Trellis, the spa at the Houstonian: Houston, TX.

Judges' Verdict: "Accommodating both hotel guests and club members in a spa requires a bit of architectural magic. Casting a spell with water, the designers of Trellis created a lush Mediterranean getaway in close proximity to Houston's bustling Galleria."

Long known as one of the finest hotels in Houston, The Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa is situated on an 18-acre wooded oasis right in the heart of the city.

Rated among the top 10 health clubs and fitness centers in the United States by Fitness Magazine. The recent multi million dollar renovation of the 125,000 square foot Houstonian Club is where Houston residents and guests from all over the world mingle and exercise. When the club decided to add a full-service spa to its already robust hospitality menu, you could be certain that the result would cause local spas to break out into a cold sweat.

The "Trellis" name refers to the pervasive landscaping theme, carried over from the rest of the Houstonian property, yet the Trellis Spa could just as easily have been called "H-2-O," or "Waves" for its heavily-themed water elements.

"The Houstonian was interested in creating a place unique in the Houston area," Brian Malarkey, AIA, LEED, project architect from design firm Kirksey, said. "There are day spas here of every kind here, and the Houstonian wanted something unique that would compete with Clarins at the Galleria and other local upscale day spas. We came up with the idea of water as the central element and guide, maneuvering visitors in and through the spa and treatment rooms." Upon arrival, guests enter the spa's private wet areas, each containing a spa, steam room, and shower.

"The intent is for the guest to begin in this area entering a process of decompression," Malarkey said. From the private areas, guests transition into the spa's float pool waiting area, where they might meet up with friends or partners awaiting treatment. An island bar offers refreshments, requiring a small step into the float pool--again, reinforcing the spa's cleansing essence. "We really wanted to emphasize that you are leaving one place and coming into another via water," the architect said. The water continues underneath the bar and through the procession hallway, terminating at a fountain under the main stair. Interaction with and through the water is an unbroken experience for guests at Trellis.

If water was a "first-order need" in the architect's hierarchy of design priorities, natural light was a not-too-distant second. Trellis' architecture draws natural lighting freely in and through all public areas and private treatment rooms, joining guests intimately with the outdoors. "I think that more and more spas are realizing that light is a soothing thing, rather than something that has to be shut out," says Malarkey. "Certainly it should be controlled, but not shut out." Even in the spa's private locker rooms, combining openness with intimacy, the architect designed a full-length, floor-to-ceiling window overlooking a secure private garden space. The pervasive water elements, intimate connection with the outdoors, and natural light combine to create an aesthetic absolutely unique to Trellis.

Credits

Architect and Interior Designer: Kirksey, Brian Malarkey, AIA, LEED, project architect.

General Contractor: Spaw Maxwell.

Project HIGHLIGHTS

Architecture: Mediterranean, U-shaped building surrounding a landscaped courtyard.

Exterior: Salmon-colored stucco; tile roof; heavy timber detailing; cast stone columns.

Notable Spaces: Coed float pool room, couples treatment rooms (s) each with two treatment tables, couples showers, and tubs; vichy shower and hydrotherapy rooms.

Design Accents: Windows throughout draw views in from landscaped courtyard; water element flows from a fountain outside in and through the facility and guest processional; laminated decorative papers diffuse light and air conditioning on treatment room ceilings; cabinets in treatment rooms are on legs rather than built-in, creating a more residential aesthetic.

Square Footage/Areas Affected: The 17,900-sq.-ft. spa houses 19 treatment rooms including eight rooms for body treatments, six facial rooms, two couples' rooms (each including two treatment tables, couples showers and tubs) as well as VIP, vichy shower, and hydrotherapy rooms. There are also six hair styling stations, seven manicure and four pedicure stations, locker rooms (with Jacuzzi and steam room), an indoor float pool, comfortable upstairs lounge with a fireplace, and a quiet room for before and after treatments.

Trellis At-a-Glance

Claim to Fame: The Houstonian property is one of the only "Green" hotels in Houston, recognized as a Green Hotel by the Green Globe Association and the Green Hotel Association. The Houstonian's Green Team of dedicated employees works to promote various environmental efforts throughout the year.

Famous Members: The Houstonian is home to the U.S. Paddle Team, currently eighth seeded in the world.

Famous "Almost" Members: George Bush Sr. lived just a stone's throw from the Houstonian during his presidency.

Success by Association: Trellis is part of a larger complex that features one of the country's top 10 fitness facilities, a luxury hotel and Mediterranean restaurant, and access to the Redstone Golf Club.