BATHING- A Bath house for the Dadley Building Spad502
Week 1
Design Workshop 1
15.07.19
Project 1: BATHING: A Bath house for the Dadley Building SPAD502
Introduction
Today in I was introduced to my new project for my Semester Two paper for Spatial Design studio. This new project is going to be carried out throughout the whole semester, with a formative assessment halfway through the semester. For this project, I will be designing and producing a bathhouse proposal for the basement space of the decommissioned Dadley Building. This certain design approach will highlight the spatial effects through the use of bathing, which will analyse and investigate how the range of guests will interact and connect in the space.
The Dadley Foundation Building is Auckland University of Technology’s WW Building, this structure was originally a hospital and care resource for disabled children. The spaces in the building were used for physiotherapy, therapy of speech, recreation rooms/spaces, classrooms, and a knitwear workshop. On the rooftop of the building there was the caretaker’s/janitor’s apartment space, and located in the basement of the building was a swimming pool.
The building and spaces were designedly Haughty, Fox & Partners, but a lot of the building’s features that modernist to the time have been lost:
- The buildings rooftop pergola.
- The buildings perforated east facade.
- The pilot, which held the building above the grounds foundation.
- The pool was lost in 2018 after a part of the building was destroyed for Auckland University of Technology’s WZ building development. The remains of the pool was filled and in under the gravel and forestation of the courtyrd, and the basement is now a collections of small rooms and enclosed spaces.
For our design proposal, we are to imagine and create a building that is going to be transformed into apartment spaces for passing scholars and artists in residence. For part of this, I am going to manufacture a bathing-house for the guests (university students, staff, residents, and the public) in the basement level. During my re-construction any existing partition walls can be removed, however, any of the structural columns and the columns along the ceiling cannot be messed with, with the features having support for the standing if the building. So this feature, as well as existing stairwells and lifts, have to be incorporated into my bath-house design.
After the introduction to the new project, we visit the site that we will be designing the baths in, AUT’s Dadley Building WW. We had been given the building’s original floor plan that we would use later to collect measurements of the building and the building’s existing site, as well as any important features for my design. First, we looked at the travel pathway to the building through the university as well as the entrance to the building and the basement (interior and exterior). We then began to explore the exterior or the site/ courtyard where my pocket forest would be located. I began to take images of the site for reference for my design.
Top view Top view Top view Contours of the map Contours of the map
Front of the site Front of the site Front entrance Front of the site Front of the site
Back of the site (north facing) Back of the site (north facing) Back of the site (north facing) Back of the site (north facing) Back of the site (north facing) Top view of back of the site
WEEK 1
Research
16.07.19
Project 1: BATHING: A Bath house for the Dadley Building SPAD502
What is bathing?
Today I began to research more into the health benefits and purposes of bathing history, to help better understand the features and baths when designing for this project.
Definition of bathing:
- A washing or immersion of something, especially the body, in water steam, ect., as for cleansing or medical treatment.
- It may be practiced for personal hygiene, religious ritual or therapeutic purposes.

History of bathing
In today’s Western culture society cleaning is seen and carried out as a private affair, and this tradition/routine is performed in an isolated space, away from the public. The act of bathing has been executed for centuries in various countries and cultures. Every culture has there own routines and purposes for bathing (the act of bathing) or cleaning themselves. In the past, people did not have the expenses or luxury of having their own baths in their homes and would travel to public bathing areas the clean and socialise. In primeval times seas, lakes and streams were the initial and natural form of bathing and waterfalls were the structure of showers. In the history of bathing, bathing in the primeval times was utilised as a place to socialise and communicate with others, rather than a place of cleanliness and hygiene.
Ancient Greece:
The Greeks in the mainland appreciated the healing and restoring properties from the water; they realised how they could benefit from the water. Their original bathing pools were built close to the natural hot springs, in the 6th century BC, the bathhouses were designed in their cities. The bathing houses had gymnasiums where the guests would exercise and play different sports and games. The Ancient Greeks were the first to create the shower with the idea of having water flowing through pipes and tunnels over people’s heads.
http://www.ancientworldalive.com/single-post/2015/10/27/Ancient-Greek-and-Roman-Bathing
Ancient Rome:
The Romans used bathing for purposes of cleanliness and hygiene, to fit off disease. The Romans built public bathing areas/pools (Thermae) for the citizens to clean themselves, but also to socialise.

- Their bathhouse’s held a large gym-like yard used for exercise and independent rooms and facilities for men and women. The public baths consisted of three different baths/ rooms a warm room (Tepidarium), and cold room (Frigidarium), and a hot room (Caldarium), and steam baths (Sudatorium), and a dry hot room (Laconicum), and separate changing areas (Apodyteria). Since these bathhouses had seperate pools for women and men, they would bath naked.
- Their public bathhouses were places of interaction and socialising between people. Ancient Romans are known for their famous bathhouses whether it was for their large public bathhouses for the Roman people or Roman Manors using their own private bath, these places were a location of communication between the guests.
http://www.localhistories.org/washing.html
https://www.bathvenues.co.uk/roman-baths-history
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermae
Bathing in the Middle Ages:
- During the Middle Ages bathhouses were prominent in many towns, where people could pay to have a bath.
Baths 1500-1800:
- During this era, most people cared about their physical appearance, so they carry around hand mirrors. During the summertime, people would bath and clean themselves in the local river, due to the sun heating it naturally. Sometimes would ‘dry wash’ themselves by rubbing clean linen on their skin, or they would fill up a cauldron with water and strip wash.
- During the 1800’s the first private bathrooms were advertised to help heal people with their physical and internal ilness.
Baths in the 19th and 20th century:
- During the 19th-century middle-class homes began to have bathrooms, having hot baths in their homes was possible with having gas water heaters. Having a bathroom in their homes was seen as a luxury during this time (1960) with most homes not having bathrooms.
- In Western World/ Culture the concept of bathing is used for hygiene and medical treatments. One of the first progressive bathhouses was opened in England, Liverpool during the 1920s, opening up curiosity in the bathing acts and bathhouses during the Ancient Roman time.
- During the 18th century, bathing was used to prevent and kill a lot of diseases and germs through this hygiene and cleanliness process; with this process becoming more of a routine.
Japanese Bathing Culture:
Japan is a nation that admires and loves bathing, they believe that “there’s hardly a greater bliss than to slowly soak their body in hot water”. In there large public bathing house opposed to the rest of the Western world, these places are acquired whilst being naked. They use their baths to wash away their daily fatigue.
- Both the Japanese take a bath and they have showers, because they don’t believe in washing themselves in the bath, rather just to soak in them. So they first wash themselves, hair and body and then hop into the bath.
Japanese Onsen

The public bathhouse (Sento) and hot spring baths (Onsen) are important qualities of the Japanese bathing culture. Japan is a host to many volcanoes across the country, which is why there are over 20,000 Onsen resources. Onsen describes the bath that uses water from hot spring with high temperatures of 25 degrees, and soaking your body in refreshing hot spring water whilst overviewing a natural scenery, is a very relaxing experience.
Japanese Sento

