Futurestudio’s Transformative Design for Othership NYC

Canadian design practice Futurestudio has crafted an immersive wellness experience for Othership’s first New York City location, merging ancient traditions with modern sensibilities. Nestled in the Flatiron district, this thoughtfully designed space offers a retreat from urban life, anchored by a deep, earthy palette and atmospheric lighting that invite guests into a serene, communal journey.

GALLERY  

The 640-square-foot (59-square-metre) performance sauna and adjoining cold sanctuary room lie at the heart of the experience. The sauna, designed to reach up to 88 degrees Celsius, integrates aromatic snowballs that create humidity reminiscent of 93 degrees Celsius, while custom-designed ice baths dip to zero degrees Celsius for invigorating contrasts. These spaces provide the physical foundation for a practice steeped in wellness traditions dating back to the Roman period, said to offer a myriad of health benefits.

Futurestudio’s approach, led by Principal Ali McQuaid Mitchell, extends the wellness ethos throughout the interiors. Cedar panelling lines the reception area and corridors, seamlessly connecting these public spaces with the sauna. Textural elements such as pebbled river-stone flooring in wet zones and stacked ceramic tiles create tactile depth, while a custom-designed patchwork textile curtain in the entry softens the transition from the bustling street.

Guests are encouraged to unwind between sessions in a 700-square-foot (65-square-metre) amphitheatre-style tea lounge. Bleacher-style seating surrounds a full-height central fireplace, creating a communal yet intimate setting. A custom-designed halo light, created in collaboration with Anony, crowns the lounge and shifts hues to mimic natural lighting transitions, from sunrise to moonlight.

Othership co-founder Robert Bent describes the space as a departure from traditional wellness offerings, designed to redefine how people connect with themselves and others. “As a society, we’re beginning to acknowledge the impact of our emotional state on physical health and daily life,” said Bent.

This fresh approach to hot and cold therapy, alongside the rising popularity of spas as social spaces, underscores a broader cultural shift in New York City. Co-founder Amanda Laine sees this as an evolution of how people gather: “People want to reconnect, relax, and feel safe without the pressures of a bar or restaurant.”

With its transformative design and emphasis on connection, Othership represents a reimagined future for urban wellness spaces.

Images by Ian Patterson via Dezeen

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