdrop of handmade Burnt Orange tiles, set off by contrasting white grout, brass tapware, and curved wall-to-wall cabinetry.
Tubb in Powder Blue creates a captivating monochrome moment, set against a backdrop of soft blue cabinetry and matching finger mosaic tiles.
Indie Spa is a bold statement on the future of wellness environments. By seamlessly blending vibrant hues, playful shapes, and sustainable practices, it transcends traditional spa design, inviting visitors into a realm where wellness meets whimsy. The team behind Indie Spa has created more than a place for relaxation—they've created a wellness space that resonates with the soul, proving that the future of spa design is bright, bold, and breathtakingly beautiful.
Indie Spa was shortlisted for the 2023 INDE.Awards in the Health & Wellbeing Space category and not one, but two, categories in the 2023 Australian Beauty Industry Awards - ‘Best Salon Design’ (winner) and ‘Best Newcomer Spa’ (shortlisted).
Photography by Damien Kook
February 01, 2024
Anastasia Ignatova