The past three decades have produced technological advances in virtually every industry, with longer-lasting materials, new technology, new safety criteria and improved engineering helping to raise building standards. However, within the same time frame, the wellness industry seems to have lagged behind, and the production of steamrooms, Roman baths, hammams, and other wellness features within spa environments have remained largely unchanged.
This traditional building production approach typically involves the use of EPS panels for structural elements, which are made from shaved polystyrene and cement mortar, reinforced with fibreglass net. However, EPS has limitations, which include a poor fire-resistance rating; a low structural rating regarding strength; and the frequent replacement of hinges on glass doors to prevent damage. EPS is also porous, and in a damp/humid wellness environment, water leaks and a build-up of bacteria and mould, as well as unpleasant odours, are a common issue. Notably, EPS is not recyclable – a growing concern due to its impact on the environment.
Engineering expertise
Now Myrtha Wellness, a world leader in pool design and technology, has answered the call for a long-overdue improvement in design and technological building methods within the wellness sector.
Over the past six decades, the manufacturing company has transformed the world of aquatics, and is now bringing its ingenuity-driven expertise to the international spa and wellness industry.
The company’s revolutionary use of modular, laminated stainless-steel panels in the design of everything from Olympic competition pools to water parks and showcase hospitality pools at wellness leisure centres, hotel pools and spas – offers its clients a ‘watertight’ approach in delivering exceptional wellness products. Its technology has inspired a breathtaking line of saunas, steam baths, Kneipp pools, salt walls, ice fountains and experience showers to more than 70 locations across the world – including Europe, the US, Canada, Brazil, India, Australia, Japan and New Zealand.
“For the past 20 years, my personal mission has been to bring wellness experiences to another dimension, and now with Myrtha Wellness we’ve succeeded,” Myrtha wellness director Stefano Cattaneo explains. “Myrtha Wellness provides a series of solutions that combine the beauty of ‘Made in Italy’ design, with sustainable production and the best warranties for spa structures, equipment and waterproofing.
Designed to fit
Relaxation has never been so well engineered, with each wellness area prefabricated and assembled in-house and flat packed for shipping – boasting a robust structure that is literally as strong as steel.
Customised design is an important consideration in the conceptual development of a bespoke wellness environment. Mosaics, marble and other exceptionally fine finishes are included in Myrtha Wellness’ product portfolio. The flexible design of the modular system, the structural integrity of our steel components and the ability to customise specific designs with beautiful finishes, make it possible to create sensational wellness spaces to the highest standards of modern design for hotels, spas, clinics and wellness customers.
Structural panels or components can also be easily inspected, removed and replaced from within the cabin, which allows minimal disruption for the operator.
Technology gains
Sustainability is built into the Myrtha technology, with products engineered, designed and manufactured using environmentally sustainable processes that have a low carbon footprint and lead to reductions in both energy and water consumption.
Myrtha products contribute up to six of the nine LEED certification categories. Additionally, with decades of aquatics experience, products also deliver superior waterproofing advantages.
The benefits of Myrtha’s technological expertise extends to many areas critical to a well-conceived wellness facility design. The products are made from insulation material of Class B Fire Resistance and the stainless-steel components ensure a 90 per cent reduction in bacterial growth and odours.
Myrtha Wellness also employs a 3D-design system that streamlines the approval process and allows identification of possible issues before manufacturing even begins. The result is an in-house ‘assembly process’ that comes together with plug-and-play ease.
As partners from the earliest planning conversations to the first ‘toe in the water’, the Myrtha team offer expertise, inspiration and support for wellness facilities in any shape and size..
“We work globally in partnership with architects, designers and engineers throughout the project lifecycle to create exceptional wellness experiences, by pioneering the latest technological and eco-friendly trends in the hospitality market,” Cattaneo concludes.