Sento bath houses are place for public use, not a Japanese attraction. In the old times baths were common in the average home and it was an everyday routine to go to the sento bath house, to clean yourself.
There are number of rules and regulations that have to be carried out whilst bathing in a Onsen and Sento.
- People are allowed to be denied entry if they have any tattoos or and sickness that can contaminate the water.
- Swimsuits are not needed at these baths and will be asked to remove them.
- To bring our own, towels, shoes and shampoo.
- Since these baths are a place of soaking the uses will need to shower before their use, washing yourself in the bath is seen as bad manners.
During today’s culture of bathing, showering is used over taking baths, with the act being as efficient yet quicker. Baths are now seen as a private and intimate experience.
https://matcha-jp.com/en/2534?page=2
https://livejapan.com/en/article-a0000268/
Nudity :
In all ancient bathing cultures, the bather that acquired the space were naked whilst bathing. In today’s society, the attitude regarding nudity is still opened and relaxed in Asian countries and other Scandinavian countries; where bathing is in separate spaces for men and women. Yet in New Zealand, you must wear a swimsuit whilst in a public bathing area.
Benefits of taking a bath
The process of taking a bath provides and is more beneficial than taking a shower. The reason of taking a warm bath can help tensed muscles, sleep, the birth of a baby, and to potenially help individuals mental well-being.
- Bathing can improve ones heart health- Having a warm bath causes the heart to beat faster which allows the heart to do a healthy work out.
- Bathing could help make breathing easier- Immersing ones self in water past your chest with your head out, positivley influences your lungs capacity and oxygen intake. The hot steam created can clear your cloged sinuses and chest.
- The nervous system and brain can gain from bathing- Engulfing in water could reduce pain and inflammation and also help relax and calm the nervous system; which reduces the levels of anxiety and stress.
- Your muscles, joints and bones can benefit- Movement in water has been seen to have low impact on the body’s joint, muscles and bones, which can be effective for providing a suffcient workout of resistance.
- Benefits your blood and immunity whilst bathing- The warm water in the bath allows the blood to flow easier, and the hot bath can kill bacteria, improving your immunity.
- Balances homrmones- Warm water can increase levels of serotonin which is chemcial from the brain, that creates feelings of happiness and well being.
- Bathing cleanses your skin, hair and eyes- Revelation to liquid through bathing and steaming hydrates and mosterizes the body.
- Body temperature will be optimal through bathing- On a cold day having a hot bath will warm you up and hot day swimming cold water is the best way to cool off.
WEEK 1
Design Workshop 2
17.07.19
Project 1: BATHING: A Bath house for the Dadley Building SPAD502
Site visit
Today in class I was given the site map of the existing building for my bathhouse and were instructed to measure all the dimensions of the site. During the lesson whilst waiting for my group’s turn to measure the site I analysed my bathing/ cleansing routine, compared to other members in my group.
In the site I was to require:
- A feature bathing space that is around 40 meters squared, and can fit around 5 to 10 people.
- two small bathing spaces the is around 3 meters squared, that fit 1 to 2 people.
- Possible changing spaces, and showers/ toilets.
- Refreshment space that is around 30 meters squared, for the guests pleasure.
Introduction notes from Tutors
What to look further into:
- Bathing housing-bathing
- Saturating self
- History of bathing area, bathing houses, bathing
What is bathing to others/ In some parts of the world bathing is:
- An experience that is shared with others in a public setting, being communal in a way.
- An experience that is spiritual and connecting people to their god.
- Having others assist you in your routine whilst cleaning.
- Ancient bathing- allborate baths eith heated water.
- Life can begin in a bath.
- Life can end in a bath.
- Life can be relised into water.
- Bathing is a transition of life, the experience/routine changes/happens to accomdiate to peoples lives.
- Bathing is used for health benefits and cleanliness.
- What does the light do to water and the colouring of water.
- Hot water baths (pools) are naturally heated and warmed up by sunlight.
- Bathing houses today have neccities to accomidate to the bathers, changing rooms, and food.
The first task I completed whilst waiting for my site visit was to go in to detail with my bathing routine, and investigate how it is different to other people in my group.
Morning bathing routine:
- walk down the stairs to my bathroom and walk in front of the sink.
- I bend down and grab a hair tie from the cupboard to pull my hair off my face.
- I turn the sink tape on to hot, while the water is warming up I wash my hands.
- when the water is ready I wash my face with my face wash and warm water, and then rinse my face with cold water.
Night bathing routine:
- I walk down the hallway into my bathroom and turn the shower on.
- I place my towel mat on the ground, get undressed and hop into the shower.
- first I wash my hands and I will rinse my face and hair and get completely soaked.
- I use my first face wash to get all of my face.
- then I wash my hair with shampoo for 2 mins and rinse it off.
- I will then put conditioner in my hair and my hair in a shower cap, so my can become hydrated.
- I was my body while my hair is conditioning.
- then I brush my hair out and rinse out the conditioner.
- I will than wash my face with my second face wash.
- then turn the shower to cold water to close all my body’s pores.
- I turn off the shower and squeeze all the water out of my hair.
- then wrap my body and hair up in a towel.
- then put on tea tree oil and facial serum.
After explaining my routine it was time for my group to measure the site and court yard area for my pocket forest.
Courtyard and outside of the building:
Courtyard Courtyard Courtyard Courtyard Courtyard Backside of the site Courtyard Courtyard Courtyard Courtyard-entrance to the basement level Backside of the site
Inside of the building:
Entrance to basement Interior of basement Interior of basement Interior of basement Interior of basement Interior of basement Interior of basement Interior of basement Support beams in the ceiling Interior of basement Interior of basement Entrance to the basement from the stairs Stairs/emergency exist
My first impression was a very small space that felt very cold and dull almost lifeless. There were plywood walls that separated the room and made the space kinda difficult to travel through; which made me realise that I definitely wanted the space to be opened up, to appear as much larger. The building’s main feature; the columns were placed evenly throughout the building for structural purposes. I think that this is going to be a difficult issue to design around since these features can’t be moved or destroyed. From my experience, there was no source of any natural light since all the windows were bolted shut, so I will defiantly be opening up the windows to have as much light in the interior as possible.
Once I had analysed and explored majority of the site I began to take down measurements for the floor plan. I am going to use these measurements for my own designs to help me design my bath house to scale/size.
When I got home after Uni I began to research into forest bathing and some of the benefits that come along with it.
Forest Bathing
To understand the term “forest bathing” I did some investigating and research into the concept and read the tex Shinrin Yoku, 1980, so I could better understand the concept of forest bathing.
Forest bathing is withdrawing to nature is submerge oneself in the forest environment; forest bathing allows the subconscious mind to connect with nature. This physical connection becomes a retreat from the urban world and worries, which benefits one’s mental wellbeing. In the country of Japan, there is a practice called shinrin yoku (forest bathing), which in Japanese means forest (Shinrin) bath (Yoku), “Taking in the forest atmosphere”. By connecting with the atmosphere in this way it allows to physically attach ourselves to the environment and become mindful. This practice is believed to have healing and repairive qualities on the human soul and body.
The saying “Shinrin Yoku” doesn’t actually translate as forest bathing but to drench oneself in an out door pool in a forest atmosphere. This Japanese practice is known to help reduce stress production and help release creativity and help recovery from any illness.
Benefits:
- Immune system function is improved by the clean oxygen, produced by the trees.
- Mental relaxation
- Allows one to become selfless
- Improves mental health- anxiety, depression, stress
For my pocket forest that I am designing for the Dadley building site I would want to incorparte windows of sections of the building where the forest can be visually seen by the guests, so the connecting can allow the guest to heal and restore.
Tepid Baths
The Tepid Baths are a authentic indoor public pool area, that is situated in Auckland CBD. The pools were established in 1914 during the war on the grounds of a dry dock, with 30,000 visitors in its first month of opening. During 2012 the pools went under a re-construction and re-opened later in the year.
At the outset the pools obtained indented bathing pools for males and females. The females pool was 18 meters with 4 lanes and the male pool consisted of 25 meters and 6 lanes.
The bathing pools were heated with steamy hot water from the close by Tramways power plant; which was thought as a “engineering masterpiece” of its time. The pools were filled with sea water to try and cool the machinery at the Tramways powerhouse, with the heated water being pumped into the Tepid Baths. The baths had been converted from sea water to fresh water during the 1974. In 1986 the establisment was revamped with steam rooms, new saunas, and a gym.
