geometric volumes Archives | ek magazine | Architectural Publications https://ek-mag.com/tag/geometric-volumes/ Architecture, Interior Design and Contemporary Design Projects Tue, 30 Apr 2024 06:33:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://ek-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/cropped-ek_Logo-black-32x32.jpg geometric volumes Archives | ek magazine | Architectural Publications https://ek-mag.com/tag/geometric-volumes/ 32 32 Spa Thermal O’Balia | Balaruc-les-Bains, France https://ek-mag.com/spa-thermal-obalia-balaruc-les-bains-france/ Thu, 02 May 2024 05:31:51 +0000 https://ek-mag.com/?p=154125 This article by Konstantinos was published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications.

Pure geometric forms derive from the surrounding Mediterranean landscape

The post Spa Thermal O’Balia | Balaruc-les-Bains, France was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

]]> This article by Konstantinos was published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications.

Historic revivals

The project is the winner of the design competition for the demolition, restoration, and extension of a Mediterranean thermal spa, located in the city of Balaruc-les-Bains. Aware of the challenges and eager to realize its ambitions, the city initiated the rejuvenation of the the O’Balia thermal spa, incorporating it within a broader redevelopment project of the Hespérides site.

 

Preservation of Historical Heritage

Great significance was placed on the site’s history, where numerous traces of archaeological ruins, baths, mosaics, and pieces from ancient statues were found, bearing witness to Balaruc’s Roman origins. The design also takes into consideration the present geology and water elements, establishing a visual connection with the local Thau lagoon.

 

Public and Private Uses

The spa is comprised of large communal areas such as a reception, a gentle activity and collective experience area, a pool hall, a shop as well as intimate individual treatment spaces. It also includes a Sauna Village with steam rooms, a hot spring park with six themed pools and a thermal bath. A large atrium encompasses all administrative functions and has, as a central feature, a spiral staircase made of natural wood.

 

Design Morphology

The design follows pure, geometric forms that construct wide, open spaces. The rigid volumes are interrupted through a series of consecutive gaps, some of which act as open skylights while others as traditional openings, connecting interior and exterior spaces. Semi-outdoor courtyards are designed around different water elements such as fountains and pools. The outdoor courtyard design adapts to the landscape’s topography and contains artificially constructed trails with running water. The material selection follows a Mediterranean aesthetic, with local natural stone being used for wall and floor cladding.

The post Spa Thermal O’Balia | Balaruc-les-Bains, France was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

]]> Casa do Sobreiro | Amarante, Portugal https://ek-mag.com/casa-do-sobreiro-amarante-portugal/ Tue, 30 Apr 2024 05:35:04 +0000 https://ek-mag.com/?p=154063 This article by Konstantinos was published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications.

Two rigid architectural volumes are clad with cork and brick

The post Casa do Sobreiro | Amarante, Portugal was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

]]> This article by Konstantinos was published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications.

Interconnected Volumes

The residence is located in an isolated land, approximately 730m2 and part of a small rural cluster in the parish of Figueiró. At the center of the site resides a century-old Cork Oak tree, which becomes the most prominent element of the intervention.

 

Positioning and Orientation

The built volume of this single-family home is strategically situated in relation to the Cork Oak tree as well as the neighboring land, rocky roads, and the agricultural reserve. The surrounding landscape and sun path also play a crucial role in the house’s orientation.

 

Volumetric Design

The building’s main elevation is comprised of a solid wall and a rigid square volume that protrudes from the wall’s straight line, indicating the entrance. The lack of openings gives the interior complete privacy and closes the house off to the road. In contrast, the south elevation faces the surrounding landscape and opens to the garden. The upper volume -cladded with cork- cantilevers in relation to the ground floor volume -which is cladded with exposed, dark brick- forming a deck that spans across towards the majestic Cork Oak and at the same time acts as a roof for an outdoor seating area. On the other side of the house, the ground floor becomes double in height, forming an outdoor pool terrace and balconies for the bedrooms.

 

Functional Organization

The interior space is arranged as an open-plan layout and a central double-height volume around which the entrance hall, living room and kitchen are circulated. The ground floor includes all the necessary functions and amenities such as a pantry, a bathroom as well as a staircase that leads to the upper floor. The open, fluid design results to the seamless communication amongst the spaces, regardless of the floor they are located in.

The post Casa do Sobreiro | Amarante, Portugal was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

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