deLIGHT

deLIGHT

THE DESIGN PROPOSAL FOR A BATH / SPA INSPIRED BY CYPRIOT CULTURE AND FURNISHED EXCLUSIVELY WITH THE GRANDERA LINE OF PRODUCTS

BY GROHE FROSO TIMOTHEOU

STEFANOS FARMAKIS

Dedicated to our dear Loulla who is not with us anymore..

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction.................................................................01 2. Research....................................................................03 3. Design........................................................................15 4. Photorealistic images.................................................33 5. Physical Model...........................................................63

introDUCTION

01

The scope of the competition was to design a bath and spa inspired by Cypriot culture and furnished exclusively with the Grandera line of products by Grohe. The design process began with extensive research that set the foundation for the proposal.

The glimpses of Cypriot culture are mixed with the luxury and finesse that are the main elements of the Grohe philosophy. The result is a spatial experience that portrays both the grandeur of the luxurious Grandera products as well as the down to earth approach of the vernacular Cypriot architecture.

02

reSEARCH

03

CULTURAL RELEVANCE -Inspirations from cultural, historical, traditional, and vernacular aspects of Cypriot life, art, and architecture.

-The history of bath in Cyprus; the byzantine bath, the ‘loutron’; the ottoman bath, the ‘hamam’ -Mediterranean culture -The ‘lefkaritiko’ (lefkara lace); the traditional embroidery from lefkara and its implication in traditional Cypriot culture.

-The importance of Lefkara Village as a cultural spot in Cyprus

the ‘hamam’

the ‘loutron’

04

Omerye Hamam, Nicosia -- Local stone

A hamam in Morocco -- Local fabric with vernacular patterns

ELEMENTS The ‘hamam’ was consisting of three main materials: -Stone: local stone from each area that the hamam was located.

-Textile: fabric was also an important part of the

space in the ottoman bath.

-Water: obviously, the water is the most vital material

in a bath as well as the main element of the

spa experience.

05

Ottoman bath, Istambul (sketch)

Süleymaniye Hamam, Istambul

Omerye Hamam, Nicosia

Bey Hamam, Thessaloniki

LIGHT CONDITIONS (NATURAL LIGHT) -Light as an immaterial element enriching the atmosphere of the space.

-Natural light penetrating into the space through small openings creating a unique experience of space.

-Using the Ottoman bath ‘hamam’ as a source of inspiration for the idea of natural light penetrating into the bathroom space.

06

COMPARTMENTATION -- BYZANTINE BATHS (loutron)

Byzantine baths in Paramithia, Greece

07

OTTOMAN BATHS (hamam)

Omerye hamam in Nicosia, Cyprus

08

FLOWS In order for the bathroom to generate a spa experience, the idea of the flow is used as a design tool. From the flow of water and ventillation to the flow created by the circulation of the user in the bathroom space, this idea is expanded into a vital part of the proposal.

The idea of the user circulation is directly influenced by both the Ottoman bath (hammam) as well as the Byzantine bath (loutron). In both these cases, the baths were divided in stages, as the user was led from one chamber into the next usually according to the degree of water temperature (cold, warm, hot).

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GENDER SPACE -- HIM AND HER

Bey Hamam, Thessaloniki

10

WHERE ?

-The proposed bath will be located at the village of Pano (upper) Lefkara.

-Lefkara is built in a mountain valley in a landscape dominated by white stone hills and with a background of a range of high mountains.

-It is a large community rich in tradition and history.

-The traditional architecture of Lefkara is an invaluable element of its cultural heritage. The main feature of the architecture of Lefkara is the continuous and dense construction.

-Lefkara is also an independent municipality of Cyprus. The village is divided administratively into two parts. Upper Lefkara is composed of the municipality, and the community of Lower Lefkara.

-It is famous for the unique architecture, the famous “lefkaritiko�, the traditional embroidery of the village, and the silversmith industry.

-In addition, the village is conveniently located on the southeastern side of Troodos mountains and it is in the middle of Nicosia and Larnaca districts.

Lefkara

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WHY ?

