STUDIO NOIR

Private · Master Plan · v1.0
STUDIO NOIRRECOVERY WING

STUDIO NOIR · Recovery Wing

Phase 1: no recovery wing. The physical space and capital required (sauna, cold plunge, steam room, plumbing, dedicated HVAC, private cabanas, spa-grade materials, wellness-attendant staffing) are Phase 2 flagship.

Phase 2: full recovery wing launches with the flagship.

Why we do not fake Phase 1 recovery

A small sauna in a corner or a portable cold tub outside the changing room would be tempting. We reject it.

Reasons: 1. Insurance and liability. Sauna, cold plunge, and contrast therapy at a real spa standard require infrastructure, attendant supervision, safety protocols, and insurance premiums we cannot support at Phase 1 boutique scale. 2. Brand integrity. A $199-tier member paying for a “recovery wing” that is actually one $600 sauna in a shared changing room is not luxury. It is cynical. That damages the brand more than not having it damages the offer. 3. Real estate constraints. A 2,000 sqft Phase 1 studio does not have square footage to spare for a proper recovery zone. Any recovery amenity would compete with movement floor space, which is the primary product. 4. Capital. A single quality sauna installation with proper ventilation and safety runs $15K to $25K. A cold plunge is $8K to $18K. Both together plus rework of plumbing and electrical would consume 30 to 40% of the $85K Phase 1 budget for something that is not the main product.

Better to lean into the discipline: Phase 1 is a movement studio, run at hotel hospitality standard. Recovery comes at Phase 2.

What we DO offer Phase 1 (adjacent, not “recovery wing”)

  • Post-class hydration station. Chilled cucumber-and-citrus water at the concierge desk. Free, always.
  • Post-class stretching space. After the last class, the studio floor stays open 20 minutes for members to stretch and cool down.
  • Signature scent through the space. Aromatherapy done well.
  • Mobility Flow class weekly. Programmed class that serves the recovery function (see 02_CLASS_PROGRAMMING).
  • Partnership referrals (not owned by STUDIO NOIR). Recommendations to Triangle spas, saunas, and cryotherapy clinics (The Umstead Spa in Cary as the ceiling reference) that members can visit if they want dedicated recovery. Concierge maintains the list.

These deliver the intent of recovery hospitality without pretending we have a recovery wing.

Phase 2 recovery wing (2029-2030 flagship)

Full spec, to be built out in 2028 with the flagship architect. Preview here.

Four core modalities

1. Traditional Finnish sauna. 12-person capacity, cedar interior, 175 to 190°F. Attendant supervised during peak. Protocol guidance posted at entry.

2. Cold plunge. 4-person shared, 45 to 55°F, ozone and UV filtration. Attendant supervised always during off-peak (never solo). Buddy required for first-timers.

3. Steam room. 8-person, 110 to 118°F, eucalyptus infusion.

4. Contrast therapy. 2 contrast shower stations. Programmed as scheduled sessions in the private cabanas.

Programmed recovery classes at flagship

  • IR + Stretch. Infrared warmth + guided stretch, 45 min. Studio tier and Black Card.
  • Breathwork. 30 min guided. Studio tier and up.
  • Recovery Restore. 60 min ground-based passive stretch + fascial release. Weekend closer.
  • Contrast Session (guided). 30 min supervised protocol through shared wing modalities.

Private cabanas (Phase 2)

Three private cabanas, 300 sq ft each. Complete recovery suites (sauna, steam, cold plunge, contrast shower, private locker, ambient control). Bookable in 60-min blocks. Studio-tier $85/block, Black Card 1 included/month + additional at $65/block.

Recovery attendant staffing (Phase 2)

Peak: 2 attendants. Off-peak: 1 attendant on call. Trained in modality protocols, CPR/AED, member hospitality, and safety response.

Recovery revenue at Phase 2 maturity

Direct revenue thin (bundled in Studio and Black Card dues). Indirect value large: justifies pricing tiers, drives retention, differentiates from Triangle competitors.

Direct Phase 2 recovery revenue at maturity: ~$550K/year (cabana upcharges).

Full spec (protocols, cleaning cadence, water quality, temperature holds, safety, signage, hydration amenities, cabana turnover procedures) will be rebuilt in 2028 for Phase 2 buildout.

  • Floor plan (Phase 2 zones listed): 03_CONCEPT_PROGRAMMING/00
  • Membership tiers (Black Card at Phase 2): 03_CONCEPT_PROGRAMMING/01
  • Safety and liability: 07_OPERATIONS/02
  • Legal and insurance: 14_LEGAL_IP