Isla James Interiors has transformed an underused cedar clad wellness building into a luxurious private retreat that seamlessly combines architecture, landscape and light to encourage health and wellbeing as part of everyday family life. Designed as a complete wellness destination rather than a collection of individual amenities, the project brings together a swimming pool, gym and golf facilities within one cohesive environment inspired by the atmosphere of a high end spa.
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Cedar Lake
by Isla James Interiors
Cedar Lake
by Isla James Interiors
Shortlisted: Wellness - Residential Spa/Pool Award
The International Design & Architecture Awards 2026
Biophilic design formed the foundation of the scheme, with Isla James Interiors extending the existing cedar cladding from the exterior into the interior to strengthen the connection with the surrounding landscape. Porcelain flooring echoes the character of the external paving, while six sets of double doors slide fully into the walls, allowing the pool to open almost completely to the garden and creating the sensation of swimming outdoors.
A defining feature of the project is the innovative use of architectural lighting. Rather than illuminating the space uniformly, Isla James Interiors developed a carefully choreographed lighting scheme that shapes movement and perception throughout the building. Floor mounted uplights draw the eye towards the lake, while strategically positioned downlights highlight the architecture and views back towards the house. Automated tunable linear LED lighting integrated within a sequence of ceiling coffers responds to the time of day, providing energising illumination for morning exercise and a warmer, more restorative atmosphere in the evening.
The sense of connection continues throughout the retreat. A glazed Crittall style door offers a striking first glimpse of the pool, while a picture window extends garden views through the gym. Patinated painted walls introduce subtle movement reminiscent of water, and discreet black finishes conceal practical elements within the architecture.
Every aspect of the design reflects Isla James Interiors’ commitment to creating one unified experience. By carefully integrating architecture, materials, views and lighting, the studio has delivered a calm and immersive wellness retreat that feels deeply connected to nature while offering the family a beautifully crafted setting for relaxation, movement and everyday restoration.
Interior Designer: Isla James Interiors
Construction: STN Solutions Limited
Photography: Joey Kendal-Brown
Isla James Interiors has been shortlisted for Wellness – Residential Spa/Pool Award in The International Design & Architecture Awards 2026.
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