The pools were used for recreational and competitive swimming, swimming events, swimming lesson and other related activities. The bathing are also had other purpuses with holdind baptisms of a hundread people during the 1913, by a Pentecostal minister.
In 2009 of November it was notified that the Tepid Baths would be shut down for a period of time of up to 4 years for a$12 million restoration project to attend to structural issue, a result from the sea water. The cost later totalled to $16 million with the pools re-opening during 2012.
- https://discover.stqry.com/v/tepid-baths/s/- af2001663ecbd07b4a91362f92e496d8
- https://www.heartofthecity.co.nz/attractions/entertainment-attractions/tepid-baths
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tepid_Baths
WEEK 1
Research
18.07.19
Project 1: BATHING: A Bath house for the Dadley Building SPAD502
The Dadley Building History
My own bathing experience
When I bath I run the bath with steamy hot water until it is around 3/4 full, and then sprinkle epsom salts through out the bath. I then lay the bath towel on the ground and hop in.
The reasoning behind the epsom salts is that it is supposed to reduce the pain and relax my muscle, because since I am a ballet dancer and dance 4 times a week minimum, my muscle become sore and tired. I also suffer from high stress and anxiety levels, so this whole experience mentally relaxes and calms me down.
This bathing experience is common in my weekly routine with having a long bath at least once a week to help relax and reduce inflammation on my body.
Pocket Forest:
I then created my first pocket forest and played around with the materials, and figure out what I like and don’t like.
This is my first attempt at making a pocket forest. Based on my research the bio-diversity of the surrounding environment I tried to make the forest look like a typical NZ forest.
Materials that I used:
- Spagmoss
- Super glue
- Dead tree branches
- Moss
I really struggled to find any kind of moss, so I just went to a plant shop and bought span moss. This moss was a little bit hard to work with so I wrapped the moss around the beaches to make the leaves. I think that next time I am my forest I am going to try and find lichen moss.
Unfortunately I didn’t get to proceed on this pocket forest with it being thrown out by someone, so I am going to create new and final pocket forest with lichen moss.
week 1
Research
19.07.19
Project 1: BATHING: A Bath house for the Dadley Building SPAD502
Over the weekend I began looking and collecting images of bath houses that look asethically pleasing to me. I really like the look of more spacious and minimalistic looking spaces. I want my bath house to look quite natural like it was made by the crashing of the waves or by nature some how.
I really loved the look of all of these images because of there natural and organic vibes that they are feeding off. They are all quite large and spacious spaces, which I thinks gives off the idea that the space is alot bigger that it naturally is. All of these works are all very round and curvy, looking like they were inspired by water in a way.
I also like the idea of having individual inclosed spaces within this large area to allow the guests to seclude themselves from everyone and become fully relaxed.
I specially liked the shape that was created in this image of a potential bathing pools. I love how the dips and curves of the materials create the pools with there just being of piece of material. I think I would like to look at this when designing a pool area. I would also like to investigate how it would look if the guests were under the material, with creating a cave like space- could create a natural looking space. These curvs could also become a possible pathway and force/ suggests how the guests should travel through the space- creating ideas of movement/growth throughout the space.
I then began to think about what I needed to consider in my design:
- The building has to be accessible to all, accomodating to all, disabled young and old people.
- To consider different cultural practises or values, in the space.
- The impacts that my design may have to the environment, sustainably.
- What materials am I going to use, can I decrease my carbon footprint.
- Te Aranga principles- in my design.
week 2
Design Workshop 3
22.07.19
Project 1: BATHING: A Bath house for the Dadley Building SPAD502
Te Aranga Design Principles , group planning
Today in class I was introduced to the Te Aranga Design Principles which I should consider when designing and making choices around my bath house design. These values are founded on Moari Cultural values and are set create guidance for pairing outcomes within a design atmsophere. I have slected a couple of principles in my design which I will reflect during pocket forset and bath house.
- Kotahitanga (Unity and Connection): (unity, cohesion and collaboration) working collaboratively together. Considering wider infrastructure, landscaping elements, sustainable ways of dealing with waste, sustainable transport systems and providing community facilities and amenities
- Manaakitanga (Generosity): ensure that the development supports access to traditional food sources to support the ethic of holistic hospitality whereby mana whenua have inherited obligations to be the best hosts they can be.
- Kaitiakitanga (Guardianship): manage and conserve the environment as part of a reciprocal relationship, based on the Māori world view that we as humans are part of the natural world. Restore waterways and natural areas; using passive design; create onsite mitigation of greywater and storm water; ensure careful use of rainwater and solar energy; and clustering of buildings to maximise communal reserves and restoration of natural features.
When planning the design and submitting it to the Auckland City Council for permission, I need to tale these principles into account. reflect to design….
After looking at the principles my group and I began to construct our group model, the platform that building sits on. First we built the base up, by layering many pieces of cardboard, that my bath house design will sit on. So we measured the figured out the size and dimensions of the base, then cut out all the layers so we could build the ground level.
So we then glued all the pieces together and sanded them down so that it would look seamless.
We also decided to out 4 meter depth along the basement and and forest area to allow everyone have there designs as depth as they would like with our baths.
We then measured out layout pieces that would be the building on the site to see how everything would sit and look on our group model.
week 2
Design Workshop 4
24.07.19
Project 1: BATHING: A Bath house for the Dadley Building SPAD502
Sitr hydrology- mountain river sea, Cultural aspect of the project
Pocket Forest Investigation and Research
Things to consider for my pocket forest:
- Site imperabed – stops you from overloading for storms.
- Bio-diversity hosted in more forest- bird life, stream fauna, non-native birds.
- Moved structures? finns- no sunlight in the interior of the building doesn’t get hot- glass house.
- Shelters must- has gross ventilation boxes now
- Landscape flura and fauna- canopy trees, understory trees effects: planning approval, the design benefits the existing area. Postivie effects of the pocket forest: visual immunity.
Trees for the pocket forest
New Zealand total land area is covered by 10%-15% of native flora. Before New Zealand was inhabited by humans the area was largely forested, with the forest taking over both the north and south island. There is approximately 6.4 million hectares of indigenous forest that are located in the mountain areas of NZ. The main 3 types of forest in NZ are: Kauri-podocarp-broadleaved, Podocarp-broadleaved and Beech forests.
Kauri-podocarp-broadleaved forests are one of the most diverse in New Zealand with there variation of species obtained in their space located in the shoreline, with mainly dominated by: Kohekohe,Pohutukawa, Karaka and Puriri. In New Zealand’s forest located on the inland are mainly dominated by: Towai, Northern, Rata, Rimu and Kauri. The Podocarp-broadleaved forests are normally found in the lowlands of New Zealand on hill slopes or alluvial terraces, they are more likely to be found in the West Coast, North Island and Southland. Lastly Beech forests are the least diverse forest in variation of species, with growing in colder temperataures like on colder mountaion areas along the Southern Alpes and areas of the North Island.
Kauri-podocarp-broadleaved Kauri-podocarp-broadleaved Podocarp-broadleaved Podocarp-broadleaved Beech forest Beech forest
New Zealand has variation for flora and fauna native and non-native. So I choose to include some of NZ native trees and shrubbery in our pocket forest in the design of my bath house. The design of the forest is going to be grown/large and green so I can create alot of bio-diversity in the area. I want my forest to provide a gental and relaxing effect/experinece for the bathing house, as well as a area where the forest can thrive and florish. I am going to use my pocket forest to portray a relaxing and peaceful experience for the guests forest bathing.
Some of the native trees that my group and I choose to include into the pocket forest were the Kowhai tree, five fingers and both the Manuka shrubs.
Kowhai:
- These trees grow to the height of 8 meters high.
- The tree produces bright yellow flowers that attract tui birds, that feed on it during it’s flowering season in spring and late winter.
- The tree attracts a number of birds such as tui, kak ans kereru.
Manuka:
- The shrub grows up to 4 meters high.
- the Kanuka tree will grow over 15 meters high.
- Both of these forestries are ioneering species which means that they can grow in almost any environment, which will allow my pocket to dense.
Five fingers (Whauwhaupaku):
- Fast growing and regenerating.
- In warmer temperatures it produces purple-black berries that birds can feed on- tuis, bellbirds, silvers eyes are attracted.
- Nectar attracts insects-bees, ants
- Grows 3-6 meters high.
- Safe habitats.
Rimu Tree:
- This tree is found with the north island of NZ and the costal areas of the south island
- The tree can grow up to 25-30 meters high, and up to 800-900 years old.
- The Rimu produces small seeds and fruits that attract the native birds: Kaka and Kereru.

