Designing a Sanctuary: Aidan Hart’s Vision for One Flow Studio
Architectural designer Aidan Hart shares the inspiration, process, and unique elements behind Cape Town’s premier yoga and wellness space, One Flow Studio.
Background and Inspiration:
Can you tell us a little bit about your background and what inspired you to become a designer?
After graduating in Architectural design, I moved to Hong Kong to practice. The three years in HK and then Singapore gave me a huge leap forward on project scale and speed of delivery. This exposure to large complex projects created a drive that allowed me to deliver on clients briefs accurately.
What was the vision behind designing this new yoga studio in Cape Town?
Working with Jeanae and Deirdre, we establish a vision to deliver a new level of yoga and wellness in Cape Town. The space would need to be inviting, set a new standard in facilities, offer a range of spaces to allow for our seekers to engage and to receive a value-added experience.
Design Concept:
What themes or emotions did you aim to evoke in the space?
Connection, Community and a Complete Wellness Package.
Did you draw inspiration from any design styles, philosophies, or locations?
“Form follows Function” is definitely one of my design drivers. Having travelled extensively for work, I have managed to practice in many studios. We really felt that Cape Town was ready to offer a full house on Yoga and Wellness. The Design of the studio was driven around the technical requirements for each offering.
Design Process:
What was the design process like, from initial concept to the finished product?
I generally start with the functional requirements. Yoga studios are driven by the single yoga mat, the space required for this and the single person practice, expanding out to allow for a community practice. When I work on a design, I focus on the user experience from the moment they make a choice to come to practise. How they approach, how they are welcomed, how they move through the space right to the moment they leave.
I work to reduce the amount of wasted space and connect spaces together in sub conscious flow. The two staircases for example present themselves as gateways to practise. Each splitting off the reception desk. This central desk is a clear welcoming element, with clarity on the approach and then it acts as a flow splitter. I journey inwards and to my destination.
How did you ensure the space promotes a sense of calm and focus for practitioners?
Using the layering of translucent glass screens, we never really cut one space off from another. This allows one to be in one place but remain connected to another. There is no moment when one is lost. The only space which is truly enclosed is our studio two space. This studio was designed with the intention to allow for an inward journey, using lighting and sound enhanced solutions.
Material and Aesthetic Choices:
Can you share the rationale behind the choice of materials and colours used in the studio?
Most of the material sections were made based on the user experience and the need to provide a surface or finish that could deliver on the functional need. Solid Spruce floors in both studios are both warm and soft on the bare feet of our seekers, the structure offers a sprung floor feedback, which reduces the impact on the body. Colours were selected with a peaceful balanced objective.
How do the materials contribute to the overall ambiance and functionality of the space?
Each material and colour is equally balanced to provide the sense of welcome calm. Timber is a natural warm material that offers tactile and visual comfort. Mixed in with our warm white and green palate we establish a calm welcoming environment.
Cultural and Local Influence:
Did you incorporate any elements that reflect Cape Town’s culture or natural surroundings?
The studio reflects the open and community driven personality of our seekers, visitors from abroad have made comments to how welcoming the space is, yet at the same time the offering is on an international delivery level. Cape Town & South Africa is poised, very might already to be the best place to live.
User Experience:
What kind of experience do you want visitors to have when they step into the studio for the first time?
The intention from the start was to allow visitors to feel welcome, relaxed and free to enjoy the various Yoga and wellness offerings. The visual clarity of the large double volume reception provides immediate visual connection to every space in the studio. This allows a guest to ground themselves and at no stage do they be afraid of the unknown. We want all users and guests to be relaxed and find sanctuary from the moment of arrival to when they leave feeling refreshed and revived.
How did you consider the flow of space for both instructors and students in the design?
Our Guides are the biggest asset we have. They provide the process for our seekers (clients) to receive the best practice or wellness journey. We have provided various design solutions for their needs. Private lockers and change space, access to the café and support in their needs for the delivery of world class classes. The audio and lighting systems are set up to allow for their personal style.
What elements of the design do you think will resonate most with the studio’s clients?
I feel that the openness, the connection and the quality of the background technical services, offer the complete package. The end user might not truly understand the complete technical design that is required to deliver each offering, but the seamless experience they walk away with, will resonate in the hours, days and months after they enjoy the space.
Unique Features:
Are there any unique design elements or features that set this studio apart from others?
I’m not usually one to compare what we have with others, as we offer what we feel is needed right now to our clients. I feel there are many unique elements at One Flow. These combine to provide a powerful product to our seekers. The wellzone is truly unique. The sauna journey experience is totally unique to Cape Town and is a must experience for anyone seeking to expand their wellness process.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness:
How did sustainability play a role in your design decisions?
Sustainability was a strong design driver for us. We are all invested in the future of our planet and the environment. We focused on several material selections for the base build. These include the timber flooring system which is a solid 175mm timber structure replacing the concrete and steel standard. This is both beneficial as timber, while in production, aids in the reduction of greenhouse gasses and when converted to a product, provides a chemical free material for the users.
This timber solution also provides our very efficient temperature control surface to prevent heat loss during the heating of our studio. Our two hot studios are heating using LP gas and not electrical power. LP gas is seen as a very efficient method to heat spaces, reducing our carbon footprint substantially.
Future Vision:
Do you have any future plans for expanding or replicating this design concept in other locations?
Absolutely, we have plans for a further two studios in other parts of the Greater Cape Town Area. These are planned for the end of 2025. This offering will benefit a great many guests and providing a studio in alternative locations allows for more guests to benefit from the offering. Watch this space.
Personal Touch:
What part of the design are you most proud of?
The journey from concept to creation took only four months. We moved quickly and formed a strong team dynamic in solution finding. Often working the weekends in workshops to finetune the product. This team driven product is a testament to all the founders and the team that works to create this beautiful space. I’m proud of every single person who provided solutions and services to deliver One Flow.
If you could sum up the spirit of the yoga studio in a few words, what would they be?
One Flow, Yoga and Wellness Social Club, is positive energy wrapped up in a physical space, for our seekers to re-energise and re-wire. It’s a feeling. You can taste the love.
Aidan Hart’s dedication to creating a harmonious, sustainable wellness space is evident in every detail of One Flow Studio. From its open, welcoming atmosphere to the state-of-the-art wellness facilities, Hart’s thoughtful approach ensures a transformative experience for every guest