Arctic Aurora Primary Function: Spa odmaralište by Yan Wang

Arctic Aurora Primary Function: Spa odmaralište by Yan Wang is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Srebrna nagrada A' Design Award in Dizajn Arhitekture, Zgrada i Konstrukcija Competition Category.

SrebroArhitektura· 2025

Arctic Aurora Primary Function: Spa odmaralište

by Yan Wang

Srebrna nagrada A' Design Award Winner in Arhitektura Category

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Verified Award Winner
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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

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The Design

About Arctic Aurora Primary Function: Spa odmaralište

Book Text: Arctic Aurora je održiv spa, kupatilo i pansion smješten u Bergenovom minerala bogatom seoskom okruženju. Crpeći inspiraciju iz arktičke aurore, dizajn usmjerava okolni pejzaž u mirno unutrašnje utočište kroz svoju tečnu, plutajuću formu. Usidren jednostavnom kružnom geometrijom koja omogućava vodi da se slobodno kreće kroz cijelu zgradu, program se postepeno mijenja od javnih ka privatnim funkcijama.

The Recognition

About the Srebrna nagrada A' Design Award

Arctic Aurora Primary Function: Spa odmaralište je pobjednik Srebrne nagrade A' Design Award, izuzetno prestižnog priznanja koje se dodjeljuje vrhunskim, veličanstvenim i impresivnim dizajnima. Srebrni pobjednici iznimno su briljantna i vrlo kreativna djela koja ilustriraju izuzetnu stručnost, talent i oštroumnost svojih dizajnera. Očekuje se da Arctic Aurora Primary Function: Spa odmaralište bude divno, reprezentativno djelo koje je izuzetno profesionalno i duboko inovativno. Ovaj dizajn koji je osvojio Srebrnu nagradu A' Design Award vrlo je zapažen, nadaleko cijenjen izum koji koristi i pomjera granice umjetnosti, nauke, dizajna i tehnologije. Arctic Aurora Primary Function: Spa odmaralište je kreacija kojoj se mnogi dive i zavide, koja budi želje, donosi pozitivne osjećaje i raspiruje čuđenje i divljenje.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The Arctic Aurora Spa Rertreat is an eco-friendly spa, bathhouse, and guest retreat set in Bergen's mineral-rich countryside. Inspired by the aurora in the Arctic sky, the design filters the external world into an inner sanctuary through a fluid, flowing form. Following a simple circular geometry which allow water to flow freely throughou the building, the function gets increasingly private. The spatial expression also transitions from an open and communal to an intimate human-scale space.
Dimensions & Packaging: 80m x 80m x 10m
Tags: Bathhouse, Arctic, Landscape, Water, Concept, SPA, Retreat,
Production Technology: The building's structure is made of cross-laminated timber sourced from local forests, ensuring sustainability and a strong connection to its surroundings. The exterior walls are finished with white-dyed clay, while the roof and opaque walls incorporate high-performance vacuum insulation to enhance thermal efficiency. In areas with storefront glazing, triple-glazed insulated glass units (TGUs) provide excellent acoustic, thermal, and energy performance. For mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, a geothermal pump is utilized for heating, further reinforcing the project's commitment to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Design Challenge: Architectural tectonics and technology present the primary challenge, particularly in achieving energy efficiency and thermal performance under arctic conditions. Innovative materials such as TGU (triple-glazed laminated glass units) and vacuum-insulated panels have been explored to optimize thermal insulation, ensuring both environmental performance and thermal comfort within the bathhouse.
Research: The project is rooted in the study of circulation and the spatial negotiation between public and private realms. The program of the bathhouse, encompassing lounge areas and gathering spaces, acts as a mediator along the gradient from intimate, secluded experiences to more communal, shared encounters.
Inspiration: The project is inspired by the aurora in the Arctic sky. It embraces the concepts of fluidity and flow, allowing water to move continuously throughout the bathhouse. The circulation path and function follow this natural movement, shaping the building into a circular form.
Project Duration: The project started in December 2021 in Bergen, Norwary
Operation Flow: The site is nestled in the rural landscape of Bergen, where the architectural composition is organized around a central atrium. Both circulation and thermal baths are choreographed along the perimeter of this opening, establishing a spatial sequence that blurs the boundary between interior and exterior. The stark contrast between the enclosed spaces and the surrounding nature, while maintaining a constant visual connection, offers guests a heightened sensorial experience.
Team Members: Yan Wang
Image Credits: Yan Wang