Cold, properly integrated into a wellness environment, becomes a powerful tool for regeneration, contrast, and sophistication. In the design of spas and wellness areas, cold equipment has evolved from a functional complement to an essential element that articulates the wellness experience. Snow cabins, cold-water pools, ice fountains, and ice rooms not only offer therapeutic benefits: they are also a statement of design, technology, and sustainability.
Why does cold matter?
Thermal contrast is an ancient practice supported by modern science. Brief exposure to cold, followed by heat, stimulates circulation, tones the skin, strengthens the immune system, and has a natural anti-inflammatory effect. For athletes, therapeutic spa users, and wellness enthusiasts, this type of experience has become essential.
Types of Refrigeration Equipment and Their Function
· Snow Cabins: Complete climate-controlled cabins that replicate Nordic environments with sub-zero temperatures. Some incorporate chromotherapy, subtle aromas, or dim lighting for a multi-sensory experience. Their climate control requires precise technical design to maintain constant conditions with high energy efficiency.
· Cold Water Pools: Designed for total or partial immersion, with precise temperature control (between 8°C and 14°C), automatic recirculation systems, and non-slip and antibacterial materials. They integrate perfectly into spa circuits and muscle recovery areas.
· Ice Fountains: Provide both aesthetic and functional value. Combined with heat areas such as saunas or hammams, they allow users to rub ice on their bodies, activating circulation and providing an immediate refreshing stimulus. They are usually made with stainless steel, natural stone, or Corian® structures and can include activation sensors and autonomous ice production systems.
· Ice rooms or cold chambers: These facilities are created solely with air and water. The ambient temperature is maintained at 12°C, and other equipment can be included inside: ice fountains, cold water basins, chromotherapy, etc. We use Wellpro® for their construction, the exclusive Freixanet Wellness material that is synonymous with durability and reliability.
Technology Applied to Comfort and Sustainability
In contemporary wellness spaces, technology must serve well-being. Today's cooling equipment integrates:
· Home automation control systems to program cycles, temperatures, and automatic maintenance.
· State-of-the-art compressors that reduce energy consumption without compromising performance.
· Wellpro® thermal insulation, exclusive to Freixanet Wellness, minimizes cooling loss and guarantees acoustic comfort.
· Recirculation and automated disinfection systems ensure maximum hygiene without manual intervention.
All of this allows not only for an impeccable experience for the user, but also for efficient management for the operator.
Custom Design: Aesthetics at the Level of Functionality
The aesthetics of cold are minimalist, elegant, and serene. But it requires precise architectural planning. The design of this type of equipment adapts to the concept of each wellness space: from urban spas to high-performance sports centers or private hotel suites. The choice of materials, indirect lighting, sensor integration, and silent ventilation systems make the difference between a standard solution and an exclusive experience.
Today, architects, interior designers, and developers find in wellness an opportunity to differentiate their offerings.
Maintenance, Durability, and Operational Management
One of the major advances in this type of facility is the reduction of intensive maintenance. Modern refrigeration equipment is designed for uninterrupted daily operation, with self-cleaning cycles, smart alerts, and parts manufactured to high-durability standards. This allows the design to be not only beautiful and functional, but also viable from an operational perspective.
The future of wellness lies in contrast
Including cooling equipment in spas and wellness areas is more than a trend. It's a commitment to intelligent well-being: a harmonious integration of technology, design, and sustainability. As the wellness sector grows more sophisticated, users seek authentic, effective, and sensorial experiences. And cooling, properly understood, plays a leading role in this new paradigm.