These are some of New Zealand’s most common native bird species and what food they are attracted to and feed on.

New Zealand’s forests benefits the surrounding area by protecting the water and soil resources, as well as high bio-diversity level with all species. Bio- diversity and consveration of the bio-diversity is is really important in the ecosystem, to preserve the entviornment and its quality.
My pocket forest is going to utilise the benefits and importance of bio-diversity in New Zealand and how the variations of these species is needed for the forest to succeed in the environment. With this variation there will be a higher rate of speices that will be attracted and feed on the plants, creating more lives and homes. Both the birds and insects feed on the flowers nectars and fruits produced from the plants some of the native species that will be attracted are: bees, ants, tui, bellbird and saddlebacks. With the species feeding on plants it allows the plants to pollinate their flowers and scatter their seeds, which benefits boths the enviornment and species.
During class to fully understand the concept of bathing houses we were asked to reflect and investigate our own bathing experience. The events could relate to our common everyday experience, or from when we were younger, or a cultural bathing practice that we experienced. My experience is that since I am a ballet dancer having baths is a common experience that I face at least 2 a week, I have a long hot bath with epsom salts to relax my muscles and to try a reduce the pain. The bath is also mentally relaxing for me as well since at ballet I am mentally working extremely hard, am bath to me becomes a retreat from my thoughts were I can fully relax.
Visual:
- Seeing the fog slowly cover my mirror.
- The water slowly dripping out of the tap onto my feet.
- The crystals slowly evaporation ad dissolving into nothing, in the water around me.
Hear:
- The sound of the water dripping from the tap into the water.
- My hands gliding on top of the water.
Smell:
- The epsom salts filling up the room.
- The soap disintegrating in the water beneath me.
Touch:
- The hot water relaxing my muscles.
- The epsom salts crystals against my legs and back against the bath.
After the presentation my group and I continued to work on our model and build the buildings that sit on top of the grounds. We started with making the Dadley Building and Basement Level, from the measurements that I recorded from the site visit.
Pieces for the building Pieces for the building Pieces for the building Cutting out the pieces for the building The building glued together The building glued together
I really enjoyed the whole process of building the model with my group even though it was hard a little bit sometimes with group members not coming to class. We all worked together and built a model, with a design that we are all happy with and can use in the future.
During the lesson we were also introduced to a reading called “Thinking Ecology: The Mesh, The Stranger Stranger, and the Beautiful Soul” by Timothy Morton, 2015. Which discusses concepts of Life and Non-Life, The Mesh, Interdependence, and There is no outside of the system of life forms.
From this reading the notion that I think relates to my project best was the idea of “Interdependence”, which is the idea of things being what they are in relation to other things, and how nothing can exists by itself. I thought of how this works in relation of my bath house, and how want a really strong relationship between the pocket forest and my bath house; like the relationship between the interior space and the exterior space. I want the spaces to flow and link between each other really naturally.
WEEK 2
Research
25.07.19
Project 1: BATHING: A Bath house for the Dadley Building SPAD502
Lighting conditions of the site
Lighting is an important feature in my design, the lighting will help create a mood of serenity and mindfulness. There will be different lighting in different areas of the pools area, to create different feelings and atmospheres in the pools/space.
I was quite interested the suns path and how the lighting would effect the feeling and experience in my site.
https://www.suncalc.org/#/-36.8546,174.767,16/2019.09.26/18:20/1/3
From these images of the suns pathway, the brightest peak of light shining through my pocket forest into my bathing house is between 10 am to 2pm.
I then began to research in the land formations of the site and the contours that lie underneath my site. As the volcanic history of the site and landforms can have a massive impact on my design, as well as tie in ideas of the relation to my design and the environment.
Geo maps Auckland’s volcanic field Geo maps
The diagrams above show how the site lies on one of Auckland earliest active volcaneos in the volcanic field, which means there will be layers of fossils and rocks underneath the site; from when the volcano erupted. This means that when I create section drawing of the work I to depict the history of the land in my design.
The site lies on young volcanic ash and rocks, that consist of basalt and scoria, which is commonly found in theNorth Island.
New Zealand has 3 groups of rocks in the environment: Sedimentary, Metamorphic and Igneous rocks.
Sedimentary Rocks: These rocks are produced from the submission and joining of particles in from the surrounding area which is mostly eroded. These types of rocks are sandstone and mudstone which are layered underneath the sea.
Metamorphic Rocks: These rocks start off as Sedimentary and Igneous rocks that slowly develop and recrystallise under high temperature and pressure conditions. These rocks are located in New Zealand that have been metamorphosed by being layers under deep crust, which then become uplifted to the earths surface as overlying rocks, which will erode away.
Igneous Rocks: These rocks are produced when molten rock (lava) from within the earths deep crust moves up towards the surface of the earth, and will slowly cool down. Volcanic igneous rocks are transported to beneath the ocean or on the lands surface area (above ground), and will cool down from glassy and finely grained rocks.
- https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/earth/inside-the-earth/rocks/
- https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Map-of-Auckland-Volcanic-Field-showing-volcanic-source-areas-as-triangles-Filled_fig4_248911553
week 3
Design Workshop 5
29.07.19
Project 1: BATHING: A Bath house for the Dadley Building SPAD502
Rain poem- drawing of poem
In class we began to think about developing the spatial experience overall in the site, and how we can create an experience in our bath house design. So we look at Hone Tuwhare’s poem Rain. This poem made me start to understand how water is a important element in my bath house, and how it helps create a visual experience through my design. To fully understand the visual experience I drew what I captured rain as from the poem.
Aucklands main water sources:
After the poem exercise we did another water related task and started to research on where the water for our bath houses would come from (source) and where would it go once we were finished with it.
I found out that the water comes from the Waitakere Ranges dam, Waikato River, and the Hunua Ranges dam. Around 80% of Auckland’s water comes from the 2 dams sectioned in the Waitakere Ranges and Hunua Ranges, since the water is sourced from the ranges the quality of the water is really high. Due to the water being stored in the lake the sediment settles on the lake bed and causes the bacteria level to drop. The rest of the 20% of Auckland’s water is sourced from the Waikato River.
Auckland Council Geo Maps:
My group and I began to construct our pocket forest, based off my research about the native species and how important bio-diversity is within the environment, we designed a large and flourished forest.
First we created the base of the forest and fitted it into the forests space within the site, and layed out all the materials for the forest before creating the forest.
So we began to cut the dead tree branches to the perfect size and height, and then glued down Lichen moss to the trees to create the appearance of leaves and greenery.
In our design we also wanted to have contours throughout the forest to give the forest more depth and views for the guests viewing the forest. To reduce waste of products we used recycled cardboard from the cut outs of the base structure.
Once all the contours were glued down and sanded each trees was dug and glued into the forest ground, as well as added trees and bushes around the building to connect all of the sections together.
These are the details that we added around the existing space, we decided to extra brushes and trees to fill up the space, make it appear more fuller.
We then looked at creating a pathway out of little stones from the road side of the building to the bath-house, so the guests could be guided through the forest to their intimate space.
These are the final images of the forest in the site.
WEEK 3
Design Workshop 6
31.07.19
Project 1: BATHING: A Bath house for the Dadley Building SPAD502 research- trees plants, birds- biodiversity
Building code
Today in class we were introduced to the Building Code and how it is important when designing around all the rules and regulations. To make sure that my bath house works around the building codes in New Zealand, I am going to focus on the hygiene regulations, Access and Services and Facilities.
For my bath house and the pocket forest I am going to consider all the accesses to the pools and rooms, and any safety entrances and exists internal and external to the building. This will allow the safety of the guests while entering and existing the building.
In my design I have altered my design for the guests that are in a wheelchair, I have accommodated the halls and door ways to be big enough for the guests to fit through easily. I have made 2 entrances and exists to the building, I have designed the wheelchair access to enter through the elevator and the other guests to enter through the pocket forest door. For my design of my bath house and pocket forest, I had to consider all the services and facilities, such as personal hygiene: having sufficient sanitary fixtures, toilets, showers and basins, natural lights as well as filtration of water and waste. Personal hygiene is really important in my design since the area contains pools I have to really be looking at the building codes rules.
For my site I have designed the space to hold up to 10 people at a time, for my guests to have their ultimate spatial experience. Since the number of guests is so small I only need to have two bathrooms, I have converted both of the bathrooms into changing rooms as well. I have designed two showers that the guests can use to rinse themselves before and after their swim, as well as 1 disabled bathroom and one normal bathroom. I have provided lockers for the guest to keep their stuff in whilst swimming as well so all the guest belongings will be kepted safe. In my bath house area there will be a complete plumbing and filtering system in the space to make sure that the water is removed in a safe way.
https://www.building.govt.nz/building-code-compliance/
WEEK 3
Research
01.08.19
Project 1: BATHING: A Bath house for the Dadley Building SPAD502
Bath House Inspiration
I am looking at using many natural materials and earth tones to create my experience, that also connects and interlinks with my pocket forest. I am going to be focusing on curves and organic shapes. I also want as many views of the forest so the connection between the spaces is open.
So I wanted my bath house to look like it was created by nature in a way so I started to look at pools inside caves for inspiration of the overal appearnce and shape of what I would I like my design to look like.
So I decided to create a model out of paper of how the shapes of the pools would appear and look like if they similar to these cave shapes. As well as keeping the idea of the pools being the dips in the ground.
So I scrunched up paper and created levels and then sealed the layers with more paper and tap, to create these dip like structure.
This is similar to what I want the shape of my pools to resemble with dip and curves the flow into each other, which could guide the guests from area to area with the space its self.
I then began to look into toilet, changing rooms, and shower designs/structures for my bath-house. In my design it is required to have bathroom areas for my guests as well as disability bathrooms and accesses. I decided that for my design I didn’t want my bathrooms to take up to much area, so I would want to try and combine these elements together, so they would have to be large enough to get changed in as well as wheelchair access.
Bathroom inspiration:
I am a private person so I don’t really like the idea of getting changed infront of others, or others hearing me getting changed. Due to the judgement or views from others/strangers in a new and public space. I decided to design 2 separate bathrooms both with changing benchs, and a sink in the disabled bath and a sink in the bathroom. I have to seperate showers for the guests to rinse themselves before and after bathing. The bathroom was big enough for more than one person incase of the guests being a caretaker or with children.

I then began to look at cave and clay bath house designs and loved the look of materials textually. The use of the unrefined and organic materials, like the clay and rock and it feels against the skin. I think that the feeling that the materials portray will bring a connection between the exterior (forest) and the interior (pools).
Since I loved the look of the cave design and the natural materials like rocks and clay I decided to look into baths house Kaitkies hotel in Oia Santorini Greece. These design were created by Kapsimalis architect firm
The design of these pools are very similar to the design brief for my assignment, the space has large and small pools that are shelter by cave walls for privacy, the areas also the lounge chairs for the guests to relax on.
The design uses many natural materials and tones that I am looking at using for my design; clays, whites and creams. The images show how the interior contrasts with the exterior of the building, which works really well together, with making the inside look bigger. The open planned style of the space with the white theme makes the space appear really large, which is what the site needs with the site being really small.The light from the end of the pool has sunlight pouring in and lighting up that space, which what I want to incorporate in my design. I really like how the material continues around the walls and the roof.
Villa White ARK, Fira Santorini, Greece
This is a greek office that Kapsimalis Architects renovated on the cliffs of the island with underground pools in the basement, which initially drew me in since it is so similar to my brief. “The connection between indoor and outdoor is achieved through the fact that the walls and the floor inside the house displays the same material as the exterior surfaces, finished in a local technique of white cement mortar,” Alexandros Kapsimalis This is a greek office that Kapsimalis Architects renovated on the cliffs of the island with underground pools in the basement, which initially drew me in since it is so similar to my brief. I want to achieve in my design with the connection between the outdoor and indoor. The architects main intention of the project was to design the space with large openings, to offer panoramic view, and sunlight to see the direct relation between the interior and exterior space.
I want to incorporate the large curving space that is utilised in this design, to give my design a cave like vibe. I would also like for my space to look as smooth and calm, because it will just create a relaxing and softer appearnce for the guest allowing them to fully retreat the urban world. I am going to incorparte the large window/ section cuts form the buildings, so the geusts can have a stronger connection with nature.
Katikies Hotels in Oia
This hotel is stark white walls in contrast with the bright blue ocean. The vernacular white structure creates a experience of peaceful relaxation and minimalistic detail inviting the natural environment into the space. This hotel looks quite similar to the white villa interior, except I like how raw and natural the cave pools look in this design.
I want to incorporate this raw organic cave like pool in my design, which will bring the exterior into the the interior, which just make my space have a stronger connection with my pocket forest.
Kapsimalis:
- https://www.dezeen.com/2014/11/20/alexandros-kapsimalis-marianna-kapsimali-holiday-house-santorini-island-greece-underground-swimming-pool/
- https://www.dezeen.com/2018/08/18/kapsimalis-architects-refurbishes-santorini-cave-house-greece-architecture/?li_source=LI&li_medium=bottom_block_1
- https://malin.elledecoration.se/perivolas/
Kattikies hotel in Oia Santorini, Greece:
- https://www.designboom.com/architecture/katikies-hotel-in-oia-santorini-greece/
- https://hiconsumption.com/katikies-hotel-in-santorini-greece/
- https://www.architecturendesign.net/katikies-hotels-in-oia/
What I want to incorporate in my design:
- I am going to have my pools travel all the ways to the edge of the forest, to try and incorporate the idea of the connection between the forest and the pools. I want to used the idea of the space providing a mindless retreat from the urban world, where this pool will allow my guest to connect with nature and the forest, creating a relaxing escape.
- I also want to incoparate the us ofmateriality in my design, and use a material clay or similar to clay, to allow my atmosphere to have a smooth and organic feel to it. Just like being in a cave.
WEEK 4
Design Workshop 7
05.08.19
Project 1: BATHING: A Bath house for the Dadley Building SPAD502
Spatial experience
First I designed a stream from the forest into the pool, so the pool could be constantly filtered with natural water. But was told that I wasn’t allowed to interfear with the environment, so I decided to keep the shape and idea of the stream with the pool space.
I had the streams connecting into each pool, so the guest could swim into each space without travelling out of the pool.

