Sorrento Bathhouse by Davidov Architects
Tucked beneath a canopy of Tasmanian Red Gum and Moonah trees, the Sorrento Bathhouse by Davidov Architects reimagines the contemporary wellness retreat through a lens of sculptural clarity and spatial restraint.
This coastal project offers a refined, boutique experience where simplicity and material rigour converge, creating an atmosphere that is at once meditative and immersive.
The architecture is conceived as a singular, barn-like volume, its robust external form establishing a quietly commanding presence within the coastal landscape. Inside, a series of gentle transitions guide visitors through a space defined by tactile shifts and thoughtful proportion. Moving from the cool solidity of concrete to the warmth of timber veneer, the bathhouse invites users into an environment designed for both solitude and social connection.
At its core, the project is about modulation of light, form, and sensory experience. A custom baffle system filters daylight entering from above, softening direct sun while discreetly concealing lighting and mechanical systems. This strategy not only refines the visual language of the interior but ensures a constantly evolving quality of light throughout the day. Sculptural ceilings and a west-facing loggia further this effect, allowing shadow and brightness to shape the atmosphere from moment to moment.
The program is modest but highly intentional: a sauna, jacuzzi, and a flexible communal area that adapts to varied use, from a peaceful post-tennis pause to a family wellness day. Each space is carefully composed to encourage introspection, while remaining grounded in functionality. The bathhouse resists extravagance in favour of durability and quiet richness, employing a restrained palette of bluestone, concrete, and moisture-resistant timber to withstand its coastal setting.
Environmental considerations are embedded throughout the project's DNA. Passive design measures, including solar protection through orientation and roof pitch, reduce reliance on active systems, while the material palette supports longevity and low maintenance. These strategies are not ornamental, but integral to the overall architectural response.
The Sorrento Bathhouse ultimately offers a new typology for wellness architecture. It doesn't seek luxury in surface treatments or excess, but in precision, light, and the way materials are allowed to speak for themselves. The result is a calming retreat defined not by spectacle, but by spatial quietude and deeply felt experience.
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