Weather Retreat

HM of London Urban Retreat: Haggerston Public Baths

+ HONOURABLE MENTION

London Urban Retreat: Haggerston Public Baths

[19750]

Weather Retreat: Haggerston Baths Reimagined

Team

Name: Victoria Paltilov

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/south_village_design

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-paltilov

Nationality: Israeli

Name: Laura Micalizzi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauramicalizzidesign/

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

Nationality: Italian/British

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This project reimagines the historic Haggerston Baths as an immersive urban retreat, where weather becomes a central experiential theme. Originally constructed in the early 20th century as a public bathhouse, the building is now transformed into a sensory sanctuary, where water, light, temperature, and atmosphere orchestrate the spatial narrative.

On the ground floor, a central pool simulates shifting weather conditions. A suspended “artificial sun” illuminates the space while a circular overhead ring introduces gentle indoor rain, creating an atmospheric contrast. A mezzanine-level “green corridor” lined with plants contributes to the biophilic experience. Supporting functions such as reconfigured changing rooms, dining areas, and a courtyard bar are seamlessly integrated into a fluid spatial circulation.

On the upper level, carefully designed spaces, including a skylit meditation room, a tea lounge, and two contrasting sauna experiences (a warm, desert-inspired dry sauna and a misty salt-steam room), offer moments of solitude and restoration. Three pools of different temperatures allow users to cool down or warm up after heat-based therapies.

Located in one of London’s most densely populated and diverse boroughs, the project responds to a growing local need for accessible mental and physical wellness. It welcomes both Hackney residents and visitors alike.

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Jury Comments

– David Aldana

Interesting project with a strong central element that gives an iconic character to the building and gives a unique experience to the user. I would have liked to see more of this through out the rest of the project which is lacking a bit of a stonger concept and almost falls into the same standard that a luxury spa and wellness center would have.

– Josefine Fokdal

This project includes weather into the space and has a playful and well thought through spatial arrangement of the different zones for meditation and retreat. It does not include the context at all.