
Inspired by the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, the bathhouse blends Brutalist architecture with notions of imperfect beauty. “The robust material palette celebrates imperfection and the beauty of natural patina,” Goss says. Flamed granite underfoot, curved stucco walls and coir matting soften transitions, while monolithic timber and stone elements ground the space with a sense of permanence.
Lighting is used with intention. Concealed uplights and graphic wall sconces add rhythm and drama without overwhelming the senses. Their placement supports the architecture’s gentle arcs, curved walls and ceilings that blur edges and create a sense of cocooning. Water, central to the experience, influenced both palette and surface choice, “particularly in the bathing space in terms of slip resistance, longevity and the ability to keep them clean,” Goss notes. Materials were selected for how they respond to moisture, with tiles reflecting the tones of water, deep turquoise for outdoor pools, and inky, reflective finishes indoors.
As bathhouses are inherently communal, yet offer moments of social connection and quiet reflection, sound played a vital role in the spatial experience. Acoustic considerations guided the layout. “We wanted some of the spaces to feel more social and other spaces to feel more quiet and introspective,” Goss says. The lounge is separated from the main space, while sculptural water features were introduced at each main pool, primarily to add the sound of running water and gently mask conversation. These subtleties of tone, texture and sound reinforce the bathhouse’s core intent.
