In their design for Super Sense Spa in Shangai, KUU architects looked to Shanghai’s past, preserving the integrity of the 1930s space while adding hints of modernity. Located in a three-and-a-half-story townhouse in the shopping district of Shanghai, the spa features rough and refined elements: “The interior experience of the spa is at once intimate and rich, made with colors and textures that are not typically found in a spa,” say the architects, “but reminds one of both the old Shanghai world and a possible future one.”
Photos by Jeremy San via Arch Daily.
![Super Sense Spa in Shanghai portrait 3](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/supersense-spa-remodelsita-6.jpg)
Above: According to the architects, “We kept the facade of the building simple, rough, and dull-colored to contrast with the over-abundant visual effects of its neighbors along the street.”
![Super Sense Spa in Shanghai portrait 4](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Supersense-Spa-Remodelista-7.jpg)
Above: Products are arrayed in a white chamber with a dramatic arched entrance. The walls are painted with emulsion paint applied over rough plaster.
![Super Sense Spa in Shanghai portrait 5](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Supersense-spa-interior-remodelista-11.jpg)
Above: The room has whitewashed brick walls and exposed rafters.
![Super Sense Spa in Shanghai portrait 6](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/supersense-spa-sink-remodelista.jpg)
Above: Ancient meets modern: a treatment room with minimalist fixtures.
![Super Sense Spa in Shanghai portrait 7](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Supersense-Spa-Remodelista-1.jpg)
Above: A dimly lit, Zen-like space with treatment tables for two.
![Super Sense Spa in Shanghai portrait 8](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Supersense-Spa-Remodelista-2.jpg)
Above: The architects left the old timber ceiling rafters partially exposed.
![Super Sense Spa in Shanghai portrait 9](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Supersense-Spa-Remodelista-5.jpg)
Above: Arched doorways and rough plaster are repeating motifs.
To see more of KUU Architects’ work, go to Revolution Road: An Architect-Designed Compound in Shanghai.
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