Gradients of privacy

The design aim for this project is introducing traditional Japanese design elements combined with Greek materiality, creating a space that offers beauty treatments and Japanese head massages. The project is part of a larger architectural urban Spa trilogy operated by “The Baths Experience”.

 

Spatial Organization

The project is located in the basement floor of a listed building in the center of Athens. The first organizational gesture was to open up the space, simplifying its access and creating a linear route through a main staircase. The area of the showers and the baths is positioned roughly in the center of the space, creating a high level of privacy -from the changing rooms to the communal showers to the more public nails treatment area. A series of fabric screens placed in strategic locations, create “gradients of privacy”, ensuring that each space can be flexibly opened up or closed off.

 

Materials & Decoration

The main bathing area is highlighted by a mixture of materials such as wood and stone, while the walls are rendered in plaster. Pedestals are positioned along one side of the room displaying traditional Japanese pottery. Directly connected to the spa area is the beauty treatment spaces featured in shades of brown and grey. The pedicure area is raised on a platform, while a backlit wall serves as a backdrop to the overall space.

The shop is located on the ground floor, where the extensive as well as sophisticated use of wood and stone in the space emphasizes the spiritual and calming effect that natural materials have. Similarly to the communal baths, the shop becomes a space of assembly for clients to experience new aromas and tastes. The central wooden table acts as a gathering area, where customers are offered tea and are given an exclusive overview of the products.

 

Method of Construction

Emphasis is also given to the construction method and joinery. More specifically, traditional Japanese carpentry uses very few nails, if any. In the spirit of honoring this, the construction of the divider/display follows this technique, using nails and screws only for securing the furniture to the floor and the walls.