Earth & Sky

Sited where both first and last light touch, the proposal aims to embed itself tightly within the rocky shore of Bhairav Kunda. Gabion walls provide ease of construction that is predominately materialized on-site and creates a duality that feels intimately interior yet entirely exterior and porous.

The central, schematic plan shows the designs’ negotiation with the environment and its arraying geometries that provide specific framed views of the lake, valley, and sky. Inspired by the vignettes of the Hindu Mandala, the perimeter band illustrates narratives over a day, commencing with crossing a submerged bridge to wash one’s feet before entry.

A thermal gradient is applied to the baths; coolest in the east where the rising sun is viewed across the lake, and warmest to the west where the sun sets down the Langtang Valley. This gradient pays homage to the Hindu tradition of ritual bathing at dusk and dawn, while also considering the therapeutic benefits it could provide to all its users. Coldest begins the day: increasing alertness, clarity, and energy. Warmest to end: reducing tension and inducing sleep cycles.