RIAI | Irish Architecture Awards

Citation

Overseas - Under £200,000

The design and control of lighting has infused this unpromising basement spa with a spatial sense which is almost surreal. Surfaces are defined and moulded by light on water.

Small areas of strong colour intensify the abstract quality of the spacess and emphasise the otherwise restrained colour scheme. Clean, disciplined detailing also contributes to the chaste serenity of this exceptional project.

Architects' Comment
This is a project for a swimming pool in an all women's health spa in Kensington. The pool is in a basement under a large mansion block. In the absence of natural light we tried to bring the architecture alive by inventive use of artificial light. The light changes around the pool to correspond with the changing daylight in the streets above.

Client's Comment
Reinstatement and refurbishment of an original pool hall in the basement of this 1930s apartment building which was forced to close in 1940, and was reopened as the Phillimore Club, an exclusive women's only health spa in 1996.