Designing a Sanctuary: The Inhouse Vision for One Flow Studio

At Inhouse Design Studio, we believe that exceptional design is born from a powerful vision. When we partnered with the founders of One Flow, a new yoga and wellness social club, the goal was ambitious yet clear: to create a sanctuary in the heart of Cape Town that would set a new standard for wellness spaces. The project, led by our Creative Director Aidan Hart, was an opportunity to translate the core values of connection, community, and complete well-being into a physical, immersive experience.

The Vision: A Hub for Connection and Community

The vision for One Flow was to create more than just a yoga studio; it was to build a comprehensive wellness hub. The design needed to be inviting, establish a new benchmark for facilities, and offer a diverse range of spaces where members could connect and embark on their personal wellness journeys. The entire project was guided by three core themes: Connection, Community, and a Complete Wellness Package.

Design in Motion: The User Journey

Our design philosophy for One Flow was anchored in the principle of "Form follows Function." We meticulously considered the user experience, mapping out the journey from the moment a person decides to visit until the moment they leave, feeling refreshed and revived. The layout was crafted to minimize wasted space and create a subconscious, natural flow.

Upon entering, guests are welcomed into a large, double-volume reception area that provides immediate visual connection to every part of the studio. This openness is intentional, designed to ground visitors and eliminate any sense of the unknown. A central desk acts as a welcoming beacon and a "flow splitter," guiding individuals towards two distinct staircases that serve as gateways to their practice. This thoughtful circulation ensures a seamless and intuitive journey inward.

To maintain a sense of connection while providing distinct zones, the design incorporates layers of translucent glass screens. This allows for a feeling of being in a dedicated space while remaining connected to the gentle energy of the wider studio. The only exception is the second studio, which was intentionally designed as an enclosed space to facilitate a deeper, inward journey, enhanced by specialized lighting and sound solutions.

A Sanctuary of Materials and Light

The material and color palettes were chosen to cultivate an atmosphere of calm and balance. Solid Spruce timber floors, a key feature in both yoga studios, are not only visually warm but are also soft underfoot and provide sprung-floor feedback that reduces impact on the body. This natural timber is complemented by a peaceful palette of warm whites and greens, creating a tactile and visually comforting environment.

Every material was selected for its ability to contribute to the overall ambiance and functionality. The result is a harmonious balance where each element works in concert to create a welcoming, serene sanctuary, shielding visitors from the hustle of the outside world.

Innovation and Sustainability at the Core

One Flow is distinguished by several unique features that set it apart. The "Wellzone" is a truly innovative offering, featuring a sauna journey experience that is the first of its kind in Cape Town. This dedication to a complete wellness offering is a cornerstone of the project.

Sustainability was also a powerful driver in our design decisions. The studio’s structure features a solid 175mm timber flooring system, which replaces the standard concrete and steel, significantly reducing the project's carbon footprint. Furthermore, the two hot studios are heated using highly efficient LP gas instead of electricity, another key decision to ensure the long-term environmental sustainability of the space.

The journey from concept to creation for One Flow took only four months, a testament to the powerful team dynamic and a shared commitment to realizing a bold vision. The result is a space that is more than just a building; it is, as the founders describe it, "positive energy wrapped up in a physical space, for our seekers to re-energise and re-wire." It’s a feeling, and at Inhouse, we are proud to have designed the sanctuary to house it.