Banya Spa No. 1

Natural and industrial elements, with rough and textured surfaces reflect and absorb light in ways that combine to create a full sensory experience. The project creates sinuous volumes within a tight space cradling a dry heat sauna clad in kelo logs, a plunge pool, showers, lounge and hammams. Reeded glass voiles the entrance to the sanctuary, creating a barrier between the tranquillity of the Banya and the bustle of the high street. The reception offers a tea bar, which gives the spa an active presence in the streetscape. Completed at the time of the pandemic, it also softly introduced the Banya to the neighbourhood, while the main spa function remained closed. Lounge seating is inspired by a sculpture garden; the seating forms echo a collection of modern sculptures, at once abstract and anthropomorphic. High backs and arm-sides generate privacy for diners in the luxurious leather seats, whilst echoing the shapes of the smooth pods opposite. Curved pods, seen from the lounge, encase the shower, plunge pool and private room. It has been arranged so that the interior Parnaya sauna experience is secluded, whilst its exterior form is manifest in the main public spaces. The vertical kelo log cladding of the Parnaya evokes a traditional sauna but is presented in a shape which feels more organic than built; vertical logs along a curve. Each of the Parnaya, showers and plunge pool, form curved pods, strung like beads along the lounge wall, with a translucent glass block separating lounge from spa. Film link: https://youtu.be/9-eb4HHIWCc