The conversion of a ground floor retail unit on a busy high street, into a tranquil haven for a traditional Banya Spa. The project creates a sensory journey for the visitor, which required considerable formal manipulation of the limited floor space.
Banya No1 utilises a range of contrasting materials; natural and industrial elements, with rough and textured surfaces reflect and absorb light to create a full sensory experience. The project creates sinuous volumes within a tight space cradling a dry heat sauna clad in kelo logs, a plunge pool, showers, lounge and hammams. The reception offers a tea bar, which gives the spa an active presence in the streetscape, reeded glass voiles the entrance to the sanctuary. Inside, lounge seating is inspired by a sculpture garden; the forms echo a collection of sculptures, abstract and anthropomorphic. Curved pods, seen from the lounge, encase the shower, plunge pool and private room.