The Retreat

Sustainable Luxury Home Spa Design

Washington, DC Architect and Interior Design firm Studio Santalla designed this home spa bathroom to be luxurious yet eco-friendly and sustainable.
This luxurious yet sustainable home spa bathroom by Washington, DC Architect and Interior Design firm by Studio Santalla includes a wood tub surround and daybed.
Washington, DC Architect and Interior Design firm Studio Santalla designed custom sustainable furniture for this luxurious, environmentally friendly home spa bathroom
Studio Santalla designed the two story, cedar wrapped shower for this luxurious, sustainable home spa bathroom in Washington, DC
The luxurious, sustainable home spa bathroom designed by Studio Santalla in Washington, DC complies to green building techniques.
The luxurious two story shower of this sustainable home spa by Studio Santalla in Washington, DC features river rock pebbles and cedar paneling.
Studio Santalla designed the sustainable cedar tub surround for this green, environmentally friendly home spa bathroom in Washington, DC
Upscale green and sustainable bathroom by Washington, DC Architect and Interior Design firm, Studio Santalla

In 2009, Ernesto Santalla, PLLC—formerly Studio Santalla—was selected to participate with other Architects and Interior designers in the designing of the CharityWorks Greenhouse in McLean, VA. The Greenhouse represented the first carbon neutral single family Green Home on the East Coast; Studio Santalla was chosen to create the Spa/Retreat. The challenge of working on sustainable and environmentally friendly design provides a unique design opportunity.

We opened the home spa to the space by removing an enclosing wall. Bathed in natural light, the two-story shower, which includes a recirculating waterfall, occupies the center of the room, wrapped in cedar paneling. This “tree”, which represents the earth, envelops water, the source of life. The remaining functions lining the perimeter of the room, include a custom designed storage bench, daybed and a soaking tub.

The materials in the room are sustainable in accordance with current “green” practices. The furniture is sustainable. The fabrics are sustainable. Even the original art from Dan Steinhilber is recycled! There is luxury without excess, just the necessary components to create an inviting, and comfortable environment to promote relaxation and well being.

Simple, clean, and contemporary, the Retreat is a place to unwind, take a nap, read, meditate–whichever your favorite way to relieve stress–indoors.

Artwork by Dan Steinhilber & Barbara Josephs Liotta