Diandra Politano Clinic
Stanton Architects revitalises a 1860s heritage sandstone building in Sydney’s Balmain into a refined, immersive and nurturing wellness clinic for Diandra Politano.
Stanton Architects is a multidisciplinary design practice based in Sydney, led by Laura and Wally Stanton. Known for its site-responsive, high-quality builds and collaborative, open approach, the practice’s portfolio spans private dwellings, multi-unit residential developments, commercial and retail projects, and interior fit-outs.
For its latest project – located off busy Darling Street in Sydney’s Balmain – Stanton Architects has transformed an 1860s heritage sandstone building into a luxurious, nurturing clinic for Diandra Politano, one of Australia’s most respected dermal therapists. The vision was to create an environment that felt more like a home than a wellness facility, offering clients a sense of escape from the everyday. “We wanted to create a clinic that didn’t feel clinical at all,” says Laura Stanton. “It needed to feel like a warm, nurturing home, an environment where wellness is experienced the moment you step inside.
“Through both the architecture and the interior design, the clinic embodies luxury, wellness and precision,” she continues. “By balancing aesthetic sophistication with operational functionality, we’ve created a space that elevates both the client experience and Diandra’s brand identity.”
Stanton Architects worked collaboratively with Politano to ensure the clinic offered a multi-sensory experience and reflected both her brand and philosophy. “The project allowed us to translate Diandra’s ethos – warmth, precision and calm – directly into the built environment,” says Wally Stanton. Intentionally moving away from a traditional clinic’s feel and aesthetic, a lot of consideration went into spatial planning, materiality and light. Every element was considered, from the warm neutral palette to the scent, the selection of linen and treatment beds, the soundtrack – there’s a curated clinic playlist – and even the indirect, concealed lighting that washes surfaces with soft tones.
The sense of warm embrace begins as soon as you climb the stairs, leaving the busyness of Darling Street behind, and enter the expansive reception area on the first floor. More Parisian apartment than beauty clinic, the space’s sandstone walls, warm timber flooring, neutral-toned fittings and elevated furnishings evoke calmness while reflecting the highly curated nature of Stanton’s work. “This project embodies our commitment to creating spaces that are as emotionally resonant as they are functional,” says Laura.
The building had several heritage-listed features that needed to be preserved. Rather than working around these elements, Stanton chose to embrace them, allowing history to guide the contemporary expression. “The heritage fabric really was something to celebrate,” explains Wally. “The sandstone walls, timber floors and original French doors and windows became the soul of the project, informing every new design decision. The challenge was finding the balance between preserving the historic character and introducing contemporary elements that supported a refined, luxurious experience. Rather than competing, the old and new are designed to cocoon each other.”
New interventions include wall panelling, soft paint finishes, large ceiling cornices, soft curved joinery, wall lights and mirror wall panelling. Continuing the theme of quiet luxury, soft fabrics and designer furnishings are featured, including a custom Murano chandelier – procured by Stanton Home on a sourcing trip to Italy – a Tash electroplated stool by Hue-Gah Home, Allard ottomans by Rachel Donath and the striking, brushed stainless-steel SS-DIN03BR 100 table by Fleur Studios. Pretty vignettes of furniture and objects dot the space, much more redolent of a home than a commercial outfit.
The new clinic embodies Stanton Architects’ holistic design approach and is a testament to the practice’s ability to craft bespoke, experience-led commercial interiors in which architecture becomes a tangible expression of brand ethos and user wellbeing.
Architecture and interior design by Stanton Architects. Build by Impression Projects.
