When first beginning my research, I was extremely influenced by the idea of using the earth to heat water. Iceland is a country that gets over 99% of their energy needs from the earth, through either geothermal or hydroelectric. In a place to bathe for handicapped individuals, I felt that natural energy and healing from the earth would be most beneficial.
The idea of layering was a reoccurring one when designing my space. The way the earth renews itself for the life on it by adding layers and regenerating it's resources was a prominent thought. I wanted a form that would encompass the users, creating the feeling of being within the earth, thus feeling healed and refreshed upon leaving.
The main ramp circles around the entire space, creating different layers as it descends. On the inside walls on the railing, a series of long reeds begin engaging the bathers right from the entrance. When the reach the entry to the pool, they can wade into the middle of the space, or relax in a more enclosed area underneath the ramp behind the wall of reeds. The pool itself has a vanishing edge, to eliminate traces of a man made space. The water spills over the vanishing edge and collects, then renters the pool by trickling down the north wall through the reeds- renewing itself. The water would be heated by geothermal energy.
The two main walls, where the water entry and space entry/exit are located, are made of laminated cedar boards. These walls add to the idea of layers using natural materials. Cedar is a wood that does well with water contact.
The wall elevation details the glass wall and the vanishing pool edge where the water re-enters the space.
This section cuts through the center of the space, showing the area where the water collects underneath, as well as the proximity of the vanishing edge to the main walls.
The ceiling plan shows the glass paneling which creates a ceiling plane, allowing for plenty of natural light during the day.
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