Melbourne’s most laid-back seafront suburb gains a new yoga retreat

Living in Mordi, one of Melbourne’s most laid-back seafront suburbs, has just got even more zen for local yogis. Studio Warrior One has opened its second shala (after Brighton, Melbourne) offering a wide range of yoga classes and training sessions.

Design practice Golden used the studio’s nearest neighbour, the ocean, as inspiration to achieve a real vedic environment, suitable for both the rigorous as well as meditative aspects of yoga. One practice room is inspired by Indra royal masculine energy of the Heavens, and the other is inspired by Durga, the feminine protective, who nourishes creative force. Both choices achieve a balance of contrasts between the physical world and the dream one, through textural exploration.

On entering the studio, expectations are quickly undone with soft sisal fabric covering the ceiling, and a dark polished concrete floor contrasting the bleached, puristic form of the bespoke reception desk by Melbourne stonemason and artist Den Holm. Materials get even more varied with fluted-glass sliding doors diffusing the daylight into the studios, architectural hardwood beams creating a rhythmic ‘sky’, and hand textured walls. In the bathrooms, luxurious pink marble is paired with the rawness of brushed bronze and earthy warmth of wood, whereas in the changing rooms walnut veneer creates a uniform surface to house personal belongings.

There are custom-made day beds and a choice of features like tensile fabric lights, plants, and the odd detail like a wooden surfboard to encourage post-practice daydreaming; so you float away on an ocean of calm. §