Architectural Cases

A remarkable full-scale pavilion, named Arkhive, has been developed by master's students from the Design for Manufacture (DfM) program at the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL. This innovative project delves into the possibilities of robotic fabrication and reconfigurable construction methods through an adaptable timber truss framework. The structure utilizes an interlocking joinery system, enabling precise assembly and a high degree of flexibility.

Arkhive was conceived as a proof-of-concept for construction systems prioritizing full disassembly, reconfiguration, and material reuse. Designed and built collaboratively by students and faculty, the self-supporting structure features two twisting timber arches anchored to steel plinths. These arches are robustly stabilized by ladder-beam trusses, assembled with robotic precision, which also define the pavilion's overall structural logic.

The ladder-beam system is ingeniously crafted from a custom arrangement of standardized timber rails and cam-lock connections. This design facilitates the assembly, disassembly, and recombination of individual components without material degradation, promoting adaptability for numerous future configurations. The components were meticulously fabricated and assembled using two industrial robotic arms, achieving a level of accuracy unattainable through traditional manual construction and underscoring an automation-driven approach to timber building.

By integrating robotic manufacturing with reversible joinery, Arkhive stands as a pioneering model for modular timber construction, emphasizing material efficiency and long-term reusability. This structure functions as a 'material bank,' where individual components retain their inherent value, allowing them to be repurposed in subsequent architectural projects. This forward-thinking approach not only highlights the ingenuity of the students and staff involved but also points towards a more sustainable and resource-conscious future for the construction industry, where buildings can evolve and adapt to changing needs, reducing waste and maximizing the lifecycle of materials.

Future Simple Studio has recently completed the Recess Thermal Station, a sophisticated new bathhouse located in Montreal. This wellness haven offers a distinctive 75-minute hydrotherapy circuit, meticulously designed to guide visitors through a sequence of hot and cold environments. Collaborating with wellness brand Recess and featuring Aesop products, the facility provides a holistic and calming escape from the city's winter chill. The design prioritizes a minimalist aesthetic, employing a curated palette of materials, strategic lighting, and thoughtful soundscapes to create a serene and intuitive journey for each guest. From the moment of arrival, every detail contributes to a sense of tranquility and rejuvenation, fostering both physical well-being and mental clarity.

The Recess Thermal Station stands as a testament to thoughtful architectural design and a commitment to holistic well-being. Nestled within an industrial setting, its interior transforms the concept of a traditional bathhouse into a contemporary wellness experience. The journey through the various thermal zones is carefully orchestrated, ensuring a seamless flow that enhances circulation and promotes relaxation. The integration of Aesop's renowned products further elevates the sensory experience, providing a luxurious touch to the cleansing rituals. This project not only introduces a new destination for relaxation in Montreal but also redefines the possibilities of urban wellness spaces, blending functionality with an exquisite sense of calm.

Harmonious Design and Sensory Integration

The Recess Thermal Station in Montreal, meticulously crafted by Future Simple Studio, showcases a design philosophy centered on sensory harmony and a curated material palette. Upon entering, guests are greeted by an arrival sequence that sets a restrained and contemplative tone. A cold-rolled steel counter, subtly offset from a wash basin, invites a direct interaction with water and metal, emphasizing the purity of the experience. An aluminum lattice holding glass blocks frames the Recess logo, extending across the ceiling to create a cohesive visual element. Stainless steel shelving further contributes to the refined aesthetic, evoking a sense of clinical precision and the reflective quality of water, subtly hinting at the therapeutic journey ahead. This thoughtful integration of materials and elements ensures a serene and inviting prelude to the main thermal experience.

The journey from the reception area to the thermal zones is carefully orchestrated to facilitate a gradual transition from the external world to an inner state of calm. A gently ramped tunnel, illuminated by dappled lighting, creates a moving pattern that subtly references water reflections, guiding visitors inward without distraction. This passage leads to all-gender locker rooms, designed with a pared-back aesthetic that continues the station's minimalist theme. Slate floors provide a solid foundation, while metal locker fronts offer a durable yet calm appearance. Open wood shelving introduces warmth and softness, with all detailing kept tight to allow the intrinsic qualities of the materials to define the space. This meticulous attention to design details ensures that every element, from the entry sequence to the locker rooms, contributes to an immersive and deeply relaxing wellness experience, preparing guests for the restorative hydrotherapy circuit.

The Heart of Hydrotherapy: Sauna and Cold Plunge

At the core of the Recess Thermal Station experience lies the harmonious interplay between heat and cold, epitomized by its central sauna and distinct cold plunge. The circular sauna, a focal point of the bathhouse, is designed to foster a communal experience, with its heat source thoughtfully positioned within a cylindrical drum of coals. Tiered slatted wood seating wraps around the perimeter, inviting shared relaxation, while diffused light emanating from behind the benches and an overhead oculus creates an evenly warm and inviting atmosphere. This deliberate design encourages connection and a collective sense of well-being, moving beyond mere individual treatment to a shared ritual of warmth and rejuvenation. The thoughtful integration of light and structure ensures that the sauna is not just a functional space, but a sanctuary for collective restoration.

Following the deep warmth of the sauna, visitors transition to the cold plunge area, where a dramatic tonal shift awaits. This space is illuminated with a striking blue light, housing a pool that comfortably accommodates up to twelve people. This communal setting redefines cold immersion, transforming it from a solitary act into a shared invigorating experience. The scale and distinct illumination heighten sensory awareness of temperature and movement, prompting brief, natural interactions among bathers as their bodies adjust. Frosted glass panels seamlessly divide the plunge area from an adjacent tiled lounge, which is thoughtfully designed for various wellness programs, including art presentations, DJ sessions, and guided breathwork. Short flights of steps connect these diverse zones, emphasizing the cyclical nature of the hydrotherapy circuit. This innovative approach extends the bathhouse experience beyond traditional hydrotherapy, creating a dynamic space for both physical and cultural enrichment.