Water Therapy Spa

The Water Therapy Spa provides a regenerative retreat for inhabitants, where the healing properties of water are heightened through immersion in the surrounding landscape.

Health-giving activities encourage well-being and the building of strength and confidence. At the meeting point of the White Cart, its weir and lade, spatial connections to the fluctuations and energy of the waterways enhance the atmospheric experiences of swimming and relaxing.

Water has determined the importance of this site for centuries, at the heart of Pollok’s origins, the Complex was once the grounds of Laighe Castle,

“The castle was built upon a rock that was washed by the White Cart. The pool that formed here is believed to have led to the name Pollok, as the word ‘poll’ means pool in Gaelic.”

The design sensitively emphasises the meaningful relationships between the waterways and interior.

Generously spaced shower and changing rooms ensure comfort for all, accommodating families and those with mobility issues, or who may need the assistance of carers.

Tiled seating opposite the pool serves as a place to relax. Providing a spot for spectators to soak in the atmosphere.

A cool shower and drinks area offers refreshing contrast in temperature after using the steam room.

A hydroelectric turbine harnesses the power of the weir, acting as a renewable energy source for the Complex.

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Inhabitants follow a journey that emulates the path of the lade, taking them from reception to the changing area.

A narrow passageway then forms a separating threshold. Softly up-lit undulating roof beams draw people towards glimpses of the water, before opening out onto the pool and steam room.

Emphasising the escapism of the Spa, the floor is sunken to 775mm below ground-level. The lowering of eyelevel dramatises the height of existing windows, inviting people to look upwards towards the changing moods and weathers of the sky.

The slow transition of the pools ramp connects people to the adjacent descent of the river. Swimmers move towards the deepest point, where the White Cart and lade converge underneath. A horizontal glazed panel spans an existing opening, visually connecting the pool outwards towards the bends of the river.

Graduated depths relate to the fluctuating river-levels. The relationship between this rising and lowering is heightened in the varied sounds of the weirs cascade, enriching the experience of people swimming and floating in the interior.

“In shadowy spaces, vision finally takes a back seat. Touch, hearing and smell gain heightened sensitivity and our subconscious, unburdened by excessive visual stimuli, can roam. ... Physically, a dimly lit corner envelops our body and secludes us from the world, encouraging a safe and private mindset.”7

Providing contrast to the rest of the Complex, the Spa heightens sensory stimulation through a focus upon the experience of darkness.

A limited materiality palette emphasises the hues of seasonal surroundings. Ignorance is Bliss amber toned Ceramic Tiles in FE20SM_1 reference the autumnal browns of the White Cart Water.

Inspired by the buildings history as a former Sawmill, richly textured black charred timber lines the walls. Inhaling the warm smell of wood in the steam room induces feelings of calm. Increased circulation aids mental health through reducing tension and stress.

Soaking in the heat of the pool contributes towards healing, relaxing muscles and relieving joint pain. Weekly hydrotherapy classes encourage routine exercise, and the building of strength and confidence. In such classes, inhabitants may mix with the public to partake in lowimpact activities, beneficial for the elderly and those with dementia.

Ignorance is Bliss, Ceramic Tile in FE20SM_1

Shou-SugiBan, Yūkari Umi Charred Timber

Water Therapy Spa; Specifications;

- Ignorance is Bliss, Ceramic Tile in FE20SM_1, glaze contains 20% iron waste - Resident, Felix Swivel Chair (Black Base Casters) in Camira, Synergy Affix, used by staff in the reception

Materiality/Finishes;

- Abodo Wood, Vulcan Walnut Fine Sawn

- Shou-Sugi-Ban, Yūkari Umi Charred Timber