These area more designs that I came up with how I wanted the pools to look and how they moved within each other. In my floor plan I design 3 pools in total with 1 large pool that is located near the entrance of the pool area and 2 smaller pools near the the end/bathrooms. How I set up the of the design was that the 2 pools closest to the forest were connected so the guest would be able to swim in between the pools if they wanted. With the shape of the space I made it very organic so that the guest would be able to naturally flow through the area with enough space and convince.
In my sketches I was describing how it would look when you were swimming to the end of the pool where the large window are located that allows the guests to view the forest while relaxing in the hot steamy baths. I also portrayed how the guests would travel from pool to with the little ways bridge. That would suck you up naturally into the other pool.
I also began to design and play around with layouts of possible changing rooms and bathrooms, since I had never done this before. I used a template that we were given in class.
Bathroom design Bathroom template
WEEK 4
Design Workshop 8
07.08.19
Project 1: BATHING: A Bath house for the Dadley Building SPAD502
Today in class we started to create our bath house designs as miniature card board model of our proposed ideas. This is my experimental versions of my model so I could test all my possible ideas, from my 2D drawings to my 3D models. This is my first verison of my model, where I was experimenting in the shapes and curves in my space.
These are images of my first model by themselves not in the site.
This images of my model inside of the site, my model doesn’t really fit inside with it being to small. So when I create my next development of a model I will make it exactly to scale so it can slip into the space perfectly.
So I made this model out of blue tack instead of paper, so I could really understand and feel the curves and dips of the space, and it was easier to use whilst creating my design. I don’t think I want to use bluetack for my final model so I am going to get some clay and have play with it and see how it turns; gets the soft look I would like.
So over the weekend I bought some clay and began play with and see how it works and easy it is to mold. The clay itself was easy to work with but it was quite flimsy and weak around the thin card board, so when I make my next model I think I will use a slightly thicker cardboard so the clay can keep its shape. Since it is a no heat clay it does dry by itself, but does take quite a long time depending on how thick I had made they clay. I am going to use this material for my next model.
WEEK 5
Design Workshop 9
012.08.19
Project 1: BATHING: A Bath house for the Dadley Building SPAD502
In todays session we started to discuss the presentation and the importance of it in our design process. Presenting or pitching our designs with other people allows yourself to gain clearness and confidence on what you are explain/proposing. This can also help you gain information and feedback from others, to her further improve your design. To introduce ourselves in Maori Culture they use an introduction called a Pepeha, which is a formal way of introducing yourself, which gives you purpose and a place, through your ancestors. For this project we are going to say our Pepeha and then introduce our ideas.
Pepeha:
- Ko Mount Pauanui te maunga
- Ko Pauanui Beach moana
- No Algeria ahau
- Ko Lisa raua ko Djamel oku mata
- Ko Amy toku ingoa
I brought my draft model to class to see how the structure would look in my group site’s model. I think that my model was too small to fit into the site. I think that the style/design of my model looks good with the group model, except for the colour of the blue tack, but I will be changing that when I my final model. When I make my final model I am going to make it more detailed and clean.
Materials:
For my design I only want to use natural materials in my design so I can renforce my connection between the exertion and interior (forest and my pools).
I am going to try and use sustainable materials and products due to my concern of the struggling environment, with my choice of materials I can further help the environment. With using reusable products I will be adding less waste to the landfills.
Ceramic building material:
This material is mainly used from baked clay and in Roman building materials.
Architectural terracotta:
Architectural terracotta clay refers to s mixture of and water that can be used for structural capacity on the interior and exterior of a building. Ther material is a ancient building mater that is known as “baked earth”. The material can be unglazed, painted, slip glazed, or glazed.
The clay is segments of weathered rocks that are smaller than 2 microns. They are composed of silica and alumina, kaolinite, halloysite, montmorillonite, illite and mica are all decent types of clays for ceramic production. When the material is mixed with water they produce hydrous aluminium silica the is a foldable plastic. While the material is firing the clay loses their water and becomes a harden ceramic body.
The Terracotta was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans culture for architectural details. The Greeks used the terracotta as a innovation as the underfloor or hypocaust heating system, which they used in their baths houses. With this material I would be able to keep the grounds and pools heated for the guests constantly. The materials is a mass-produced as well as lightweight, moldable and fire pollution resistant. The shape is created in the fire, in the kiln for several days where it will shrink and harded into place. The material also leaves a smooth finish if modeled to desire, which is what I want.
WEEK 5
Design Workshop 10
14.08.19
Project 1: BATHING: A Bath house for the Dadley Building SPAD502
Today I class we played around sizes and scales of spaces, to fully understand how people would move through the space. This involved us to acting as disabled person, young child, or a elderly person. Below are the images of us acting in the bathroom or changing rooms, and how we would work within the space.
From this exercise I understand how it feel to move in a restricted space, and decided that each hall way needed to be at least 2 meters wide for the ability for people to cross each other comfortably through the hall way. I also decided that each individual changing room/ bathroom needs to be 2×2 meters so the guests will be able to move without any restrictions.
Design of my space

Pools:
- I have designed 3 swimming pools within the space- I have a large swimming pool that is around 20meters squared and can hold up to 10 guests at once.
- I have designed 2 smaller swimming pools- a pool that is designed on the edge on the forest and connects to the larger pool. The other smaller pool I have designed slightly under the ground with walls surronding ths space like a enclosed cave. With the pool I wanted to create more of an intamate and private space within the area. So people can retreat from people within the space.
- I am going to have my 2 front pools travel all the ways to the edge of the forest, to try and incorporate the idea of the connection between the forest and the pools. I want to use the idea of the space providing a mindless retreat from the urban world, where this pool will allow my guest to connect with nature and the forest, creating a relaxing escape.
- I have designed a ledge that allows the guests to stand whilst watching the view.
- All the access doors will have to be 90cm wide and 2 meters tall so every guest can fit through easily.
- There is a ramp for every pool the easies the guests into the pool softly and easily, for all types of guests.
Large Pool:
- I want my large pool to be on the warmer side of hot so its not to hot but a nice temperature. I have designed the ledge of the pool to have 2 lounges so that the guests can relax in the seats while basking in the sunlight from the open wall, as well as viewing the nourish forest.
Smaller Pool:
- The smaller pool will be at the same temperature as the large pool, since they are connected to each other. the water bridge that connects the pools together, is 1 meter deep, so that if the guest would like to walk between the pools they want.
Spa Pool:
- I have designed a private and intimate spa pool that is a heated room that is excluded from all the guests, that has to be travelled done by stairs, to emerge themselves in the space.
Bathrooms:
- There are 2 bathrooms/changing rooms in the building, I have 1 disabled bathroom and a normals bathroom. Disabled bathroom: I have designed the doorway to be 1 meter wide so the wheelchair can fit through comfortably. I have designed the space around the toliet to be 1 meter fom the sink and the bench, so the wheelchair and caretaker to fit through. I have placed a bench in the near the door that is 1 meter long and 55cm wide, which is big enough to fit an individual with their gear next to them on the seat. I have placed a handle bar along the wall next to the toliet and bench so the the guests can pull themselves up helpfully.
- The other bathroom has 1.50 meter space from the toliet and the bench, which will allow the guest to move comfortbally through the bathroom. The bench in the bathroom is placed along the back wall of the bathroom which is 1 meter long and 55cm wide, so they guests can place their belonging snext to them whilst getting changed.
Storage:
- I have placed the lockers for the guest to keep their stuff in-between the emergency exist and column, which will have around 10 lockers in it, since the capacity of all my guests in total is 10 guests at a time.
Shower:
- I have designed open showers that the guests will use just to rinse themselves before and after using the pools if wanted.
Later that day I began to build my final model. So first I drew out my design on to the base of my model.

