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interior views

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Lighting

After researching and playing around with water and light, I decided only to use this type of lighting in small parts of my bathhouse such as hallways and stairwells. As my design is very minimalistic I didn’t want to take away from these key features by having the lighting as a distraction I wanted to focus rather on materials. Most of the lighting in my bathhouse will be natural lighting fragmented by archways and shapes in my bathhouse.

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Research of Archways throughout Architectural history

‘Arches represent one of the most pivotal developments in the world of architecture, and a feat of structural engineering.’ For thousands of years, the arch has formed both the basic structural supports for many buildings, in turn becoming the ultimate visual reference for so many of us. From soaring Gothic cathedrals to ancient Roman viaducts, the arch’s contribution to the world’s greatest architectural monuments cannot be understated.

The ancient Romans were the first in Europe, and perhaps the rest of the world, who recognised the advantages of the arch, and exploited its full potential for above ground buildings. How did the Romans achieve this? The answer lies in their version of concrete which was developed using a mixture of lime and volcanic sand, resulting in a very strong and durable material. 

(Source:) https://www.yellowtrace.com.au/modern-arches-architecture-interiors/ How this relates to my bathhouse design: 

The design of the archways in my bathhouse will take inspiration from the original gothic period in Europe between the mid 12th-16th century. It will also take inspiration from ancient Roman architecture. I believe that the use of the archway in both of these types of architecture in history represent how arches are structures with deep resonance. To me they are so much more than just material in a certain shape, I feel like they symbolize a lot of spiritual connection from person to building. They create a comforting aura of a space you are in, I think they can also symbolize things such as strength and support, lightness and openness. 

Something I read which also was eye opening for me with the design of my bathhouse is that: In mythology arches & doorways are understood as thresholds in time and space (chronos/physical world) through which one passes to enter another kind of time and space (kairos/spiritual world). This was very captivating to me and made me want to incorporate the archway into my bathhouse even more because I want the space to feel mystical and mysterious, almost like you are entering into a spiritual realm but one for the mind to meditate. A safe space that you can use to recharge. A spiritual space and place of escape. 

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Indoor Vertical Garden  Plant Wall Further Research

Sundar Italia is Italy’s leading company in the field of designing and building indoor and outdoor living walls. They focus on vertical garden plant walls, which I would like to focus on as I believe it creates a very relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. I believe that plant walls also create a sort of meditative state, bringing the outdoors in. 

I would like to include a plant wall in the entrance way of my bathhouse, in a hallway space I have created on the other side of the pillars. By reading more about Sundar Italia I have been inspired to take this plant wall idea into action. 

The way that these plant walls function: 

The plants grow on a panel covered in fabric (felt) using hydroculture technology.‎ The panels are supported by a modular structure that is detached from the wall to guarantee adequate ventilation.‎ The Vertical Garden has an automatic system that controls lighting and fertilization/irrigation cycles.‎

For my plant wall I would be using a system like this to guarantee the health of my plants and ensuring that they survive in the environment in which they will be installed in. 

https://www.archiproducts.com/en/products/sundar-italia/indoor-vertical-garden-indoor-vertical-garden_219462

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atmospheric storyboard of my bathhouse.

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storyboard sketches before adding pen and watercolor, also atmospheric type images. Top A3 is 1 + 2, bottom A3 is 3 + 4.

These replicate the description of my bathhouse below.

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150 word blurb

30th AUGUST MONDAY: Words describing my bathhouse design and theme (noun, verb, adjective). 

nouns: ENERGY, GROWTH, BATH, NATURAL 

verbs: FEEL, RELAX

adjectives: EARTHY, MYSTERIOUS, MOODY, CALMING 

The aim and goal for my bathhouse is to create a certain atmosphere that is meaningful and has purpose for the people that are using it. I want the atmosphere to be a soft, moody and dark relaxed vibe that is also mysterious and stirs up an excitement in people when they enter. I want to use materials such as concrete, and archways to question the boundaries of the space and make it more interesting to walk through. I also want to play with nature and almost intertwine it with the concrete/water elements so that it appears as if two elements are meeting. To show significance to New Zealand I want to use Paua shell as a material for my basins, and incorporate the use of plants that are native to New Zealand. 

