Luxury bespoke project for Nirvana Spa
Customer: Nirvana Spa
Location: Sindlesham, Wokingham
Project Type: Leisure Facility
Services Used: CAD draftsmen, in-house joinery department, estimators, pattern makers and casters.
Products Delivered: Cornice, Window Surrounds & Internal Arch Façade
Cast Stone Colour: Bathstone
Background/Challenge
Nirvana Spa is a luxury, family-owned leisure facility renowned for providing an ideal retreat for its guests. Our collaboration with Nirvana Spa on their extension project was our first project with them, secured through a competitive tender process. We owe our success to the technical expertise of Gavin our Project Manager, who proved pivotal in securing the opportunity as well as the thoroughness of the tender document. The client expressed their desire to expand their existing spa facility for their clientele. One of the main challenges we encountered during this project was the manufacture of bespoke arched window surrounds.
Approach
Design Process:
The design process for the Nirvana Spa project took a slightly different approach as we were tasked with replicating an existing design. To achieve this, we utilised a method where photos were imported into CAD software. We then drew around these photos to create a bespoke graphical representation in the style of Nirvana Spa. These drawings were then submitted for customer approval. Feedback from the client allowed us to incorporate their desired modifications before we proceeded with production.
Bespoke Cast Stone:
As we were replicating the original design, the items produced were all bespoke as you can see from the production process below.
Production Process:
The production process for the Nirvana Spa project involved a series of steps to bring the design to life. When receiving the curved steel lintels from the client, we then engaged with an external pattern maker to craft a timber mould around the steel, shaping the foundation for the design elements. Additionally, to replicate a piece of the original stone column from the site, we created a box around this and poured rubber to create our mould.
Arched heads were cast in one piece in a giant mould. The size of the mould and cast led to us setting up a new casting space. Again, due to their size, the items were left in moulds overnight and stripped the next day. This isn’t usually required for semi-dry cast stone. However, we knew that additional drying time was required. This project definitely required a high degree of skill to cast the items from rubber moulds.
Post-Installation Support:
No support was required as the customer had experience in cast stone and was highly knowledgeable in the field. However, we would usually recommend that they read our cast stone cleaning guide.
Results
Through a combination of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a client-centric approach, we not only met but exceeded the client’s expectations. This is reflected in the fact that the client has returned to us for two further projects, including bespoke string and copings for the same place – a different part of the site, and the creation of Florentine troughs for the same location. The finished result (see below) speaks volumes, and the use of cast stone really elevates the overall design of the spa.
Conclusion
The Nirvana Spa project in Sindlesham, Wokingham displayed our ability to overcome challenges to deliver outstanding results. Our team of CAD draftsmen, in-house joinery department, estimators, external pattern makers and casters worked together to create an inviting environment for guests.
“I am incredibly proud of our team’s performance on the Nirvana Spa project. From overcoming design challenges to delivering exceptional results, every member played a crucial role in bringing our client’s vision to life. This project demonstrates the dedication to craftsmanship and client satisfaction that defines our work ethos. We are looking forward to continuing our collaboration with Nirvana Spa in the future.’’
Gavin – Project Manager at Acanthus
Contact Us
All our products are available in a range of natural stone shades with the same texture and feel as carved stone. Items we supply are completely frost proof and exceed the performance requirements of BS1217, the UKCSA Specification for Cast Stone, and NBS clause F22.
If you require any further information about our work or would like to get a quote on our range cast stone products, contact one of our friendly Acanthus team or call us on 01773 540704.
