Inspired by the healing nature of the coast Grannus Healing is a well-being centre which utilises experimental spa techniques in order to better wellness and relieve stress. I found in my years of studying at Edinburgh University I would visit Portobello Beach to relieve anxiety the nature of the beach was so calming and this is something I wanted to explore spatially. The spa techniques are inspired by the ritualistic nature of bathing within the original Turkish Baths during the Victorian Era, they are also inspired by the beach. The centre includes Salt Therapy domes to improve breathing, mineral pools, seaweed immersion baths, hot exfoliation rooms and plunge pools. The building is the Portobello Swim Centre located on Portobello's promenade. The back of the building is used for sea swimmers who need a place to change, wash their costumes and warm up using the sauna and showers.
Georgia White
Project description
Portobello Swim Centre
After researching that living within half a mile of the coast reduces your likelihood of suffering from anxiety and depression I chose a building overlooking Portobello Beach. The Portobello Swim Centre was built in 1898 by Richard Morham, the building features two swimming pools and original Turkish Baths. The Turkish baths were popular in Victorian Britain, the building having these original structures which are still in use today really inpsired me.
Pre-existing Building
Design Interventions
My designs incorporate themes of sand, seaweed, salt and sea. Playing with natural elements and adding in aspects of otherwordliness with the idea that departure from everyday views and interiors improves our well-being as we feel transported to a new place.
In terms of materials I was heavily inspired by coastal elements which naturally occur along the beach. I was also inspired by original Turkish Baths which use tiling to depict natural scenes and motifs. I made my own tiling using shells to create similar patterns and motifs as a way of acknowledging the surrounding landscape within the interior. Moreover, I was also inspired by manipulating rigid materials to appear fluid in a reference to water.
Detailing
Final Images
Georgia White
