Melbourne Warehouse Redesigned into Wellness Haven

A once-industrial warehouse in Melbourne’s inner-north has been transformed into the ‘Sense of Self’ (SOS) Bathhouse, a revolutionary wellness space that redefines the way we experience self-care. Stepping beyond traditional notions of beauty and wellness, the SOS Bathhouse invites guests to reconnect with their bodies and surroundings in a communal, immersive environment designed with empathy and inclusivity at its core.

GALLERY  

The conversion of this warehouse provided a unique opportunity to challenge conventional ideas of wellness, which are often solitary and situated in sterile, white-washed environments. The brief for SOS was to create an empathetic space where community, acceptance, and restoration are central. The result is a bathhouse that prioritises healing, rest, and connection, encouraging visitors to engage with both themselves and the space around them in a meaningful way.

At the heart of the design is the notion of inclusivity, with an emphasis on creating a space that caters to every ‘body’. The layout eradicates traditional divisions based on gender or physical ability, featuring communal change rooms, communal toilets with ambulant WCs, and accessible bathing areas with multiple entry options. The design thoughtfully guides users through a sequence of rituals embedded in the bathing experience, enhancing the connection between body and space.

The design of SOS Bathhouse draws inspiration from global bathhouse cultures, but rather than replicating these, it distills the concept of a bathhouse to its essence: water. The materials and forms used throughout the space are derived from an understanding of water as a force for growth, healing, and nourishment. Decorative glass and digital projections play with light refraction, while a water wall and flowing fabric curtains evoke the power of water. The use of elemental materials such as concrete, travertine, and sandstone, which are intentionally designed to age and weather, further grounds the space in its natural environment. Vegetation, carefully integrated into the design, embodies water’s restorative properties.

Sense of Self Bathhouse not only redefines wellness but also sets a new standard for communal bathing in Australia, cultivating a space where design, inclusivity, and self-care intersect.

Images by Martina Gemmola via ArchDaily

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