This portfolio showcases a select number of projects completed during my undergraduate architecture degree and masters of architecture. Each projects is distinctly unique. However, each of the designs respond to place- connecting with the surrounding environment- and establish a connection to nature.
The Shadow Baths is a combined bath house and wellness centre, situated in the Victorian alpine region of Falls Creek. The architecture aims to promote well-being and the space allows visitors to indulge in the ancient benefits of bathing.
"The challenge lied in creating a design response that redefines Falls Creek. Allowing it not to be solely defined by the winter months, but to become a year-round resort that attracts guests wishing to experience the restorative effects found through a connection to nature."
The architecture aims to promote well-being and the space allows visitors to indulge in the ancient benefits of bathing. The building is submerged into the landscape and allows water to become a key inspiring element that the architectural concept focuses around. The water flows through the site and its path takes precedents through the architecture. The path of the water helps inform the location of spaces and movement within the space.
Each inhabitant experiences varying interactions with the water, this begins upon entry. The flow of the water directs the users towards the baths, before finally releasing them to views of the lake. Each of the baths and the pools are inspired from the site’s surroundings. The internal shadow bath and ice baths are intended to reflect the watering holes and secret rock pools in the nearby area. The cascading pools were inspired by the waterfalls nearby and their form follows the contours of the topography below.
The challenge lied in creating a design response that redefines Falls Creek. Allowing it not to be solely defined by the winter months, but to become a year-round resort that attracts guests wishing to experience its beauty and the restorative effects found through a connection to nature.
The site is located roughly 1.5 kilometres from the village of Falls Creek. Embracing the tranquillity due to the site’s isolation from the Village was a significant driver in the design. Falls Creek is a village that exists as a celebration of water, and the dam itself, was built for a Hydro Scheme, and it allows melted snow to run into the dam, before using it to generate power.
Image 1: Site Plan and Surrounding Context.
Image 2: Site Context and idea generation. Taking inspiration from the surrounding waterfalls.
Image 4: Internal mineral bath. The circular opening in the roof above the bath, frames the view of the sky.
This reinvigoration attempts to welcome back the community rooftop, but extends the idea of a singular rooftop to a connection of multiple terraces. The journey commences at Swanston Street, and there is a procession that meanders up the site allowing nature to be experienced across several levels simultaneously.
“We need to expand our concept of what parks might or could be. Perhaps every neighbourhood needs not just a small park, but a community forest.” – S. Kellert (2011) Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life p.287.
"The building projects towards Kowloon Park, and aims to create a harmonious relationship between architecture and nature." The projected façade juts out over the street, allowing the people inside the building to have an uninterrupted view of the adjacent park.
The bold expressive shape of the building aims to catch the eyes of people from the street. A central public space within the building creates a space that allows the public to escape the hustle of Hong Kong and embrace the park views.
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