Brickworks Bathhouse

A Slower Rhythm

The vaulted chambers of Yarralumla Brickworks are beginning a new chapter. As construction progresses, the heritage-protected kilns and associated structures are being conserved and adapted to accommodate an integrated wellness facility.

Our design takes its starting point from the buildings themselves: the weight of the masonry, the depth of the openings and the sweep of the brick vaults. These existing qualities have guided the arrangement of the bathhouse and the atmosphere we hope to create within it.

The intention is to give visitors time to experience these spaces slowly — immersed in water, moving between temperatures, or resting in the quieter rooms.

Working within the kilns involves a close consideration of what is already there and how new uses can be accommodated. Their scale and material character are central to the design, with new elements arranged to retain a clear sense of the original spaces.

Curved enclosures and framed openings introduce smaller, more intimate settings within the substantial brick structures. The design moves between these scales, from the openness of the larger bathing chambers to places for individual treatments and rest.

During construction, the relationship between the existing fabric and the proposed additions is coming into sharper focus. The drawings and models describe the overall composition; on site, the texture of the brickwork and the dimensions of the chambers give those relationships a physical presence.

The existing kilns and brickwork establish the character of the project.

Section study exploring the relationship between the vaulted enclosure, the water and the body.

“The scale of the kilns is extraordinary. Bathing offers a way to spend time within them — to notice the curve of the vault, the texture of the brick and the movement of light on water.” - Phillip Mathieson

The most striking vaulted spaces have been reserved for the larger pools. The design places a quiet plane of water beneath the curved brickwork, allowing the enclosure to be experienced both overhead and in reflection.

We have considered these rooms from the perspective of someone within the water. From this lower viewpoint, the vault becomes more prominent, while the pool edge and surrounding surfaces provide a closer, more tactile scale.

The material palette draws on the warmth of the existing masonry. More finely finished surfaces sit alongside the irregular brickwork, with lighting intended to reveal its texture and the shape of each chamber. As these spaces take shape, the relationship between water, light and the existing structure remains a central focus.

The most striking vaulted spaces have been reserved for the larger pools. The design places a quiet plane of water beneath the curved brickwork, allowing the enclosure to be experienced both overhead and in reflection.

We have considered these rooms from the perspective of someone within the water. From this lower viewpoint, the vault becomes more prominent, while the pool edge and surrounding surfaces provide a closer, more tactile scale.

The material palette draws on the warmth of the existing masonry. More finely finished surfaces sit alongside the irregular brickwork, with lighting intended to reveal its texture and the shape of each chamber. As these spaces take shape, the relationship between water, light and the existing structure remains a central focus.

Rest has an equally important place in the design. Areas lined in dark-stained oak will offer a more domestic sense of enclosure, with the warmth of timber and comfortable seating encouraging visitors to settle between bathing experiences.

These rooms bring the attention of a residential interior to a shared setting. Proportion, the arrangement of seating and the surfaces close to hand contribute to a feeling of ease. They are places for quiet conversation, for sitting alone, or simply for allowing the day to become less hurried.

“We wanted the rest areas to have the ease of a living room — somewhere to settle, whether you are on your own or sharing the experience with someone else.” - Phillip Mathieson

As construction progresses, the relationship between old and new is becoming tangible. The work brings the design back to individual surfaces, junctions and proportions: how a new element sits within a chamber, how materials meet, and how the character of the existing structure remains present.

The bathhouse is being developed to include hot and cold pools, magnesium pools, saunas, salt rooms, snow rooms and treatment areas. Together, these will offer a range of experiences within the existing buildings.

Our attention has also been on the spaces between them. Openings, changes in material and variations in enclosure are intended to make movement through the bathhouse feel considered and unhurried. Some spaces will invite shared occupation; others will offer a more private pause.

The connection to the buildings’ former use is an evocative part of the project. Structures originally made for the production of heat will accommodate new rituals of warmth, cooling and rest.

The bathhouse is being developed to include hot and cold pools, magnesium pools, saunas, salt rooms, snow rooms and treatment areas. Together, these will offer a range of experiences within the existing buildings.

Our attention has also been on the spaces between them. Openings, changes in material and variations in enclosure are intended to make movement through the bathhouse feel considered and unhurried. Some spaces will invite shared occupation; others will offer a more private pause.

The connection to the buildings’ former use is an evocative part of the project. Structures originally made for the production of heat will accommodate new rituals of warmth, cooling and rest.

The bathhouse is taking shape through these encounters. Its ambition is to offer time within a remarkable setting, with space to move between activity and stillness, company and solitude. Beneath the brick vaults, the simple acts of bathing and resting will give the buildings a new rhythm.