2026

This project is an entry in a competition to design a new bathhouse in the site of the Gropius House in Lincoln, Massachusetts, USA, which was designed by Walter Gropius and is now a national historic site.

OVERALL DESIGN INTENT
When designing a restroom building on the site of Gropius House, a historic heritage site, how to handle the existing garage is extremely important. While the garage's design is simple, Gropius designed it in relation to the house and the surrounding environment. Therefore, preserving it is just as important as preserving Gropius House itself. Therefore, the proposal calls for preserving the garage's design as it is, while restoring any damaged sections to their original design.
Because the vast grounds are an invaluable environment for experiencing Gropius House, the proposed building must prioritize preserving this environment as much as possible. It should not be the first thing you see when approaching the site from the road. The garage, designed by Gropius, should come into view first, with the restroom building positioned in the background. Furthermore, simply providing restroom is not enough. It is desirable for the building to serve as a place to rediscover this beautiful landscape. Therefore, the proposal calls for first designing a platform as a rest area with a panoramic view of Gropius House and its surroundings, with the restroom located behind it.

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN INTENT
The total design philosophy and spirit that Gropius established through the Bauhaus, which integrates various fields of design, with architecture at its core, is clearly evident in the Gropius House. The following concept of "contrast and oppositional relationships", also mentioned in the "Conservation Management Plan," is particularly important. "Contrast and oppositional relationships" not only highlight each element, but also transform the whole from a static to a dynamic one. Furthermore, rather than eliminating heterogeneous elements, creating a unified whole by accepting and respecting diversity is the most important thing not only in Bauhaus design, but in contemporary and future design.

[Contrasts of forms]
In Bauhaus design, the most basic elements of geometry such as circle, triangle, and square were used symbolically, but the key was how diverse designs could be created from these basic elements. In the proposed building, the garage is considered a square, and circle and triangular elements are placed next to it in a bold, floating form. Furthermore, by combining these geometric shapes with the restroom designed with free curves, the contrast between the forms is made even more dynamic, embodying the contrast of Bauhaus forms.

[Contrasts of materials]
While the garage is primarily made of natural wood, the proposed building is an artificial reinforced concrete structure with metal finishes, creating a contrast. Also, by clashing and contrasting the outdoor rest area, which is finished in concrete, with the restroom area finished in metals, which are modern materials with cutting-edge processing, the texture of each material is emphasized.

[Contrasts of surfaces and textures]
In stark contrast to the rough surface texture of the outdoor rest area, which is finished with exposed concrete, the other elements have a smooth, glossy finish, reflecting the garage and the beautiful surrounding scenery onto their surfaces, with the intention that the presence of the architectural volume will change dramatically depending on the viewing angle and weather. Additionally, the interior of the restroom is finished with perforated metal, which has a completely different texture to the smooth surface finish of the exterior. The colors symbolizing Bauhaus, such as the yellow brass-finished walls, blue-coated metal walls and red washbasins, are reflected on the metal surface, creating a extraordinary spatial experience that would be impossible to imagine from the exterior.

[Contrasts of spatial arrangements]
By asymmetrically adding triangle to a precariously floating circle, symmetrical outdoor rest area creates a dynamic movement in the space. Furthermore, by placing the restroom behind the outdoor rest area, it is not immediately obvious where it is. Approaching the restroom, through an exterior passageway draws the eye to the beauty of the surrounding nature. Furthermore, the interior of the restroom, constructed with free curves, offers a completely different experience from the geometrically-constructed outdoor rest area. The interior also uses metal and glass in the red, blue, and yellow colors symbolizing the Bauhaus, creating a contrast between colors and materials. The light filtering in from the large skylight changes the reflection of the interior finish expression over time, transforming the overall appearance of the space from moment to moment. The sky can be seen from inside the restroom stall, creating a unique experience that one can only get here.


■ Architecture
design year: 01.2026 〜 02.2026