I then cut out the holes of where the pools would be and placed an edging around the pool to create the shell of the pool, and sealed it with masking tape. As well as placing the walls and curves into place, so I the walls can create spaces with the bathhouse.

This is the layout of my model just with cardboard. So to give it the effect of being a cave and have rounded edges I am going to layer my model in clay to give it the effect I would like.
I then painted my model white to give it the ultimate look of resembling a greek cave pool.
WEEK 6
Design Workshop 11
19.08.19
Project 1: BATHING: A Bath house for the Dadley Building SPAD502
Today in class my group and I created the order of our presentation, and decided who will be helping who throughout the process of presenting.
The order went:
- Zhiging
- Lucy
- Me
- Fiona
- Emily
- Summer
After my little group meeting I began decided the qualities and and features that I had been inspired by from my artist models, and figured out how they were incorporated into my design.
Katikies- Greek architecture:
- The interior shape- cave like
- The vibes- of being clean and simple
- Materiality- the touch and appearance of the clay/rock
- The organic nature of how it looks- the flow between the spaces- could work between my bath-house to forest.
- The cave pools.
Kapsimals- Greek architecture:
- The shape of the interior
- The underground pools
Later in the lesson I then began to look at another artists work called Steven Christensen. I looked at his bath-house design that is similar to my project brief, “Liepja Thermal Bath- which was the winner of the AAP American Architecture Prize.
https://www.archdaily.com/803009/steven-christensen-architecture-wins-aap-award-with-liepaja-thermal-bath-and-hotel
His work was inspired by the Dome design in arcitectural history, and its relation to typology of the public bath. This dome shape is an important representational device through bathing in public.
- I liked the organic nature of the space- how open it was.
- The quality of flow better the space of each pool.
- The use of curves and dips within the space.
In class we also created little thumbnails, of our forest- and portrayed different views and scenes of our forest in relation to our design.


WEEK 6
Design Workshop 12
21.08.19
Project 1: BATHING: A Bath house for the Dadley Building SPAD502
New Zealand building code
- Verify the design is competent.
- Beams to support the upper part of the building from falling.
- Pin loads coming down the external wall, if it walls removed, support under the beams.
Access-Section:
- Design public facility- can’t exclude any groups.
- Few level changes for wheelchair people- no more than 10cm drop.
- Correct angle of the stairs is 45 degrees steep; ramp has to be going up 1 with 12 meter length.
- Length of stair- read in to it.
- Material- if someone were to get hurt- I will be reliable for the damage.
- Hallways have to be thick enough for wheelchairs to travel through comfortably.
- The average wheelchair size is 66 cm wides so the size of the hall way has to be at least 2 so both the guests and wheelchair guests can move through the hallway.
WEEK 7
Design Workshop 13
26.08.19
Project 1: BATHING: A Bath house for the Dadley Building SPAD502
This week we did speed presenting in our groups to other, which gave me to opportunities to present my design to different groups of students, and get given feedback; positive and negative.
These are images of my model design in the site model, for context of my bathhouse.
These are interior views of my bathhouse from inside the pool areas:
These are images of my bathhouse within the site and building, to create a greater understand and context of the space:
These views of my bath house area is from the inside of the pocket forest where some guests may travel through to enter the space:
My initial plan was to create a space which had an smooth and organic flow not only between the spaces in the bath-house but between the interior and exterior. I have placed the changing area and bathrooms on the far side near the entry so the guests can get into the pool area faster and the experience of movement isn’t blocked, this allowing the guests to flow into the pool areas of their desire.
Presentation Notes:
Ko Mount Papanui te maunga
Ko Papanui Beach moana
No Algeria ahau
Ko Amy Cherguit took ingoa
My main idea in my design is the connection between the interior and exterior.
My design considers values of Kotahitnga,unity and collaboration, with the organic nature of the pool area, how it flows with each other and the purity and the wholesomeness of the clay space.
With Kaitakitanga our pocket forest we have only grown indigenous flora that are native and found in NZ, to protect and insure the bio-diversity within the same space; keeping the space sacred to NZ. Selected kohwi, five fingers, rims and Manuka. These trees all produce berries and flowers that attract NZ native birds and bugs, which helps support the species.
Manakitanga ideas in my design relates to kaitiaknga with being welcoming and showing hospitality to the animals and bugs, so I can be a host to more than people with my design.
MId term break
Research
Project 1: BATHING: A Bath house for the Dadley Building SPAD502
Over the break I began to work further on my design of my bathhouse. I decided that I wasn’t happy with the layout of my design but was happy with my overall design. So I began to do more research into layouts of bathhouses and look at other designs. I also applied feedback from my presentation, which was the placement of my bathroom.
So began looking at an artist model called Javier Senosianin who creates these large organic underground spaces that utilise qualities of nature and movement throughout the space. The first worked that I looked at was called the organic house.
This design was inspired by a peanut shell, two wide oval shapes that allow a lot of light, and a space that is low and dark. The purpose for this design was a living condition for a singular person, that can be accommodated for everyday life. The designer has created a concept of the spaces, with one being day and one being night, the individual will enter through the land from being engaged and interested by the space flourished and bright exterior greens.
This building is called the “Red Sand”, which was a a collaboration between other architectural firms in a development of a resort project. Climate factors influenced this idea, with the structure being created within rocks, sand, and large rocks.
In the design the aim was to generate the contrast between the volumes and the land scape, with using red sand and then covering it in local stone.
After looking at this artist model I began drawing new ideas for shapes of pools and spaces in my bathhouse.
- https://www.archdaily.com/909133/organic-house-javier-senosiain
- javier senosiain Arena Roja
- https://www.arquitecturaorganica.com/habitat/nautilus/
- I really liked the organic nature of these works, with how the shapes of the walls and flooring all blended into each other and created this shell like space, that keep moving, and guiding the eyes throughout the space.
- I want to incorporate this organic nature in my bathhouse- but instead of being inspired by rocks and peanuts I want it to relate to water, because so far in my design I have only used the exterior of my pocket forest; but I want to extend my idea further with the exterior being the environment overall.
I like how the rocks create this type of wall/barrier, with gravity forcing the water to squeeze through the space- I think I want the shape and the movement of the wall to do the same, with guiding the people between pools. Which will further relate my idea of the interior vs exterior with bring exterior notions in the interior.

So I used water colour and painted how the water could potentially move between the rocks, and create the chaotic scene with my brush. This movement has given good ideas of how to use this organic and natural touch to designing my work.
So first began drawing out shapes of what could be some new pool shapes, for my pools. I haven’t decided how many final pools I want yet though.

I then decided that I wasn’t happy with my design of my bathhouse, and that I wanted to slightly change it. So with my artists models I began drawing out some ideas of new possible designs.

This work is inspired by the Javier Senosianin Organic house, with using continuos curves and dips. I think I am going to incorporate this feature into my design, who continuos curves and dips travelling through out the space.

I than started to draw out other random ideas that I got inspiration off Pinterest, I wasn’t really feeling any of these ideas, but I thought I would try something new just to decide on what I like or not.

This is my next idea that I really like that incorporates qualities of curves and organic natures and is still is open to the forest, allow full light and view.
Mid Term Break
Today I decided that I wanted to fix my bathroom design in my bathhouse, in my first design I kinda just put the bathroom in there without an consideration, so I want to place in a different spot and think about it in more detail.
So originally my bathroom was placed on the East end of the bathhouse, just out of the basement space, in a spare room that we where able to design if wanted. So first I am going to draw out some bathroom ideas:

So began looking at vertical designs where the sink is along the North side of the wall with the bathrooms facing each other. I think in this bathroom I am going to have a seperate space for the toilet itself and the sink.
In the toilet I am going to have the a toilet and a bench for the guest to get changed on.

I have tried to make the bathroom as spacious as possible so the guests will be able to be mobile in the space. The size of the door to the bathroom will be 1.50 meters wide so that if a wheelchair were to enter the space they will be able to move through the space. The bathroom is 2×2 meters wide so multiple people will be able to be in the space, if guests need assistance. I have placed a bench along the south side of the bathroom so that gets can place their gear somewhere whilst getting changed, or sit down if needed.
WEEK 8
Design Workshop 14
16.08.19
Project 1: BATHING: A Bath house for the Dadley Building SPAD502
Section Drawings
Today in class we began to look at what views and sections we would need overall to portray our overall idea.
Perspectives and sections needed in our overall presentation:
- Interior views with lighting
- Perspective from the private pool
- Perspective of the pool
- Perspective in the changing room/ bathroom
- Sections from both sides of the building, (west and north)
- Plan
- Site map
So I was given a template of the site’s building and had draw my pool in the ground/underground of the building, and visualise how it would work in correlation to the site.

