Urban Oasis

HM of London Urban Retreat: Haggerston Public Baths

+ HONOURABLE MENTION

London Urban Retreat: Haggerston Public Baths

[19807]

Urban Oasis: Flowing Serenity

Team

Name: Yizhou Zhao

Instagram: @echolaliaaa

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/echo-zyzhao/

Name: Yue Pan

Instagram: @lalaxoma

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamyuepan/

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Responding to the theme of urban withdrawal and inner reconnection, this project transforms a historic bathhouse into a daily-accessible wellness retreat within London’s dense urban fabric. The design utilizes a programmatic and environmental gradient in the West Wing to guide visitors from restorative spa facilities to the preserved swimming pool, creating a layered sensory and bodily experience.

In contrast, the East Wing facilitates “dry” functions, including professional offices, a mini-library, workshop space, and a multifunctional community event space with a rear courtyard. This wing fosters social and intellectual engagement, balancing the quietude of the wellness zones.

The glazed “Wet Lobby” atrium serves as the spatial core. Inspired by Zen stones, stone seating atop wave-patterned floors creates a meditative environment for communal leisure. Cross-vault ceilings, influenced by Hackney’s local heritage, open to the rooftop to introduce natural daylight and ventilation. Through adaptive reuse, minimal intervention, and careful modulation of light and materials, the project preserves community memory while delivering a resilient, visually rich, and emotionally resonant urban retreat.

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Jury Comments

– Ziyang Xu

An intriguing concept supported by clear and well-executed drawings. The project establishes a strong dialogue with the site, successfully emphasizing the contrast and integration of dry and wet spaces. Functional zoning is thoughtfully developed in response to the existing spatial scale and form.

– Josefine Fokdal

The spatial expression and handling of the old bath house is good, it also includes community facilities, however, it doe snot look at the context nor at the spacific spatial program.