-Lefkara village is seen as a cultural spot in Cyprus and is a place that reflects the Cypriot culture in multiple ways.

-The built mass of the village is quite dense and the network of streets and alleys includes multiple dead ends. As a result, the way that the village is structured is strikingly similar to the idea of compartmentation.

-The vernacular architecture of the village (mainly the idea of the internal courtyard) is an additional source of inspiration to the proposed design.

-The main local construction material (the vernacular Lefkara stone) is a quite suitable material for the design of a bath that will be culturally relevant to Cuprus.

-The ‘lefkaritiko’ embroidery will be a vital part of the design both as an actual material as well as a source of inspiration (especially the multiple patterns of the lace).

Public street network

House typologies

Local stone

‘lefkaritiko’ lace

12

FOR WHOM ?

-The proposed bath / spa will be designed for a suite meant for a couple.

-Although the bath will be designed as a separate entity, it will be a part of a larger space, namely, the couple’s suite.

-The bathing process will be inspired by the traditions of the Cypriot culture as it will include both a body as well as a mind clearing experience.

-The bath will reflect a feeling of luxury and finesse while keeping at the same time the element of simplicity and down-to-earth approach of the traditional ‘loutron’. As a result, it will be available to any couple willing to spend a relaxing time in Lefkara village.

13

DESIGN PARAMETERS

RESEARCH OUTCOME -NATURAL LIGHT: The element of natural light has been an important part of the Ottoman bath ‘hamam’ and will be a key element in the design of the proposed bath.

-COMPARTMENTATION: The division of space in chambers of different activities within the ‘hamam’ and the ‘loutron’ is translated into a more free plan with certain dividing elements that create a sequence of activities within the space of the proposed bath.

-FLOWS: The idea of flows and circulation will be a vital ingredient of the bath design since in both the ‘hamam’ and the‘loutron’ the unique circulation pattern was a playing an important role in the identity of the space.

-MATERIALITY: The choice of materials is one of the most important parts of the design since the materiality will play a key role in the creation of the desired outcome. No doubt, the materials used will be influenced by both the ‘hamam’ and the ‘loutron’ as well as from the vernacular architecture of Lefkara village.

-TACTILITY (TACTILE SPACE): The experience that the user will be exposed to is twofold. Apart from the spatial experience that will take the user through the different stages of the spa experience, the tactility of the elements is a vital part of the concept of the proposal. An amalgama of materials will provide a large spectrum of textures in the bath leading to a rather exciting journey for the human body from the roughness of certain materials to the smoothness of others and finally to the warmth and velvety touch of water.

-SPATIAL EXPERIENCE: All of the above parameters have a very specific goal: the creation of a unique experience of space. Apart from its functional scope of providing personal hygiene and relaxation, the proposed bath will be a rather unique experience fo the user as the space itself will stimulate the sences in a way that appart from using the space, the human will have the opportunity to live the space.

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deSIGN

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INITIAL SKETCHY IDEAS

BATHING

RELAXING

DRESSING UP

HAND WASHING TOILETTING

COMPARTMENTING THE SPACE ACCORDING TO ACTIVITIES

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OPENINGS AND NATURAL LIGHT The narrow openings will allow diffused light to enter the space enriching the atmosphere of the space.

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IDEA DEVELOPMENT

Integrating the idea of compartmentation and chambers while starting assigning activities to the space.

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FIREPLACE

A fireplace is introduced as a central element and an outdoor space like e veranda will create an inside / outside relationship adding to the experience of space

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PATIO

(relaxing)

3

4

SPA

2

(relaxing)

5

1

6

1.

Hand washing

2. Undressing 3. Bathing 4. Showering 5.

Getting dressed

6. Toiletting

22

LIGHT AND SPACE

Small openings allows natural light to penetrate into the space creating a sence of mystique with the bathroom space.

The idea of both soul and body cleansing is enhanced by the way that the natural light enters the space giving a ritualistic touch to the process of bathing.

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LEFKARITIKO PATTERN -- GEOMETRICAL DECONSTRUCTION

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FIREPLACE AND SPA BED

Heat from the fireplace will be warming the ceramic spa bed providing space for two for a relaxing session on the warm ceramic.