So this is how my pool would connect under the ground with having beams running through the concrete to the site.
When I got after uni I began to refine my refreshment area in my design, this is a new feature in my design. This is so I can apply my Te Taranaga design principles to my designs, and be the best host I can be.
So I decided to locate this feature in my large pool area around the edges of the space. So I want to have a bar like stand in the large space so that the guests will be able to sit and have a drink after having a soak.
I am also going to place large laying chairs around this space, because I think this is the best place to allocate these features. Because whilst relaxing in the space the guests will be able to gaze out into the pocket forest.
plan of the relaxation space laying couch bar bar
Week 8
Design Workshop 15
18.08.19
Project 1: BATHING: A Bath house for the Dadley Building SPAD502
Today in class we worked further on our section plans and figured out how the existing site would look as well if been cut in half, how to show the section in context.
What to show in context:
- pocket forest
- contours
- pools
What sections show us:
- Meaning of the ground that the bathhouse sits on- volcanic rocks: Strata
- Area- where is the materials coming from-e.g soil.
- Rocks= depth of time- how we relate to time, how aged a rock is; shows history.
- Can read the time through rocks= find out event, more human rubbish than rocks, more impactful.
- Qualities of land- issue of time and material.
What elements can we add to make them more contextual:
- Effects of the sun- where the reflection lands.

- Pocket forest

- Bio-diversity within the site- flying towards, in site.

Soil quality- granular soil-sand,gravel, salt

Water resource-water filter, underground,above ground(rain).

- Air
- Counter/land formation-cut section

- Rocks- igneous rock, granite, sedimentary, clay
- Show what you want to capture
- Sample- materials,A4 report
- Relationship between the sky and earth
- Inside the forest
- Life between levels
Here is my draft of my Section design- When designing it I was think about the history of the underground- with the fossil volcanic rocks at the bottom and levelling up through the different layers of rocks, and then through the layers of soils and sands, with the life forms of insects and roots that grow in this section.

I then began to work on my elevation drawing from the south view of the building, to show the section of building.

Week 9
Design Workshop 16
23.08.19
Project 1: BATHING: A Bathhouse for the Dadley Building SPAD502
Today in class we worked on analysing my element of design, of what my main elements that I wanted to focus on.
- Movement
- The relationship between the interior and the exterior
- Texture- material contrast
- Light- reflection
- Working in a visual profession- what I’m thinking
- Colour way- a vibe of what I am thinking
I then began to work on my colour scheme for my design.
Colour scheme:

- muted colours
- add textures
- link to Te Aranga ideas
I want my experience to be quite singular (lonely) experience, that you accommodate by yourself. I have chosen greys and cool toned colours that I think will portray the feeling of being introverted- cool tones. Cool toned cools naturally pull back on a page and retreat from the eye. So I think that these colours are so monotoned that they will be precived as calm and relaxing. Since there is no, intensity to them; the colours themselves aren’t over powering or distracting.
The colour choice is also a result of the material- clay. I am using a clay to build my bathhouse- the material is organic and natural- natural. This idea from bring the exterior to the interior.
I am going to try and use only natural materials that won’t harm the earth, so for the flooring I will be using timber that I will stain to be a darker colour, to fit in better with my design.
- 3 words to describe my designs.
- Larger scale to small scale.
- Sequence of choices
- Every detail tells a story.
Design Concept with final measurements:

Materials that accommodate to my colour pallet:
Tinted Tinber La Roche Broy Terracotta Clay Pietra Grey Marble
Terracotta clay- coated in white varnishing finish: The clay portrays a natural textured look that helps my design and my ideas. The varnish that covers the pool will stop the clay from absorbing the water, and will allow there to be gripping of the floor to stop guests from slipping.
Pietra Grey Marble- This modern marble is especially good for building sinks and countertops, that is produced in Iran and is supplied throughout New Zealand, with its popular demand- I get this material supplied fromSCE Stone and Design, which is a New Zealand owned company.(https://www.scestoneanddesign.co.nz/?q=products/marble/pietra-grey)
La Roche Broy: This material is naturally a warm toned material, bringing warmth into the space with is polished finish. This material will contrast well with the dark lighting of the timber.
Black Stained Timber: This material will give the bathroom a different touch compared to the rest of the space, creating more privacy. This timber has been sourced from “Timber Recycling Co” which is a company that re-uses timber for a cheaper price. https://thebluebottletree.com/varathane-best-polymer-clay-sealer/
Material placement:

Design details:
Bathroom
Towel paper holder Toilet Shower head White cotton towels Only good soap
toilet: https://englefield.co.nz/shop/Products/Toilets/x_cat/34.html
Refreshment area
Lounging chairs Bar stools
WEEK 9
Design Workshop 17
25.08.19
Project 1: BATHING: A Bath house for the Dadley Building SPAD502
Today in class I worked on how weather conditions would effect my design. So since my large pool area is an open plan into the forest, if the weather were to be raining or windy the forest would blow into the bathing area, which would disrupt the guests experiences.
So I began looking at different options to fix this issue so decided to place individual window panels around the edge of the pool, that can be twisted to be open or twisted and locked into place. To block out all of the weather issues, but still keeping the beautiful view of the forest.
These are notes from class today:

Week 10
Design Workshop 18
30.08.19
Project 1 : BATHING: A bath house for the Dadley Building DPAD502
Today class we went into research and detail on the ideas of reflection and what they can portray. Throughout the presentation I learnt how water was the original mirror, yet it doesn’t nessarily show the true representation, but a representation of what we see ourself.
So I began to research the idea of reflection to have a better understanding when using in my work. So a reflection in water is a collection of subtle ripples in the waters movement, that portray the visual image from above. With my main idea of my bathhouse being the connection between the interior and exterior, I think that the use of reflection can further tie these ideas together, by creating one image from two images. Which further creates a whole new experience for the guests visually and mentally.
In my pool I want the colouring of the water to be translucent, with a light tone in the reflection coming from the clay material that is the pool. The colouring of the reflection will then be dependent of the sunlight, since my pool is white.
Here are some examples of the reflection of water in a light coloured pool:
With having my lightly coloured pool the reflection of the pocket forest will be further enhanced and visible. This will allow my relationship between the interior and exterior to be even stronger and apparent in my bathhouse experience. With the lightly coloured space as well the shadowing of the pocket forest will be visible throughout the space as well, creating a stronger connection.
Since I am designing my space out of clay, I was trying to figure the complications of using this material, since it isn’t used for hot bathing spaces but mainly just temperate spaces.
So I began to do more research into my use of material Terracotta clay and how it would fit into my design.
So since this material is set into place by heat I, and heat would be using underground heating system (fire) through the space to heat up the pools, I could possibly have and issue with the clay cracking. Which means I won’t be able to create this idea of making my space a massive kiln, where the pools are heated underground by fire. But this issue with the fire constantly running will cause the clay to creack and possibly over heat the floor of where the guest will walk through.
But since the clay still will be heated at a certain temperature (from underground heating) the clay will possibly over heat and absorb the water in the pool to stay at a regular temperature. So to stop this issue from happening I’m going to varnish the whole place with Varathane a Polyurethane Clay Sealer. Applying this varnish to my clay will prevent the clay form cracking and possibly pealing overtime. This material works best with having a couple of coates within 2 hours of eachother for the best results.

Week 10
Design Workshop 19
02.09.19
Project 1 : BATHING: A bath house for the Dadley Building DPAD502
Today in class we did a sketching exercise where we were given set rules to follow whilst drawing with a short amount of time:
- No looking at the page
- Just draw the outline of the figures
- Don’t let your pencil leave the page
- Then all of the rules applied together
This activity was supposed loosen up our drawing skills and try different techniques of holding and using a pencil.
I also began to create my rhino model today of my bathhouse. This was so I would be able to design my design come to life from a different perspective and angles. This will help with my scaling and sizing of the space and door ways/hall ways.
I then began writing out a script of my most important point of my presentation.

I later then began to look at details of my swimming pool specifically at the pool edges, and how the guests will interact with the pools.
So I figured out that my pool is going to need to have bricks underneath the clay pool str help support and keep structure of it, so the weight of the water won’t damage it in any way.
I then decided that for the pool edge that is facing the forest that I was going to do further research on how I can stop water from over flowing and spilling on the ground. So since my large pool is an infitinty pool I began to research this concept, this technique is used to create the ideas of the there being no ending that the sufraces are one. Which in my design would be the forest and the pool connecting together. When there is weight added into the pool the water is going to over flow out the edge due to gravity, so I am going to have catchment basins that run underneath my pool and along the sides to catch any of the water, and allow it to filter back through into the pool. With having this basin the pool will have to be monitered regularly, since these piepes can cloge or breakdown, cause the re filteration to stop working.
Infinity pool My experience of an infinity pool
Catchment basin Catchment basin diagram
I am also going to have the edge of my pool slanted like the image above to allow the long of the pool to be ever lasting.
Week 11
Design Workshop 20
07.09.19
Project1: BATHING: A bath house for the Dadley Building SPAD502
Study Break- This week I began looking at materiality and what materials to use for each design feature in my bathhouse.
Floor and walls:
My bathhouse is going to be a barefoot area, the floor may get wet but with the staff we are going to try our best to keep the flooring in the hallways and bathrooms at all times.
Floor Plan and Section Drawings of my Bathhouse design
Floor Plan:

