Krithi Reddy

Prana- Ayurvedic Spa and Wellness Haven

Interior Design - BA (Hons)

Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA)

krithi.d.reddy@gmail.com

Curriculum vitae.pdf (40.95 KB)

Herbal Sauna

Skills & Experience

I excel in AutoCAD, Sketchup, VRay, and 3D visualization, combining strong color theory and space planning skills. My attention to detail, creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication make me a valuable team player.
AANDH (2022)- During my internship with Aamir and Hameeda Interior Designers, renowned for high-end contemporary designs in India, I actively contributed by presenting conceptual ideas, conducting site visits, and overseeing the furniture workshop.

Project description

"Prana - Spa and Wellness Haven", set in 14 Charlotte Square, a site of immense significance and historical value, is a holistic retreat rooted in Ayurvedic principles, offering personalized treatments and serene spaces for rejuvenation. Embracing the wisdom of Ayurveda, an ancient system of holistic medicine originating from India, it focuses on harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit for optimal health and well-being. Through natural remedies, dietary guidelines, yoga, and meditation, it aims to prevent illness and restore balance to the body's energies.

Operating on a membership basis, the centre provides specially curated treatment packages and meal plans tailored to each member's unique needs and goals. New members undergo consultations with Ayurvedic specialists to design personalized wellness plans. Once enrolled, members gain access to a range of services, including workshops, wellness classes, and seminars on yoga, meditation, and nutrition. The centre's facilities include a studio for meditation, yoga and other such workshops, treatment rooms with Himalayan salt brick walls for halotherapy benefits, a herbal sauna, a hydrotherapy pool, and an exclusive treatment room with a private sauna and jacuzzi for couples or friends. It also includes an Ayurvedic café that offers healthy refreshments. A variety of Prana's Ayurvedic products such as oils, teas and body care products will be available for purchase for customers who wish to continue their wellness journey at home.

Targeting corporate employees, employers, and local residents, the centre fosters partnerships with workplaces to promote employee wellness initiatives. By catering to diverse stakeholders, it promotes holistic wellness within the community while generating revenue and fostering long-term health partnerships.

About the Site

Location and Listing Information:

Address: 14 Charlotte Square, New Town, EDINBURGH, Midlothian, EH2 4DJ

Site size: 697 m2 (total site on the ground level including parking space), 309.7 m2 (Lower ground), 191.3 m2 (ground floor), 167.8 m2 (first floor), 169 m2 (second floor), 155.8 m2 (third floor)

Number of floors: 5

Architects: Robert Adam for elevation. Robert Adam died in 1792, and his brother and partner James in 1794, when the work progressed their designs had to be carried out by other architects. Robert Reid, Alexander Stevens and James Tait are among those known to have been concerned. (Canmore,1951)

Date of Construction: 1803-7

Listing Status: A

Picture of site from Morgan Architects' Archives

Like many buildings in Edinburgh's New Town, 14 Charlotte Square showcases the Georgian architectural style, characterized by symmetrical facades and classical elements (Edinburgh World Heritage). Originally constructed as a townhouse that faces the square, the building boasts multiple floors with high ceilings and spacious rooms, typical of Georgian-era architecture (Canmore). It creates a distinct impression of the Enlightenment model city and is an important component of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and the New Town Conservation Area (UNESCO). The building features notable Georgian architectural details such as sash windows, decorative molding, and classical columns, enhancing its charm and character (Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland).

Site Location Plan- 14 Charlotte Square

Orthographic Projection of the Building as Existing

Lower Ground and Ground Floor Plan as existing

First and Second Floor Plan as existing

Third Floor Plan and Roof Plan as existing

Section AA as existing

Section BB as existing

Section CC as existing

Front Elevation as existing

Rear Elevation as existing

Project Concept and it's Importance

The concept of Prana- Spa and Wellness Haven emerged from the growing need for accessible, holistic wellness solutions in today's high-stress, fast-paced world. As healthcare costs continue to rise, preventive practices like Ayurveda offer cost-effective alternatives that improve overall well-being and quality of life (Singh et al., 2017). Recognizing the increasing popularity of such approaches, Prana aims to address both physical and mental health through comprehensive Ayurvedic treatments, which are known for their stress-reducing benefits and promotion of holistic health (Devereux et al., 2020).