WARM SPA BED FIREPLACE

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SPACE FOR TWO (HIM AND HER)

MATERIAL PALETTE WALLS Lefkara local stone

FLOORING Wood deck, ceramic, and marble floor tiles

OPENINGS Aluminum and glazing

CURTAINS Lefkaritiko lace

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GROHE GRANDERA -- DESIGN PHILOSOPHY KEY WORDS -Finesse -Smoothness -Fluidity -Form + function -Curves + edges -Combining opposites (the squircle)

ELEMENTS -The merging of opposites creates a composition of elements that becomes the design.

CULTURAL INFLUENCES -The combination of cultures is a key element of the Grohe design philosophy. The Grandera series combines multiple influences into a smooth composition of cultures.

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PROPOSAL’S DESIGN PHILOSOPHY -The idea of fluidity is translated into spatial terms; the concept of flowing space is used as a design tool -The merging of binaries like enclosed and exposed, inside and outside, private and public, and central and marginalized becomes the driving force for the design.

-The idea of the courtyard, directly inspired by the vernacular Architecture of Lefkara and the internal courtyard, is the main architectural inspiration of the final design.

courtyard

public street

-The way our team approaches design is through the composition of elements. We do not create space by designing volumes but through elements that define space.

DIAGRAMMATIC IDEA PLAN

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BASIN MIXER + ACCESSORIES

Basin - 3-hole basin mixer 1/2� M-Size This mixer is used because of its elegance and its design. The smoothness of its curves as well as the robustness of its grip make it the perfect choice for a space that reflects the vernacular Cypriot architecture.

Holder with ceramic tumbler The soap holder with the ceramic tumbler is considered the best choice for the bath that reflects the Cypriot culture.

Towel ring The towel ring is chosen based on the shape of the squircle which is the basic concept of the Grandera series.

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BATH TUB MIXER + ACCESSORIES

Single-lever bath mixer 1/2�, floor mounted The bath tub mixer used is based on the fact that the tub will not be imbedded within the floor but will be freestanding. The mixer will be mounted on the floor and it will be used both to fill the tub for a relaxing bath session as well as to ta take a quick shower.

Holder with ceramic soap dish Details like the soap dish add elegance to the bathroom space and reflect both Cypriot culture as well as the philosophy of the Grandera product series.

Finish The chrome / gold finish is chosen because of its dialogue with the Lefkara stone as well as because of its elegant detailing.

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photoREALISTIC IMAGES

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View of the spa bed with the stone wall in the foreground and the bathtub at the back left. The patterns of light from the openings create a playful interior atmosphere.

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An overall view from the entering point. The user is walking out of the shower while the patterns of light play with the textures of the interior.

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Once again natural light playing with the textures. The abstracted lefkaritiko patterns being projected on the wall made of untreated local stone.

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View of the shower with a lefkaritiko curtain and ceramic tiles with lefkaritiko detailing. Light patterns from the openings are projected on different surfaces of the interior.

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Close-up view of the user taking a shower while being also ‘bathed’ in natural light.

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Close-up view of the shower with natural light from the openings ‘interacting’ with the user.

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Interior details. Small furniture along with touches of lefkaritika transform the space into a warm homey environment.

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View of the bathtub with a couple taking a relaxing bath while natural light from the lefkaritiko openings intensifies the experience.

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User having a relaxing time taking a bath. The rays of light passing through the lefkaritiko openings create a mystified environment, allowing the user to clean the body while clearing the mind and soul.

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View of the bathtub with diffused light passing through the tree placed at the patio.

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View of the bathtub with user ready to take a bath while natural light enhances the experience.

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Night view of the shower area with a glimpse of the spa and the bath tub.

Exterior lights create a similar effect to the one created by natural light during daytime.

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Night view of the bathtub with a touch of the local stone adding a layer of texture to the interior of the space.

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Nighttime overall view. Due to the placement of exterior lights adjacent to the openings, the ‘play’ of light becomes much more intence than daytime.

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physical MODEL

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