The design for the new Kohler Waters Spa in Chicago at Lincoln Common will feature natural elements and celebrate the therapeutic and rejuvenating power of water.
Set to open in August 2019, Kohler's 20,000sq ft (1,858sq m) urban spa will encourage guests to reconnect with the environment and their surroundings through design that is inspired by water and elements of the Windy City.
"When designing Kohler Waters Spa Lincoln Park, our team drew inspiration from the external environment and water elements, such as the iconic Lake Michigan," said Tim Andreas, director of architecture & interior design at Kohler Co. "The power of water has inspired Kohler products and experiences for more than 145 years. It is through our vast expertise in water and design that our newest spa location will transport guests on a sensory journey."
Water is incorporated into the spa's design at every turn, starting with the check-in experience. Guests are welcomed into a reception area framed by a custom-designed waterfall, with floor tiles by Ann Sacks.
The large, open check-in desk is comprised of dark wood and quartz and complemented by etched, mirrored retail alcoves displaying a variety of products, including the signature Kohler Waters Spa Hollyhock offering.
A walkway leads guests to the serene Thermal Suite, a focal point of the spa's layout and overall hydrotherapy experience.
The suite's pièce de résistance is the hydromassage pool, designed by executive chair Herb Kohler, with a gooseneck waterfall.
The pool is surrounded by Kohler Waters Spa custom-blend mosaic tile with blue hues created to evoke the movements of water through colour and shape. The state-of-the-art pool sits alongside a surrounding hydrotherapy circuit that includes a steam room, sauna and eight-foot deep cool plunge pool.
Ambient lighting, jewel-toned chaise lounges and nature-inspired, textured Ann Sacks stone tile are designed to add to the heightened sense of complete relaxation. The second floor showcases a private outdoor terrace overlooking the campus at DePaul University.
Kohler Waters Spa Lincoln Park also serves as an immersive showroom to display some of Kohler Co.'s plumbing products. Two of the 21 treatment rooms will feature the Kohler Custom Vichy Shower, utilised in several of the spa's hydrotherapy treatments, and treatment rooms and changing areas will also showcase the DTV Prompt digital showering system and modern wall-hung Veil Intelligent Toilets.
Kohler’s newest spa development joins four other locations: the flagship Kohler Waters Spa at the American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin, US; Lodge Kohler in Green Bay, Wisconsin, US and Burr Ridge Illinois, US, and the Old Course Hotel & Spa in St Andrews, Scotland.