In addition to individual wellness, Prana serves as a community hub, fostering social support networks and enhancing social cohesion, thereby reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation (Cheng et al., 2019). The inclusion of health education and lifestyle change promotion within the spa further underscores its importance, as these elements significantly improve health outcomes and reduce the risk of chronic diseases (Estruch et al., 2017). By integrating these aspects, Prana provides a vital resource for contemporary society, addressing the multifaceted needs of individuals seeking comprehensive, sustainable wellness solutions.

Concept diagram

Project Proposal

After conducting intense research and drawing inspiration from the benefits of Ayurvedic healthcare as a valuable alternative, I developed a comprehensive proposal for Prana- Ayurvedic Spa. Recognizing the need for a holistic approach to wellness, Prana includes a range of services such as Ayurvedic treatment rooms with halotherapy benefits, a herbal sauna, a hydrotherapy pool, and a studio space for yoga, meditation, and health care workshops. Each service is designed to provide a balanced and rejuvenating experience, promoting overall well-being.

The proposal is meticulously planned to comply with Scottish building regulations, ensuring accessibility for all users and incorporating a robust fire escape strategy. The design also includes a comprehensive services strategy, which encompasses adequate w/c provisions and efficient layout planning. This thorough and thoughtful approach ensures that Prana not only offers exceptional wellness services but also adheres to the highest standards of safety, accessibility, and functionality, providing a serene and enriching environment for all its visitors.

Orthographic Projection of the Building as Proposed

Lower Ground and Ground Floor Plan as proposed

First and Second Floor Plans as proposed

Third Floor Plan and Roof Plan as proposed

Section AA as proposed

Section BB as proposed

Front Elevation as proposed

Rear Elevation as proposed

Main Space- Hydrotherapy Pool

The main space draws inspiration from the architectural grandeur of ancient Indian stepwells, reimagining their monumental essence on an interior scale. These stepwells, celebrated for their timeless connection between humans and water, serve as a sensory masterpiece. The hydrotherapy pool emulates this spatial quality, offering hydrotherapy benefits through a contemporary, urban lens, blending historical reverence with modern wellness practices. This reinterpretation provides a serene, therapeutic environment reminiscent of the ancient marvels.

Main Space Concept

Orthographic Projection and Details of the Main Space

Main space plan

Main space Section

Detail 1

Detail 2

Detail 3

Axonometric Detail

Material Palette and Aesthetic

The overall aesthetic of Prana is deeply rooted in Ayurvedic themes, incorporating natural and sustainable materials to create a serene and rejuvenating environment. The design integrates biophilic principles, enhancing the connection with nature through the use of indoor plants and natural elements, fostering a calming and restorative atmosphere.

The interiors feature neutral tones with accents of gold, complemented by wooden finishes and brass details. The reception and café, acting as the first point of contact, are designed with oak wood paneling, light matte finish concrete flooring, and brushed brass countertops, setting a warm and inviting tone. The use of timber and cane furniture further enhances the natural feel.

In the multi-purpose room, cotton and linen drapery on the ceiling aids in calming the mind, while large arched mirrors enhance natural light and create a sense of spaciousness. The consultation room's terracotta brick paneling provides an earthy aesthetic, combining natural materials with a refined design.

The treatment rooms feature Himalayan salt brick walls for halotherapy benefits, with indirect lighting controlled by automation to create a tranquil environment. The exclusive treatment room offers additional amenities like a private sauna and jacuzzi, with wooden flooring and natural textiles.

The hydrotherapy pool employs American walnut wood, sandstone, porcelain tiles, and onyx stone, creating a luxurious and therapeutic space. The feature wall's backlit onyx and the brass ceiling panels enhance the sensory experience, reflecting light playfully.

Lighting throughout Prana maximizes natural light during the day, transitioning to warm, dimmable LED fixtures in the evening. This thoughtful lighting strategy complements the spa’s holistic approach, promoting relaxation and well-being. The incorporation of sustainable and natural materials throughout the design underscores Prana's commitment to environmental responsibility and enhances the overall aesthetic and functionality of the space.