'About Time', an elegant bathhouse in Torquay, Victoria, is the Australian Surf Coast's new temple for wellness, courtesy of Studio Goss. Designed by the practice, headed by founder David Goss – also behind this finely tuned, countryside Cape Schanck house – the complex balances brutalist architecture and gentle natural patina, inspired by the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi.
Relax at the 'About Time' bathhouse by David Goss
The bathhouse was designed by the Melbourne-based practice as an ultimate immersive wellness experience. Bringing together confidence and softness, the design works with a robust material palette of concrete, stone and timber, sprinkled with 'the beauty of imperfection.'
Careful lighting throughout highlights the textured surfaces, crafted in flamed granite floors, curved stucco walls, coir matting and monolithic timber and stone elements. Clean lines and geometric shapes echo Goss's architectural approach through his residential work – such as Cape Schanck's sophisticated volumes.
A generous garden allows for al fresco dips in the water, while inside, interconnected, flowing areas feature a series of magnesium pools, saunas, steam rooms, and enclosed treatment spaces where guests can enjoy facials or massage. The campus spans some 1,000 sq m of what used to be the former headquarters of the Quiksilver clothing and accessories brand in Torquay
Balancing the crisp shapes of the overall architecture, gentle lighting and curved features in the interiors bring an element of lightness and tranquillity to the composition – this is supported by strategically hidden sconces, and expressive taps and bathroom accessories throughout.
Treatments and products are provided respectively by facial specialist Little Company (Byron Bay and Collingwood) and holistic massage practice Still Beauty.
-
Marylebone restaurant Nina turns up the volume on Italian diningAt Nina, don’t expect a view of the Amalfi Coast. Do expect pasta, leopard print and industrial chic
-
Tour the wonderful homes of ‘Casa Mexicana’, an ode to residential architecture in Mexico‘Casa Mexicana’ is a new book celebrating the country’s residential architecture, highlighting its influence across the world
-
Jonathan Anderson is heading to Dior MenAfter months of speculation, it has been confirmed this morning that Jonathan Anderson, who left Loewe earlier this year, is the successor to Kim Jones at Dior Men
-
The humble glass block shines brightly again in this Melbourne apartment buildingThanks to its striking glass block panels, Splinter Society’s Newburgh Light House in Melbourne turns into a beacon of light at night
-
A contemporary retreat hiding in plain sight in SydneyThis contemporary retreat is set behind an unassuming neo-Georgian façade in the heart of Sydney’s Woollahra Village; a serene home designed by Australian practice Tobias Partners
-
Join our world tour of contemporary homes across five continentsWe take a world tour of contemporary homes, exploring case studies of how we live; we make five stops across five continents
-
Who wouldn't want to live in this 'treehouse' in Byron Bay?A 1980s ‘treehouse’, on the edge of a national park in Byron Bay, is powered by the sun, architectural provenance and a sense of community
-
A modernist Melbourne house gets a contemporary makeoverSilhouette House, a modernist Melbourne house, gets a contemporary makeover by architects Powell & Glenn
-
A suburban house is expanded into two striking interconnected dwellingsJustin Mallia’s suburban house, a residential puzzle box in Melbourne’s Clifton Hill, interlocks old and new to enhance light, space and efficiency
-
Palm Beach Tree House overhauls a cottage in Sydney’s Northern Beaches into a treetop retreatSet above the surf, Palm Beach Tree House by Richard Coles Architecture sits in a desirable Northern Beaches suburb, creating a refined home in verdant surroundings
-
Year in review: the top 12 houses of 2024, picked by architecture director Ellie StathakiThe top 12 houses of 2024 comprise our finest and most read residential posts of the year, compiled by Wallpaper* architecture & environment director Ellie Stathaki
