Layered Calm – Fenn by Akin Atelier

Embodying an inherent calm, Fenn comes together with its natural and textural materiality to sculpt the ideal place of healing. Akin Atelier refers to gestures of simplicity and layers of softness to create a series of spaces that transport visitors on their journey to betterment.

Located in an existing building within Sydney’s inner Paddington, Fenn emerges as the manifested physical space of its brand. Layered elements bring a variety of textures together to encase the space as a portal to be transported and to receive treatments accordingly. The beauty and skin wellness space is imagined to offer a pause in time, with dappled and softened light filling the internal volumes and diffusing the boundary between inside and out. Connecting back to an open and earth-inspired palette, the selections take cues from the natural, where changes to surfaces create their own sense of movement. Akin Atelier uses a restrained approach and, through refined details and junctions, proposes a place that becomes its own destination in the process.

The beauty and skin wellness space is imagined to offer a pause in time, with dappled and softened light filling the internal volumes and diffusing the boundary between inside and out.

Built by EMAC Constructions, with specialist plastering by Catela, Fenn is essentially a play on tonality, heightened through an attentive rigour. Spread over two levels, the clinic space is divided into an entry and receiving foyer, which also allows for waiting, followed by a retail and counter interaction, continuing into the treatment spaces to the rear and upstairs. Throughout, displays of handcrafted elements further emphasise the effect of the hand on creating, making and healing – connecting back to the purpose of the space. Relaxed and lush deep lounge seating encourages an engagement and puts guests at ease both from the beginning and again before they exit.

Within each of the spaces, the interactions with joinery have been acutely considered and the materiality refined to ensure an interesting engagement through touch. While natural light is an important contributor to the experience, the decorative and iconic lighting acts as sculptural elements, dotted and hanging dutifully throughout. At the point of sale, a Le Corbusier Lampe de Marseille lamp sits comfortably, while in the treatment rooms Volker Haug’s Anton glass wall sconces defy their weight and sit softly adhered to the wall. Natural terracotta Forbo marmoleum flooring wraps the ground floor, which is then combined with brushed stainless steel, a custom murowash on the wall mixed with sand, with cork also added to joinery for depth. The curving of features then allows for deliberate hinting of movement, ushering guests to their sessions.

Within each of the spaces, the interactions with joinery have been acutely considered and the materiality refined to ensure an interesting engagement through touch.

The raw and natural finishes used in Fenn increase the overall textural experience. Akin Atelier has created an elevated consciousness of surrounds, allowing both a return to the present and an escape at the same time.