This is my floor plan drawing of my bathhouse design layout, I have used my design to portray my ideas of the connection between the exterior and interior within my space and pocket forest. I have created a very curvy and organic nature within the interior through all of the curvy walls and rounded edges, to create resemble the pattern of water travelling with the water, and creating the ripples- which are dividing the spaces.
The pocket forest has been designed to be as fully flourished and healthy as possible, whilst being filled with New Zealand native flora and fauna surrounding the space.
This design is representation of how the guests are going to accommodate and move with the space. Following the movement of the flooring and walls the guests will enter through the door and be guided to the (1) changing area/ bathrooms that are 2×2 meters wide allowing multiple guests to fit into the space if needed. They will be then guided back into the (2) shower area, if desired to rinse themselves before their soak, if not they follow the movement of the walls into the large swimming area. (3) The large swimming area is an open cave like space, that has a full veiw of the pocket forest, allowing swimers to swim to the edge of the pool to edgule themselves into the experinece of being in the interoir whilst the exertoir at the same time. The guests also have the luxary of lounging on the couch day beds that are available on each side of the large pool area, where the guests can relax and drink a beverage from the refreshemnet area (4). This is where the guests will be severved drinks of their desire from the menu, and any light snacks. When the guest decide on wanting privacy the guests will travel through the curves and end up in the private pool area (5), where there are to private pools, with dimly lit lighting, from the guests to unwind an let go of all their worries. The pool has a sitting bench around the whole pool so the guest have the abilitly to sit and relax.
Section Plan:

Shown above is my section plan from the west side of my bathhouse design. This image expresses my designs connection to the surrounding context and site. In my section drawing I wanted to show the underground workings of my design and how it works within connection to my pocket forest.
My forest has many different species of flora and fauna shown in the image to detail, and the difference between the different species. The image portrays the layers that are in connection with my design from the different layering of rocks, clays, and soils, and sands.
My design of my bathhouse is slightly separated from the site of my pocket forest, this is because I didn’t want my bathhouse to disrupt or damage any of the forests beauty or growth. So with my design I am able to allow my first to be flourished and healthy.
Week 11
Design Workshop 21
09.09.19
Project 1:BATHING: A bathhouse for the Dadely Building SPAD502
Remaking my 1:100 physical model
After creating my final model, that emphasised my design concept of the relationship between the interior and the exterior through the organic and natural shaping of my design features.
So to create this model similar to my last process, I drew out the layout of my design on to the base of the structure and cut out the hole for the pools. I then glued down the pools and walls into place. Then layered clay on top of the paper structure to give the appeal of a real clay structure. I then painted the model it’s appropriate colours- the flooring and walls of the pool areas whit, and the a doors a timber shade. I then added in any extra features- couch, benches, and taps.
Below are some images of my final model the empasies my design the best.
I have created a design that emphasis the relationship between the interior and exterior world (my pocket forest and bathhouse interior) through the organic nature of my work. This is through the curved shaping of my walls that all blend into each other and create this cave like shape, that keeps moving guiding the guests through the space; like water traveling through rocks on a stream. The use of materiality also further ties my concept together by using clay to building my feature, instead of creating more waste in this planet, I am going to be using the clay that lies underneath us from the volcanic rocks. Have the exterior world creating an interior space.
Features of my design:
I have two entrances into my bathhouse, the emergency exist that is with the building allocated in the east side of the building, and a door that is connected from the pocket forest and leans to the east side of the south wall of the building.
I have three unisex disabled bathrooms/changing room, which can be used by parents with kids, or elders that need to be accompanied by a nurse or caretaker, to help them get changed. They are allocated in block on the east side of the north wall of the building. The bathrooms have a toilet and bench that runs along the back wall of the bathroom, for the guests to use whilst getting changed for their stuff or to sit down. The countertop with 3 sinks runs along the north wall, for the bathrooms to have as much room as possible.
I have placed a private shower opposite to the bathroom for the guests to rinse themselves before and after their use of the pool.
I have placed seating arrangements along the side east and west wall of the large pool, for the guests to relax or for drinking their beverages from the refreshment stall. In the large coner space in the large bathing area, I have placed a drink bar for the guests to be able to have a beverage from being dehydrated. I have also placed lockers near the entrance of the bathhouse opposite to the bathroom.
I have large bathing area for the guest to use, this pool has an open wall plan, with twisting windows, that have a large view of the forest. This pool is 3 meters deep, which allows the guests to sink and swim through the forest reflection.
I want to incorporate the idea of the surface of the pool and the forest connecting, so I have made the large pool an infinity so that the edges never finish, allowing the experiences to connect.
I’ve designed to small private pool area that fits up to 2 people at a time. The depth of the pool is 1.50 meters deep, with a seating bench all around the edge of the pool. This allows the water to float up to the guests chest area, so the guests can soak whilst relax.
Week 12
Research
14.09.19
Project 1:BATHING : A bathhouse for the Dadely Building SPAD502
Over this past week I have been working on my Rhino model in the computer room. I am struggling quite a bit with task since I have never done anything like this before.
So after I had created my structure of my design I began to play around with different materials on rio, to see what would best fit into the look of my design. I decided with using the material clay 01 for the structure of my design as well as, black timber 2, and maple grey.
These are the images that I took of my bathhouse, just with being rendered. Later on this week I am going to place the images into photoshop and play around with lighting and shadows, and any extra details or features to my design
Week 13
Research
22.09.19
Project 1:BATHING: A bathhouse for the DadleyBuilding SPAD502
Bathhouse Digital Models- Atmospheric Images
For me to further bring my design to reality, and to image the overall scale and shape of the space, I created a digital model of the software Rhino, which I found really difficult, and then further edited them on photoshop at add in details. Below are the images of the space.

Overview plan closed

Overview plan open
While creating my atmospheric images digitaly, I also created a virtual forest as well, to represent my pocket forest. These species are all native to New Zealand, this image will further reflect my design concepts.


The entry to the building

The lockers for the guests belongings

The entry to the bathrooms

The bathroom/changing room

The shower area for the guests

The entry to the large pool

The large pool, facing the forest

The large pool, view toward the North side

Entry to private pools

Private pool one

Private pool two

This image is my money shot, which to me best portrays my ideas and concepts- of the relationship between the interior and the exterior, with the view of the forest and reflection within the pool, creating the image of the guests swimming throughout the forest.
Week 14
Design Workshop
29.09.19
Project 1:BATHING: A bathhouse for the Dadely Building SPAD502
Final Presentation
Today in class I was presenting my final works for this project in front of a group and critics. In this powerpoint I would pitch my ideas and concept and receive feedback from the class.
Presentation points
Ko Mount Pauanui te maunga
Ko Pauanui Beach moana
No Algeria ahau
Ko Lisa raua ko Djamel oku mata
Ko Amy toku ingoa
The main inspiration for my bathhouse idea was focusing on the relationship between the interior and exterior, this concept really shaped my project into what is was through the choices of natural materials, and the curvy organic nature that I tried to convey through my idea.
At the beginning of my project I was also inspired by the bathhouses in Satinriri Greece, where they would have these underground cave pools that were completely modeled out of clay, and have these beautiful pool edges that would look out to the water. So with my design I also used clay to create my model not because of the greece bath houses because I was more inspired by their shapes, but because since clay is this naturally sourced material from underneath us, I thought it would have a stronger connection to my concept of the interior and exterior, with the exterior actually being the interior. In my bathhouse I have one large pool, with a refreshment area, two private pools, a locker set up, a shower, and three bathrooms/changing rooms. With the curvy shape of the walls and pools I was look at the movement in my design, from the movement of water in between rocks down a river. How these rocks created these pathways for water, so I tried to resemble a pattern of the water moving through rocks, so that the guests would be guided from space to space within my bathhouse. I also used reflection in the design of my bathhouse to make my idea stronger with having the exterior inside of the pool, creating the image of the guests floating through the forest.
My Te Atanga values that I built my design around:
- Kotahitanga; my design considers values of Kotahitanga which is unity and collaboration, with the organic nature of the pool and the spaces,with how it flows with the shaping of the wakks and the purity and wholesomeness that the clay surface create.
- Kaitiakitanga- With our pocket forest we have only grown and brought in indigenous flora that are native and found in New Zealand, to protect and insure the biodiversity within the same; keeping the space sacred to New Zealand. The plants (Five fingers, Koohi, Powthikoawa) I selected for the pocket forest all produce flowers and berries that attract New Zealand native birds and bugs, which helps support the species. I have also created this refreshment area for the guests if they are feeling thirsty, or if they would like to communicate with the other guests.
- Manaakitanga ideas in my design relates to Kaitiakitanga with being welcome and hospitality to the animals and bugs that are attracted to the flora. With my design I grew only trees that would attract and be welcome to native birds and bugs, so I can be a host to more than people with my design.
- Wairuatanga- Is a new value that I discovered that my design uses, which is enhancing a spiritual connect with the surrounding environment, with the immutable spiritual connection between people and their environments. With my pool being an infinity pool from the edge it looks like the surfaces continue on to each other, which creates this strong connection between the two relations, which relaxes the mind whilst at my bathhouse.
Materiality is another big concept in my design because since my main idea is about the environments relationship I wanted to only use NZ source materials, and preferably natural materials. So for my caves I used terracotta clay which is a structural clay, found underground. Since the clay is 90 sand and 10 water, the clay will have this issue of absorbing the water so to stop that I have painted the clay in a polyurethane varnish, which will stop the clay from cracking and overheating and give the ground some grip to walk on. For the bathroom I have used La Roche Broy as the tiles along the bathroom walls with black stained timber doors to give the guests privacy whilst changing.