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Onsen (means hot spring in Japanese)

A Hybrid Structure

CEE 130: Architectural Design: 3-D Modeling, Methodology, and Process

(Winter 2017)

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A Hybrid Space

 

This project is a hybrid space that encapsulates the concept of “live, work, play.” As one ascends into the building, the space gradually transitions from the public to the private.

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Section View

 

The basement and ground floors are devoted to a restaurant specializing in Japanese cuisine, while the second floor is home to an intimate spa area promising a revitalizing meditative experience. The third floor is a private dwelling, strategically designed for the owners of Onsen. It includes a private onsen where the couple can relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The roof serves as an ideal space for social gatherings on a warm summer evening in San Francisco.

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Lightness Vs. Heaviness

 

The striking contrast between the heavy concrete mass of the onsen and the slender wooden frames creates a sensational experience for the visitor. Natural light shines through the frames and skylight above, illuminating the space with delicate patterns of light and shadow. An ethereal, almost mystical, atmosphere develops, inviting the visitor to dive into the crystalline waters and escape from the stresses of life in the city.

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Sound and Site

 

During my visit to the building site, I took note of the sounds and noise distribution around the perimeter of the site. The varying noise intensities served as a guide in determining the “density” of the spaces. As you ascend and move away from the street, the building gradually dissolves. 

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 © 2025 by Eleni Alexandraki

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