When considering the design elements of my bathhouse I think it’s really important to consider who, what, where, when, how. Who is using this design? What are they using it for? Where is the site? When will they be using it? How will they be using it? I will be creating an environment which eliminates stress in those who use it (students) and creates a calm, purifying atmosphere instead. A place where they can reboot, a site of energy and tranquility. It can also be a place for them which makes them feel or think about spirituality and their core values and beliefs as the environment is going to be a very natural and grounding place, perfect for keeping anybody in the present away from worries and stresses.

Words that I found best to describe my bathhouse were: energy, growth, bath, natural, feel + relax, earthy, mysterious, moody + calming. 

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I visited Auckland art gallery to look at materials and lighting, as they had some really interesting displays that were inspiring for bathhouse materials and aesthetic. 

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my wall grid, ideas and mood board to show what my design concept is coming together to be. 

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Was running a bath at home and thought the contrast of colors looked very aesthetic, the grays in my own bathroom which I find extremely relaxing inspired me to use this specific color in my bathhouse. Being in water and experiencing my own space whilst bathing was a good environment to come up with inspiration and ideas, as my mind was very relaxed. 

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Iterative process + Summary of ideas so far

Steam, light molecules, temperature, senses, texture (can you SEE it or TOUCH it?) light + shadows, ripples, water projections, passageways + stairs

Light grays, light blue shell for sink area’s or fountain areas, earth creation (plant wall), water ripple and clear pale colors, all very clean and minimalistic. 

Spiritual healing qualities, crystals, escape for the mind, shadow work being done in this space, a cleansing experience

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Looking at images of different types of lighting and love this ripple sort of wave illuminating lighting, I think it really could immerse and create a sense driven experience on the inside of my bathhouse. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRFDTsMJwg0

This project is something I’m currently doing lot’s of research on as the making of the lamps used for the ripple effect is beautiful. 

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WATER PROJECTIONS: Minamo installation, Torafu Architects

When water is embraced as a medium for architecture, rather than a force to be withstood, it can entirely shift the meaning of space. Reflected liquid patterns grace the curved walls, shifting subtly like the motion of the sea. Color is introduced at times, opening up the possibility of the water to carry a sense of materiality. There is little written about the execution of Minamo project, but that only enhances the mystery. The images convey of a sensation of being wrapped in light or hovering underneath the surface of water, forming compositions reminiscent of surrealist art.

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I want to incorporate the beautiful colors of the paua shell into my bathhouse as a material because I feel as if they are a good representation of New Zealand waters and also our peoples history, as they have been valued and treasured by our ancestors. I am thinking of incorporating the colors of the paua shell into the construction of sink basins somewhere in my bathhouse, or possibly even a chair like structure. I feel like the colors are what represent the water and ocean and connect people with the element in a very natural way. 

Research: Found only in the frigid shallow waters off New Zealand live sea snails with beautiful iridescence purple, blue, pink, and green shells which the Maori have named Paua (pronounced "pah-wah"). Due to their beauty Paua shells have been valued by the Maori for centuries as taonga (treasure). 

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These images are a few insights and inspiration into the materials and possible structures that I’m wanting to use within the design. I’ve decided to use concrete as it is very aesthetically natural and pleasing to the eye and has qualities that represent a very minimalistic vibe. From my research concrete is also a good material to use as it is strong and durable, is a good heat storing material, and is economical, it is also a well understood material which I think can be useful. The image of the stairs was a good insight as I somehow want to incorporate stairs into the structure of my bathhouse. This idea is still underway. 

When diving into my research these are a few important things that I found surrounding my chosen material concrete.

1) Concrete doesn’t burn, rust, or rot. It is resistant to fire, wind, water, vibrations, and earthquakes, keeping people safer and reducing costs. In the aftermath of extreme weather events, concrete structures have proven to be the most resilient.

2) Concrete is so integral to our communities because it is the only building material that cost-effectively delivers:

the lowest carbon footprint for a structure or pavement over its lifecycle

unparalleled strength, durability, longevity and resilience

maximized energy efficiency via thermal mass

durability in any environment

a building material that doesn’t burn, rust or rot

safety and security

versatility – it can be molded into any shape, colour or pattern imaginable

no off-gas

excellent vibration and sound insulating

low maintenance costs

100 % recyclability, plus the materials needed to make concrete are abundant in just about every locale on the planet