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Degree Wellness granted window-covering deviation in Wellington after extended debate on privacy and branding
Summary
After extended questioning, the ARB approved Degree Wellness’s request for perforated vinyl window coverings on the west elevation at Lotus Plaza, citing privacy needs for IV lounge clients and examples of similar approvals in Wellington, though staff had recommended limiting opaque coverage to areas that require screening.
Wellington — The Wellington Architectural Review Board on May 27 approved a technical deviation allowing Degree Wellness to install perforated vinyl window coverings on the west façade of its Lotus Plaza suite, concluding the materials are needed to screen unfinished interior walls and provide client privacy despite staff concerns about 100% coverage.
Planning staff told the board that the code normally allows up to 50% coverage per window panel and recommended restricting opaque vinyl only to portions that conceal unfinished walls or service/utility areas. Degree Wellness representatives said the franchise requires specific branding and that perforated vinyl allows clients to see out while preventing views in; they also said the coverings provide shade from the western sun.
Board members discussed examples of prior full-coverage approvals in Wellington and weighed privacy and aesthetic concerns. One board member said she did not want clients visible to passers-by; the applicants countered that the coverings are standard for similar wellness and therapy tenants and that the plaza owner supported the design. After discussion the board voted to approve the applicant’s requested coverings. Staff will verify material specifications, opacity, and placement during permit review to ensure privacy and compliance with ARB conditions.
What was decided: The board approved ARB-399 as requested by the applicant; staff will follow up on exact material specs, limits of branding coverage and whether corporate approvals were obtained.
