Amsterdam-based architecture and interior design studio concrete has designed a massage boutique in Zwolle in the east of the Netherlands. 

Named Oikoa, the 190-square-metre space features an organic-shaped central space, clad in warm oak laths, and five massage rooms around the central space. The interiors provide a calm and serene atmosphere. 

concrete was also responsible for the design of the graphic identity of the brand, and the name Oikoa is all about inner self and wellbeing. Oikoa, the Finnish word for ‘smooth correction", provides an introverted realm of calm. 

The design team created a place that invites customers to leave the outer world behind, and to recharge in a natural and harmonious environment.

The massage boutique is designed as a serene space where guests can focus on themselves. This was achieved by turning the existing extroverted glass cube inside out and placing the organic-shaped central space at the heart of the building, with the treatment rooms situated on the perimeter.

Guests enter directly into the core of the boutique; a warm introspective space lined with multiple curved walls, finished in warm oak laths. The curved walls create intimate seating areas, with softly curved benches upholstered in moss green velvet. These are the perfect spots to wait in full comfort and prepare for treatment.

In addition to the interior, concrete is responsible for the identity of Oikoa, including the name, logo, website, and all print materials.

concrete also came up with the name Oikoa, the Finnish word for ‘smooth correction’, based on the feeling of calm one gets after a treatment when the body is untangled and almost feels ‘liquid’. 

This feeling is reflected in the logo: a liquid oil drop combined with a minimalistic but elegant font. 

Bright white backdrops and pine green emphasize the natural and harmonious environment of the massage salon, which is further enhanced by a secondary colour family of oil drops. Both the oils and colours are derived from Finnish natural elements such as ferns, aspen trees, cloudberries, and bellflowers.

Floor plan

Project facts

Project name: Oikoa 

Client: Oikoa, Zwolle

Concept: concrete

Interior design: concrete

Location: Spinhuisbredehoek 10 / address: Zwolle, Netherlands

Design: massage boutique / 190m2 – 5 massage rooms

Start design: December 2020

Opening: September 2021

Project team concrete: Rob Wagemans, Lisa Hassanzadeh, Eva Stekelenburg, Stevie Wesdorp, Sofie Ruytenberg, Jorien Wiltenburg

Contractor: van Wijnen

All images © wouter van der sar

All drawings © concrete

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