Slow Tide: A Story in Design

Written By Omar Dahabra

Location: Sydney, Australia
Year: 2024
Architects: SOLANDER HOUSE
Photography by: Nicholas Caldwell

Nestled in the heart of Surry Hills, Sydney, Slow Tide is more than a Pilates studio, it is a space that tells a story. At Solander House, our philosophy is rooted in storytelling through design, where every texture, material, and form carries intention. With this project, we saw an opportunity to elevate the standard fitness experience into something far more immersive, an environment that fosters connection, contemplation, and a sense of belonging.

The existing architecture of the heritage building shaped our approach. We embraced its character, allowing natural light to carve its own narrative within the space. The play of light and shadow adds depth to the design, subtly shifting throughout the day and bringing the space to life. This interaction with light was a driving force in our material selection, soft, tactile finishes that absorb and reflect in delicate contrast. Balancing restraint with expression, the joinery became a crucial storytelling device. Layered textures form a rhythm, at times repeating, at times disrupting to create a nuanced language of depth and movement. Beyond function, the joinery sets the tone, bridging the practicality of a fitness space with the warmth of a high-end residential interior. We wanted Slow Tide to feel intimate, refined, and personal, a departure from the clinical sterility often found in commercial wellness spaces.

Materiality played a pivotal role in crafting this atmosphere. The tactility of timber, the softness of carefully curated tones, and the weight of stone elements bring a quiet confidence to the space. Every detail was considered through the lens of emotional impact, how the textures invite touch, how the colours influence mood, how the spatial flow encourages ease.

Ultimately, Slow Tide is an experience. It is a place designed not just for movement but for pause, for appreciation, for the quiet luxury of being present. This project embodies what sets Solander House apart, our ability to weave narrative into space, to craft environments that resonate beyond aesthetics. Slow Tide is a reflection of our belief that interior design is not just about how a space looks, but how it makes you feel.​ Text description by the architects.

Source: www.solanderhouse.com
Styled by: Contact Department
Client: Peaches Pilates

Omar Dahabra
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