The Forge
The Forge is a pioneering wellness centre located in the heart of Totnes, Devon. Situated on the site of the town’s original blacksmiths' forge, the newly opened space is the first floatation therapy centre of its kind in the South West. With the goal to create an oasis of calm and restoration, we used trauma-informed interior design principles to foster healing, comfort, and connection. Our design approach was rooted in the desire to create a sanctuary: one that felt grounded, residential, and deeply restorative for both customers and therapists.
The brief called for a series of spaces that would be both functionally efficient and emotionally resonant: a place appealing to local residents seeking support, peace, and quiet contemplation, while also offering a destination-worthy, luxury wellness experience. This duality shaped every design decision, from the flow of the treatment rooms to the choice of natural, tactile materials throughout. Spread across two floors, the rooms of The Forge are mostly compact, designed to evoke a residential atmosphere that prioritises comfort, intimacy, and calm. This was achieved through a carefully considered approach to materiality, finishes, and lighting - key principles of trauma-informed design.
Low-level and layered lighting is used throughout to create a sensory-rich ambience that feels grounded and welcoming, avoiding starkness or overly clinical tones. A light, uplifting colour palette enhances the sense of space, complemented by warm accents in the furnishings to introduce depth and character. Natural textures play a central role: wood panelling and retained beams contribute to the domestic feel, whilst oak joinery and bespoke timber furniture pieces strengthen the connection to nature. Durable stone flooring and slate worktops reference Devon’s vernacular, firmly anchoring the interiors in the local context. Each room flows seamlessly into the next, forming a cohesive environment that supports both the practical needs of therapists and the emotional needs of visitors.
Client: The Forge Therapy CentreArchitect: Roderick James ArchitectsContractor: Broadoak Construction Joinery: Block & Tackle CarpentryPhotography: Matthias Peters PhotographyNeed an interior designer in Devon?
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