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about
Handmade, professionally finished
It’s been quite a journey this year! Handcrafting every detail of the studio, treatments, and products to launching FOLDE + SONDER at a beautiful Sussex vineyard this summer, it’s been a whirlwind experience. Now, we’re excited to kick off our new residency this autumn/winter in the heart of the South Downs.
2024 has definitely been a year to remember!
Our Journey
Our FOLDE + SONDER journey has been filled with exciting moments, punctuated with its fair share of challenges! We couldn’t be prouder of where we are now, and we can’t wait to welcome you to FOLDE + SONDER! See our story unfold below...
Aug 2023
The Start
Every Saturday, when life allows, my partner and I head out for coffee, a chat, and a walk through the beautiful Sussex countryside. It was on one of these walks that FOLDE + SONDER was born—a seed of an idea we kept revisiting. One crisp morning in autumn 2023, we found ourselves coming back to a familiar question: “How can a spa experience be more like this. The simple pleasure of time, views and good company?” As we put our heads together—me with my years in the wellness industry and my partner bringing architectural expertise—we knew we could create something special - a reimagining of what a spa experience can be.
Nov 2023
The Design
We explored all sorts of options for creating a mobile studio space, even considering converting existing mobile tow-along vehicles. But nothing gave us the expansive windows and feel we were after. I convinced my partner to help design a totally bespoke space—and he really delivered! We dove into research to make sure our studio met standard building regulations, was well insulated and allowed us to be fully independent of amenities (power + water). Every material we chose had to be carefully evaluated to keep us under the road legal weight, so we can hitch it up and relocate it to different sites and settings. And above all, it needed to support the treatments and amenities we wanted for our incredible experiences. It was definitely a huge learning curve for us both!
Jan 2024
The Build
On a cold morning in January 2024, our flatbed trailer rolled into the workshop in Lewes, and the build was officially underway! Having a CNC machine on site meant we were able to cut the timber frame with exact precision and minimal waste. Progress slowed a bit with the nonstop rain—honestly, the wettest weather we could imagine—but soon enough, the main frame started taking shape, windows went in, and insulation followed. It was all starting to come together!
Mar 2024
Topping Out
FInally! A break in the weather gave way to clear skies, which saw us complete the roof, meaning a weather tight finish and the start of tackling the interior.
Apr 2024
Fitting Out
As we moved into the interior fit-out, the distinct spaces within the Studio began to take form. Ply timber edging and recycled fabrics are central elements in the finishes, adding a natural, textured aesthetic. Wiring for LED lights and figuring out the water pump system were new (and sometimes head-scratching!) challenges. Exposing certain elements, like the grey-speckled internal insulation boards with their slightly rough texture, brought an unexpected warmth to the Studio and preserved the build's handbuilt framce.
May 2024
Cladding!
Insulation boards covered in breathable fabric form the underlayer of our cladding, topped with a black, corrugated metal finish. We chose this material for its sleek look, nod to agricultural architecture, and lightweight quality. For the front and back, we opted for something a bit different. By this stage, we were mindful of our overall weight, so we selected a bronze polycarbonate—a very light material that pairs beautifully with the black metal. The bronze's subtle reflections add a dynamic quality, helping the Studio blend seamlessly into its surroundings.
Jun 2024
Finishing Touches
With the unique layout and compact interior, finding “off-the-shelf” furnishings was a real challenge—so we decided to design our own. From the armchairs to the massage bed, is custom-made and hand-upholstered, ensuring ideal sizing for comfort and ease of movement. Watching it all come together was incredibly rewarding: soft furnishings, cozy blankets, and curtains draped across doorways, accented by a bright orange pinboard material—a bold touch that we feel adds a punch of color and energy against the Studio's natural tones and the hues found in the landscape views outside.
Jul 2024
Products
As the build progressed, I immersed myself in developing our holistic treatments, crafting a unique blend of contemporary and classic massage techniques inspired by the rhythms of nature. In addition, our certified, hand-blended face and body oils perfectly complement our treatments, with each oil drawing inspiration from the Sussex landscape. We're hard at work preparing these products and expanding our range for bottling and sale - we can’t wait to share them with you!
Summer 2024
Ashling Park Estate
Our first residency this summer was at Ashling Park Estate, an established vineyard in the heart of Sussex, and we couldn’t have asked for a more spectacular launch. Nestled among the vines, our menu of holistic treatments were really well recieved by day visitors and guests staying in the estate’s lodges - we were touched by the very kind words left as testimonials... After three successful months, harvest time was approaching, and it was bittersweet to say goodbye to our last clients and to Ashling Park Estate as we eagerly look forward to our next residency.
Autumn/Winter 2024/25
Sussex Shala
We’re beyond excited to be in residence at The Sussex Shala this autumn and winter. Nestled beneath the South Downs with sweeping views of the Long Man of Wilmington, it’s a perfect escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. I can’t wait to welcome you here to experience our treatments in such a beautifully unique setting.
a personal note
"Self-care comes in many forms.
Whether it’s a moment of peaceful solitude, a long-overdue chat with a friend, or a lively social gathering that fills you with joy… Find that balance. It’s not about favouring one over the other—embrace them all.”
Liv x
a personal note
Design
“Designing with a client who knows their brief and has such a clear picture of what must be achieved makes for a simple process... Being married to them helps but the quality of a design relies on the energy to see it through.”
Jared
