The Geo-Thermal Regeneration Retreat
Set within one the best-preserved roman towns, The Geo-Thermal Regeneration Retreat sets the client on a journey of restored energy, strength and renewability.
Replicating the structural layout of the local roman town centre , the site is divided into quadrants providing purposeful areas for wellbeing, productivity, entertainment and retreat.
Upon entering, the user is surrounded by elevated sweeping terrain denoting the entrance of a colosseum with a dramatic cascading water wall surrounding the user, enhancing the senses. As a regenerative water source, rainwater from the entrance building roof is collected and circulated as part of the water wall.
Replicating the shape of water droplets, the courtyard planting areas consist of Hostas, Brunnera, Ferns and Hakonechloa macra, with their rich and bold demeanor harmonizing with the energy and form of the water wall. The fluidity of water continues with curved natural ponds interweaving either side of the main avenue denoting a fragmented theme. Amongst the natural ponds, rammed earth walls provide a naturalistic and secluded seating retreat. Their dynamic and sweeping textures enhance the representation of energy with their separated arrangement denoting an underlying strength and formation, complimenting the distant circular thermal pool retreat construction.
As a central passageway throughout, main avenue represents the breakthrough of new life through the use of limestone paving in random crazy formation, with it’s organic, rustic tones acting as a testament to the Roman historic legacy. Adjacent, an allée of trees along the avenue provide the feeling of balance and strength, contrasting to the lower level fragmented theme. The use of self-seeding planting along the avenue enhance the theme of regeneration.
At the end of main avenue, an enclosed thermal pool retreat with a panoramic circular open top roof emits steam from within. The projection of steam denotes the rejuvenation and rising of new beginnings similar to that of a phoenix. Corten steel pillars support the stone retreat, with its evolving weathered steel tones enhancing the message of new generations. Situated within the thermal retreat, a sauna and steam room shares steam from the thermal pool creating a continued re-circulation. The inner wall represents the feeling of a double/second skin as the user transverses from the pools to the changing rooms inside; putting on that’s second skin.
Arranged in a circular spiral, the Medicinal Garden invites the user to enhance their senses from the strong aromas of Rosemary, Sage and Chamomile with the planting also purposeful in producing oils, herbs and teas for consumption within the spa. Situated within the Medicinal Garden, a large natural pool provides the user opportunities for swimming with the adjacent reed pond acting as natural filtration, creating a regenerative water body.
Promoting the rare local heathlands, and demonstrating the succession of woodlands, the user immerses themselves into the wider landscape, traversing from areas of wellbeing and productivity to woodland retreats including an Amphitheatre.
Set amongst the heathland foliage, the Amphitheatre is constructed from raised terrain acting as seating, with stone pathways and walls creating a structural yet organic form. Additionally, within the heathland, extensive lawns provide areas for relaxation with a restaurant and terrace also providing opportunity to watch events across to the Amphitheatre.
As the heathland disperses, successional woodland starts to dominate with secluded and enchanting areas of retreat such as firepits and self-contained accommodation units looking out onto the wider landscape creating a seamless transition and idyllic backdrop.
Due to the sites south facing aspect, and the increase in climate temperatures, the use of extensive glazing and ground tubing in the construction of the restaurant and spa centre buildings enables the use of geothermal energy, enhancing a renewable and regenerative ethos.
The Geo-Thermal Regeneration Retreat promotes an ethos of regeneration benefiting the people, planet and product.