Tribeca by Matter of Something
Tucked within the urban landscape of Bandung, Indonesia, Tribeca by Matter of Something offers a tranquil retreat for beauty and wellness.
Designed for hair, nail, and skincare treatments, the project reimagines the traditional salon as a holistic sanctuary: one that prioritises calm, tactility, and human connection. Conceived as a serene environment where every gesture and material contributes to an atmosphere of quiet refinement, Tribeca speaks to the studio's sensitivity to both function and feeling.
Founded in Bandung, Matter of Something is a multidisciplinary studio working across interiors, architecture, and graphic design. Their practice is grounded in exploring relationships: between people and place, the past and the present, and the tangible and the abstract. For them, each project is an act of translation: understanding how the unseen connections between form, material, and emotion can give rise to spaces that matter. This philosophy anchors Tribeca, where the notion of relation guides every spatial decision, from the layout and lighting to the material palette and furniture detailing.
At its core, Tribeca is designed as a serene beauty sanctuary: warm, minimal, and composed. The interior balances operational efficiency with a sense of intimacy, ensuring that the rituals of care and relaxation unfold effortlessly. A restrained palette of soft sand, clay, and stone grey sets the tone for the project, enriched by natural materials such as oak, stone, and linen. Together, they create a tactile harmony that feels grounded yet elegant.
Spatial clarity defines the project's organisation. Upon entering, visitors are welcomed into a reception area that flows seamlessly into a central circulation spine. To one side, private treatment rooms offer secluded zones for skincare and specialised services, fostering an atmosphere of quiet retreat. Beyond, an open-air garden courtyard acts as the project's heart: a contemplative focal point that introduces natural light and greenery into the core of the interior. This courtyard establishes a visual and emotional connection between interior and exterior, reinforcing the project's intent to bring a sense of nature and renewal to the beauty experience.
The manicure and hair treatment areas occupy more communal zones, where activity and conversation coexist with comfort and calm. A long, light oak table serves as a shared setting for nail treatments, inviting both interaction and individual focus. The layout is open yet subtly divided through the use of curtains, screens, and varied lighting, creating a rhythm of privacy and openness across the plan. Circulation is intuitive and unobstructed, ensuring ease of movement for both clients and staff.
Lighting plays a central role in shaping the interior's mood. Natural daylight filters through from the courtyard, softly diffused across textured walls and muted surfaces. Complementing this, warm, indirect illumination enhances the sense of depth and serenity. In the waxing hallway, recessed lighting traces the length of the corridor, casting gentle shadows on pale, neutral walls framed by rich wooden doorways. Each lighting gesture is deliberate: guiding without overwhelming, illuminating without glare.
The material palette furthers the project's narrative of understated sophistication. Oak wood detailing frames openings and furniture, bringing warmth and texture to the restrained architectural envelope. Stone surfaces anchor the composition with quiet strength, while linen and soft textiles temper the harder finishes. This creates an interior that feels cohesive and tactile, with a balance between structure and softness.
At reception, a curved wooden wall forms a welcoming backdrop to a minimalist silver-toned desk. The softly glowing TRIBECA sign lends a sense of quiet identity, while potted greenery adds a natural accent that echoes the garden beyond. The experience is both professional and personal: an embodiment of Matter of Something's belief that even utilitarian spaces can inspire connection and calm.
Every design element serves a purpose. Integrated storage and built-in furnishings streamline daily operations, maintaining visual order while supporting functionality. The careful proportioning of volumes and pathways ensures durability and cleanliness, essential for a high-use wellness environment. Yet beyond practicality, there is an underlying sensitivity: a desire to create a space that feels human in scale and spirit.
In Tribeca, Matter of Something has created more than a beauty destination: it is a sanctuary shaped by thoughtfulness and care. The project embodies the studio's ongoing exploration of relationships: between people and place, between the seen and unseen. Through its earthy palette, layered lighting, and spatial precision, the interior cultivates an enduring sense of balance and tranquillity. Here, wellness extends beyond treatment: it becomes an experience of presence, touch, and quiet reflection.
