Tawarri Hot Springs
Client | Barry Jones and Kathryn Gunn
TYPE | Architecture, INTERIOR DESIGN, DOCUMENTATION
SECTOR | WeLlness
STATUS | DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Location | Dalkeith, WA
SCALE | Site: 5,539 sqm
COST | $30M
Renders | KiPcreating
Tawarri Hot Springs will be largest contemporary wellness facility in Australia
Located on a picturesque 5,539 sqm site along the Swan River in Dalkeith, just 7km from Perth's CBD, Tawarri Hot Springs is set to become Western Australia's largest and most innovative spa facility. Designed by Plus Architecture, this groundbreaking development represents a new era in wellness-focused architecture, combining geothermal technology, sustainable design, and a commitment to creating an inclusive and immersive experience for all visitors.
The vision for Tawarri Hot Springs is to deliver a world-class geothermally powered hot springs facility that offers a wide range of bathing and wellness experiences. The center, catering for up to 220 guests at a time and up to 500 daily, will feature over 25 thermal bathing experiences, saunas, hammams, and a Vichy shower. It will also house a restaurant, rooftop bar, café, and day spa, providing a comprehensive range of amenities for visitors to indulge in.
The architecture of Tawarri Hot Springs harmoniously blends with its natural surroundings, nestled against the scenic Swan River. Plus Architecture's design philosophy focuses on integrating landscape and architecture to create a seamless experience, blurring the boundaries between public and private spaces. The orthogonal pavilions, inspired by the site's natural beauty, utilize natural materials and surface textures to celebrate and complement the environment.
Inclusivity is a fundamental concept throughout the design of Tawarri Hot Springs. The facility has been planned to be open and accessible to all, ensuring people of all ages and abilities can enjoy the rejuvenating experience it offers. A connection to the Jo Whetley play space through a café plaza further enhances the sense of community and inclusiveness.
Plus Architecture won this project in a design competition and subsequently assembled a consultant team that presented this project to the state design review panels to obtain support in principle four times over a one year period. The site is within the Department of Biodiversity and Attractions catchment, who delegated its power to the Office of the Government Architect and the SDRP process. The project was assessed by the State Development Assessment Unit under the fast tracked path introduced to stimulate the economy due to the impact of Covid-19.
We worked very closely with the landscape architect on the overall design of each building. We also considered passive surveillance, security both during the daytime and at night.
The design process for Tawarri Hot Springs was driven by a thorough contextual analysis, which encompassed studying the local history, flora, fauna, and ecology. Sustainable stormwater strategies, including the utilization of the Yaragadee Aquifer as inspiration for materials and finishes, were carefully considered.
Key Design Principles
Capitalise on the sloping site opportunities towards the Swan River and capture the fantastic views provided.
The buildings mass has been nestled into the land with larger buildings hugging the steep escarpment to the North of the site.
Thoughtful integration of landscape and architecture to create an immersive experience and blur the edges between public and private.
Inclusivity has been an underlying concept with the building open and accessible to all people. This has extended to the planning of the building which connects to the Jo Whetley play space via a cafe plaza.
Taking advantage of the naturally found limestone of the site and designing pavilions that symbolize this.
The garden pavilions help to shape the internal wellness program and generate easy wayfinding for guests.
Using the Yaragadee Aquifer as a source of inspiration when selecting materials and finishes.
Preserving and improving the natural and built environment using sustainable strategies including swales, waterwise planting and geothermal technology.
Sustainability and adaptability were key drivers throughout the planning, construction, and maintenance phases of the project. The aim is to create a design that is both elegant and timeless, capable of withstanding future design changes while maintaining its functionality and meeting operational requirements. The project incorporates sustainable strategies such as swales, waterwise planting, and geothermal technology to preserve and improve the natural and built environment.
By securing the Western Australian Planning Commission's approval, Tawarri Hot Springs is poised to make a significant contribution to the local economy, investing over $25 million and creating numerous jobs during the construction and operation phases. Designated a 'Strategic Tourism Attraction,' it will elevate Perth's global reputation as a must-visit destination.
Tawarri Hot Springs represents Plus Architecture's commitment to wellness, hospitality, and tourism design. Building on their expertise and award-winning approach to immersive design, this project further establishes the firm as an industry leader in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
Construction is scheduled to commence in the latter half of 2023, and once completed, Tawarri Hot Springs will redefine the wellness experience in Western Australia, offering an exceptional community destination and a memorable tourism experience for generations to come.
FEATURED
Green light given for WA’s biggest spa facility, Architecture & Design
WA Planning Commission approves $25 million luxury Tawarri Hot Springs, The West
Dalkeith Tawarri Hot Springs development gets green light, WA Today
Where to Find the Best Hot Springs in Australia, Qantas
Hot springs facility to return to Perth’s Swan River, Architecture AU
Hot Pools Planned for Waterfront Dalkeith Site, The Urban Developer
Tawarri Hot Springs: plan for $25m ‘wellness centre’ on Dalkeith riverside, Perth Now
