form + space

I want my Japanese-inspired bathhouse to be based in Honolulu Hawaii, a place close to my own heart. Growing up visiting the island led me to some of its hidden treasures and experiences I want to share and bathe in… Literally. Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is located on the island of Oahu’s south shore. In Honolulu, the temperature is consistently in the balmy 80℉ range with occasional rainbows that follow their slight drizzles. Honolulu is a common vacationing area and welcomes tourists, while people love the beach Honolulu has a great sense of community as well. The location of my bathhouse will be directly on and connected to the sand so you can feel the soft grains between your toes as you enter the bathhouse. The ocean waves, vibrant blue, and white set the scene in Honolulu and will be incorporated in the visual appeal and acoustics of the bathhouse. While locating on the beach sounds and smells of the ocean were taken into consideration and embraced. I also would love to pay an ode to Hawaii’s state flower- The Yellow Hibiscus- when it comes to smells and visuals around the bathhouse. This bathhouse is an opportunity to bring a sense of modernist Japanese-inspired architecture to Honolulu whilst keeping to the local vibe.

Location is a huge influence on building materials as I am trying to keep materials natural and locally sourced. I plan on using a blend of woods, dark concrete, stones, and tiles mostly to embellish and make the wood pop. The wood I plan to use is Koa wood which carries a rich Hawaiian background. Koa wood is revered in Hawaii. It is known and identified by its deep rich color and varied grain pattern and while it looks beautiful it also has a history to islanders. Koa wood was used to make some of the first surfboards and canoes for fishing and sailing around the islands. Using this material will bring the natural Japanese style "wood architecture feel" while blending it with Hawaiian sources. Using other simpler materials is purposeful, for it will make the wood stand on its own.

When you enter the bathhouse a sense of tranquility will overwhelm you. Calming music, pumped in subtle scents all while hearing the white noise of the ocean. This would be a public bathhouse for tourists, locals, and mainland visitors with private areas of relaxation within the bathhouse. The definition of “public” is ever-changing but in this case public means- access by payment/appointment or potential membership, you are not able to simply walk in. 4 people may use the facility at a time whether that is two parties of two people or a single party and a triple party or 4 individuals. There can be many configurations for appointments yet only four people maximum at a time. There would be an owner, someone who oversees prices, functionality, and appointments. You would enter through the main doorway leading you to the changing rooms first. This is an all-gender-friendly bathhouse where clothing may or may not be taken off in the changing room, whatever is most comfortable for the client. Swimsuits would have to be rinsed in the shower facilities the same as if you were to go unclothed, then guests can proceed to the bathing/ sauna facilities. Generally speaking, this would be a splurge of an experience. People would be paying for the calming baths along with the decedent facilities and traditional bathhouse circulation. At the end of the day, there would be a paid staff who cleans the bathhouse.