AQEOURA CENTRE (Calm waters)
Atelier 02: Urban Monastery
2085 Narrative
This project transforms Newark Castle into a serene retreat, blending historical preservation with sustainable, modern design. Focused on hydrotherapy, it features balneary spaces using harvested rainwater and purified River Trent water. Activities like walking, swimming, painting, and meditation support mental well-being. The original castle walls are repurposed to enclose new spaces, creating a safe, peaceful atmosphere. Guided by biophilic design, sustainable water management, and hydrotherapy, the project brings nature into architecture while promoting relaxation and recovery. It aspires to be a mindful sanctuary, honoring the past and offering a sustainable, health-focused escape for individuals and the wider community.
Project
The design incorporates clerestory skylights in the repeated double-height spaces, allowing natural daylight to flood the interiors throughout the day. These elevated window bands not only enhance visual comfort but also reduce the need for artificial lighting, supporting sustainability goals. By bringing in soft, diffused light from above, the clerestory skylights emphasize the importance of key areas within the building, creating a serene and uplifting atmosphere. Combined with the use of natural stone and warm timber beams and trusses, the skylights help blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors, reinforcing a strong connection to nature and the site’s heritage.
