Buffalo BathHouse
Fall of 2012
 

The aim of this project is to create a moment of serenity and contemplation within an urban fabric in constant change- an urban oasis. While challenging American typologies and contemporary culture and lifestyles, the Baths offers the public of Buffalo a stage to rediscover the ancient benefits of bathing. The philosophy behind the baths is ‘Slow-living’: to enjoy the running of time, to leave behind the daily rhythms of the city. It is the ideal place for people who want to take a regenerating break, who want to be isolated with the fragrances and thermal senses of the baths, contemplating within.

In The Cave & Nest, a mixed use apartment building located on the energetic Elmwood Avenue, a public bath·house is introduced to the urban fabric. Molded from the earth, the baths rise from the site as a monolithic stereotomic structure as rammed earth walls. The units above contrast the heavy ‘plinth’ as light transparent apartments seem to float above the baths.  The apartments are arranged into clusters creating shared traditional courtyard spaces between units. The charred wood facade of the apartments adds a subtle and quiet taste of ancient building techniques to the bustling avenue.