CASE STUDY:

Evensong Spa, Green Lake, WI
Architect: CMD Architects, Inc., Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: testani design troup inc., Scottsdale, AZ
Tile Contractor: Coyle Contract Flooring
Tile Manufacturer: Sant’Agostino
Tile Distributor: Arizona Tile, Tempe, AZ

Situated in the woodlands of Green Lake, WI, the Evensong Spa was designed to reflect its natural surroundings. The materials and colors chosen for the interior space are warm and rustic, while still presenting a chic and soothing atmosphere where patrons can relax.

“The design of the spa was inspired from the natural surrounding beauty of the site,” stated the design team at testani design troupe, inc. of Scottsdale, AZ, who worked on the project in conjunction with CMD Architects, Inc. of Scottsdale, AZ. “Materials are rich and hardy. The color palette reflects the changing seasons.”

Italian tile was selected for the flooring throughout the spa, including the entranceway, manicure and pedicure areas, and the men’s and women’s lockers. The tile is from the “Gemstone” collection by Sant’Agostino, which was supplied by Arizona Tile of Tempe, AZ.

The tiles consist of a blend of rich earth tones, which contribute to the overall natural theme of the spa. “The architecture was to be one with nature,” explained designer Judith Testani. “We took the principles of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and interpreted them in a modern way. We wanted to incorporate as many warm tones as possible.”

Visitors to the spa are greeted by an impressive circular maze-pattern formed with the porcelain tiles, which resemble the appearance of natural slate. “We wanted the look and feel of slate, but the durability of tile,” said Testani. “The tile that we chose really helped solve a lot of technical problems that we had.”

The Heart of the Design

The primary design element of the spa is a labyrinth, which is a single path - a tool for personal psychological and spiritual transformation. “The labyrinth was the seed for developing this spa and is an indoor focal feature of the spa,” stated testani design troupe, inc.

“Each room [of the spa] is related to a spiritual feeling,” said the designer. “The choice of flooring was critical because we were going to incorporate the design of the labyrinth.”

Classical labyrinth designs are based on a pattern first documented on a clay tablet from Pylos, Greece circa 1200 BCE, according to a statement from Evensong Spa. Designs have also been found on Cretan coins of 400 to 500 BCE. Labyrinths were common in Europe in the Middle Ages, and walking them was part of popular and religious culture. Walking the labyrinth has reemerged today as a metaphor for the spiritual journey and a powerful tool for transformation, according to the spa.

Because the labyrinth, in particular, would receive heavy foot traffic, it was important that a durable flooring material was chosen, as the designer explained. Moreover, the rough texture of the stone-look tile provides slip-resistance for those walking the path.

In addition to providing slip-resistance - especially in wet areas of the spa - the colors and textures of the Italian porcelain tile contribute to the overall elegant atmosphere of Evensong’s Spa. Combined with rich woodwork, warm paint colors and contemporary furniture, the porcelain tiles complete the palette and further enhance the interior design - creating a peaceful haven for patrons to retreat.

The design of Evensong Spa won in the commercial category of the Ceramic Tiles of Italy Design Competition during Coverings 2007. “The jury loved every aspect of the facility - from the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired exterior to an interior filled with deluxe surfaces and furnishings,” stated the Ceramic Tiles of Italy.