Fitzroy Shiatsu is the renovation of an existing three-storey Victorian era shophouse on Brunswick St, Fitzroy. The subject tenancy comprises a discreet street entry, stair landing and waiting area, three treatment rooms, powder-room and tea space. Boasting uninterrupted south-facing views towards the Melbourne CBD, Fitzroy Shiatsu enjoys an atmosphere of detachment from the busy street, with soft natural light filtering through existing heritage windows. Upon entry, the visitor is guided toward upper levels by way-finding moments of lime-washed plywood, gesturing up the stair to an inward-looking waiting space, suspended over the staircase. This entry sequence intentionally seeks to remove distractions and soothe the mind in readiness for treatment.
Moving further into the space through a dimly lit hallway, a rough sawn 100-year-old recycled Oregon door threshold transitions into a clean-lined space, bathed in calming indirect sunlight. Inside the treatment rooms, a large lime-washed plywood joinery wall provides a seat and space for personal objects. As the visitor settles on the shiatsu mat, their view is directed towards the ceiling and a suspended Christopher Boots ‘Sugar Bomb’ pendant lamp, beautifully illuminating and seemingly refracting light from the crystal quartz into the space.
After a small amount of time, the practitioner knocks on the door, entering the room and sliding the joinery door to reveal clinical equipment behind while securely concealing the visitor’s belongings from view. When treatment is completed, the door slides once more to reveal the visitor’s objects. On leaving the treatment room, the visitor is served tea and seated by the window with a sweeping view toward the Melbourne cityscape. This space is light, bright and optimistic. Guests are encouraged to take their time here, enjoying the comfort of the nook and view without interruption. The carefully considered joinery walls allow for storage in both horizontal and vertical planes. Joinery walls act as acoustic separation, psychological divide and efficient storage opportunities for both the practitioners and the patrons.
