1st place:
Name: Roslyn zumBrunnen
Firm: zid; Boise, ID
Client: Two Rivers Day Spa & Salon; Eagle, ID

Matt and Stephanie Baker approached me to help them design their 48,000 square foot Two Rivers Day Spa and Salon with just a few concerns. The first and most important to them was being able to view the bordering Boise River throughout the space as much as possible. Some of their other concerns were to: design the pedicure area as "a showplace", create interesting areas among the spa, even the sometimes-overlooked hallways, incorporating enough display area of their retail products and achieve all this within the $431,908 budget ($82,188 for construction and architecture fees, $349,712 for materials – total of $87.79 per square foot. No services / products donated).

The pedicure area was strategically placed in the corner with expansive windows overlooking the river that flood the bright airy interior with ample daylight. The pedicure space itself was designed to be "communal" slowing groups to sit next to each other and enjoy their treatments. The raised pedicure area, with custom bench, cantilevers from a curved wall with light revealing cutouts that illuminate the bordering "Zen cove" which otherwise would have been dark and uninviting. The manicure space was also placed adjacent to the river and only divided from the reception and retail areas by a 5' high curved partition. This allowed clients entering the space to also enjoy the river view and gives a greater feeling of openness. Glass shelves in the retail and make-up area also contributed to the open feeling. The retail spaces were divided into 4 main areas; a make-up area that also has a view of the river, an area for body products adjacent to the reception desk to allow for quick assistance, three recessed shelves in the reception space that showcase specialty or seasonal products and a hair care retail area adjoining to the hair salon.

One of my main concerns was that we would be able to achieve the inviting, comfortable ambience the client wanted, but also keep sustainability in mind. 85% recycled Oceanside glass tile was used for the soothing and tranquil waterfall feature behind the reception desk as well as in the restrooms; biologically degradable Forbo linoleum flooring was installed in the hair salon (the company also recycles all production waste); Interface carpet tile containing at least 61% post industrial recycled content was specified in the waiting area and massage and facial rooms; Blumethal wallcovering, using reclaimed wood fibers fused together the natural latex to form their product and readily-available natural limestone were also used throughout the spa. The result is a clean, warm space with a variety of experiences, deploying comfort and class.

Completion date for the Two Rivers Salon and Spa was November 1, 2002.