Dulux Trade Provides A Splash of Colour For Aqua Springs

Dulux Trade Provides A Splash of Colour For Aqua Springs

Colchester-based day spa Aqua Springs appointed the Dulux Trade commecial specification team to undertake a Greek-influenced internal refurbishment, with inspiration taken from a village on the island of Kefalonia, Greece.

With funding recieved as part of ongoing investment by Colchester Borough Council, the refit marks the latest phase of Leisure World Colchester's £1.5 million investment in its 25th anniversary year. The spa underwent extensive refurbishment including a new aromatherapy room, two newly refurbished saunas, a steam room and a brand new coffee shop.

Situated in Colchester, Aqua Springs is a popular destination for those in the area, out of town and abroad. The day spa was long overdue a facelift; the walls, ceilings, balustrades and tiles had not been touched since the original build, with patrons and employees beginning to notice the tired look. Dulux Trade's commercial specification team was brought in to give an initial consultation on the scope of work, make suggestions on the colour palette and help with the project management process.

Dulux Trade focused on four high traffic zones for the refurb; the treatment rooms, lobby, main communal areas and the reception area. The main product of choice was Dulux Trade Diamond, an innovative stain repellant technology product that acitvely repels stains. It is well suited to high humidity, and moist environments, making it the perfect product for a spa, bathroom, wetroom or kitchen area.

Known for their soothing properties, a palette of whites, greens and blues was a natural fit to create a calming and relaxing environment for those who frequent the facility.

Martha Dunican, Colour Operations Manager at AkzoNobel, who helped develop the initial design and overall feel at Aqua Springs, said: "The project was extremely interesting for me. I have never personally worked on a day spa which provided an initial brief asking to recreate a Mediterranean feel. We didn't want people to walk in and feel out of place, so matching the blues, sulphur tones, greens and whites with the natural backdrop of Colchester was incredibly important. After a few hours of discussing photos and scenery from Fiskardo and Asos, we agreed on the seven main colours for the makeover and I think we got it spot on.

"Colour can make or break a room and here it could be the difference of a customer returning or not. There was a lot on the line for us at AkzoNobel. It was great however working with the contractors who completed the project and seeing the clients' reaction certainly makes the entire process personally fulfilling.

"The clever use of colour in this environment to recreate a familiar and nostalgic feeling of holidays has helped improve the business and overall feeling from those who frequent it. This for us is a great example of the specification service Dulux Trade provides and the outstanding finish that can be achieved."

Cllr Annie Feltham, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Commercial Services, said: "It's important that our customers feel relaxed while they use the spa or experience a treatment, and their surroundings certainly influence this. I'm thrilled with the new fresh and modern theme that has delighted our customers.

"We take pride in providing the best possible experience for our customers, and our refurbishment has allowed us to further improve the facilities we already have. I'm delighted that in the first four months since the refurbishment we have seen an additional 200 visits per month."

The works were carried out through the Dulux Trade Contract Partnership, an exclusive network of independently assessed, quality-assured commercial decorators which provide amazing end results. Contract Partners' continual assessment ensures customers feel comfortable in the knowledge that their contractor will successfully deliver the desired specification every time.

The colours chosen from the extensive Dulux Trade Diamond offering were:

Swedish White
Conflower White
Sulphur Colour
Montpelier Green
Blue Ribbon
Sumatran Melody 4
Salisbury Stones 5

In the treatment rooms, for the paintable surfaces on the walls, woodwork and ceiling areas, the following finishes were chosen:

Dulux Trade Diamond Matt
Dulux Trade Metalshield Satin
Dulux Trade Diamond Eggshell

In the treatment room lobby, main communal areas and the reception area the following finishes was chosen:

Dulux Trade Diamond Matt
Dulux Trade High Gloss
Dulux Trade Metalshield Satin
Dulux Trade Weathershield Yacht Varnish
Dulux Trade Satinwood

Find out how you can achieve similar results for your commercial refurbishment by calling the Dulux Trade Commercial Specification Team on 0333 222 7070 or emailing duluxtrade.advice@akzonobel.com Visit the Dulux Trade Contract Parter website to find your nearest Dulux Trade approved contractor.