Forest Bathing
Warburton, VIC. 2019
Supernatural
In the spirit of Architect Richard Leplastrier who believes that one must first occupy a site lightly and thoughtfully to truly understand its characteristics - the approach to Wattletree Road is about using built insertions to observe ecology, create a meaningful connection to the landscape and to nurture a practice of empathetic architecture.
The site - on the Southern slope of Mount Donna Buang outside Warburton, is in the shadow of ancient towering Mountain Ash and other indigenous species of Wattle, Tree Ferns and Blackwoods, all brought to life with the calls of native birds. As a legacy project, the intention is to strip back many of the invasive species that have overgrown the site and return the land to its indigenous ecology.
What is becoming a continually evolving project, began by building a simple tent structure with a wooden platform and polycarb roof adjacent to a timber hot tub made from reclaimed cedar. The hot tub offers ritual to the site and a way to observe and immerse oneself in nature while harnessing the natural spring water which many locals believe to have healing and restorative qualities. The future of the project will endeavour to overlay the site with retreat accommodation, outdoor bathing and wellness spaces that promote a lifestyle in balance with nature.
