Stravinskij's origins are steeped in Wellington's hair and beauty heritage. The original Stravinskij salon, established in 1991, and located at The Intercontinental Hotel, was the flagship of Constantin Harach, a recent emigre from Lebanon. The salon was synonymous with forward- thinking hair and beauty treatments.
Stravinskij evolved into Badaro salon, and with it came a new growth and expansion by way of Constantin's son Anthony taking over the business. Over the years, Anthony has cemented Badaro into Wellington's hair and beauty scene as well as starting Gentlemen's Approach, a boutique salon targeted toward men. Across both salons, Anthony has implemented a stronger focus on sustainability while formulating a full-service experience for his loyal and firmly established clientele.
With the reincarnation of the Stravinskij brand came an opportunity to develop a recognisable spatial and atmospheric signature at a new site only a stone's throw from the original. Grounded by the sustainable undertones of the revised Stravinskij brand, aspects of Aotearoa's landscape and local materiality initiated the design exploration. The resulting materiality, textures, colours, and tones draw from and celebrate Aotearoa, particularly those moments where dark rock meets water, the sun pierces breaking clouds, and the deep greens of our flora retreat into shadow.
Upon entering the Stravinskij clients experience a transition from the bustling city into a calm and still environment. Deep green velvet drapes together with a low dark textured ceiling compress the space creating a more intimate setting for the reception and retail area. Timaru Bluestone pavers with tumbled edges and soft faces form the ground plane as well as a carefully choreographed series of plinths. In certain light, the texture of the Bluestone appears glossy, almost wet, and not unlike the caliginous face of a Fiordland Cave or weathered rock of Wellington's south coast.
Rising perfectly from the field of pavers the Bluestone plinths are Stravinskij's foundational elements supporting crafted stainless steel mirror units and retail shelves. The introduction of stainless steel offers a counterpoint to the stone with its soft velvet finish. Like still water on a misty day parts of the stainless steel receives light and glistens while other faces retreat into deep shadow.
Retreating to shadow is an important chapter in the clients' journey through Stravinskij. Following their consultation, the client is led to the hair spa. Passing through another Pounamu-toned curtain the atmosphere shifts from the bright cutting floor to another dimly lit space even darker than the retail and reception area. Soft lighting reveals glimpses of the dark textured walls and now familiar Bluestone pavers underfoot. A series of hair spa seats dressed in moss-toned leather and dark charcoal timber are the only illuminated objects in the space. The sound of the cutting floor and city beyond dissipates as the entry curtain closes. This cave-like space is the focal point
for relaxation. A place where the sound of running water fills the space as hair is washed, heads are massaged, and facials applied. It is a welcome retreat from the city and one's busy life
Contrasts in light, materiality, and texture create varied atmospheres throughout the salon forming an interior experience that, like our landscape, is constantly evolving. These shifts may be nuanced, but together they present an architecture that is less focused on large gestures or aesthetics dictated by trends. Instead Stravinskij is focused on forming space and experience of calmness and purity. One that may trigger a memory of our landscape, the light, the textures, the colours, or even the sounds. Text description by the architects.
