Arctic Aurora Primary Function: Nzvimbo Yekuzorora Nekuzvimba by Yan Wang

Arctic Aurora Primary Function: Nzvimbo Yekuzorora Nekuzvimba by Yan Wang is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Mubairo weSirivha we A' Design Award in Akitekicha, Zvivako neZvivakwa Competition Category.

SirivhaAkitekicha· 2025

Arctic Aurora Primary Function: Nzvimbo Yekuzorora Nekuzvimba

by Yan Wang

Mubairo weSirivha we A' Design Award Winner in Akitekicha 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: Nzvimbo Yekuzorora Nekuzvimba

Book Text: Arctic Aurora inzvimbo inochengetedza yekuzvimba, yekugeza, uye yekugara kwevaenzi yakavakwa muruwa rwakapfuma neminerari rweBergen. Ichitora ruzivo kubva kuArctic aurora, dhizaini iyi inounza nzvimbo dzakatenderedza dzenyika kuita nzvimbo yakanyarara yemukati kuburikidza nechimiro chayo chinoyerera. Yakaiswa yakavakirwa pajometri yakareruka inotenderera inobvumira mvura kufamba zvakasununguka muchivako chose, chirongwa chinopfuura zvishoma nezvishoma kubva kumabasa eruzhinji kuenda kune akavanzika.

The Recognition

About the Mubairo weSirivha we A' Design Award

Mubairo weSirivha we A' Design Award wakahwinwa ne Arctic Aurora Primary Function: Nzvimbo Yekuzorora Nekuzvimba, rukudzo rwakakwirira zvikuru runopiwa kumadhizaini epamusoro, anonaka uye anofadza. Vakunda veSirivha mabasa anopenya kwazvo uye ane kugadzira kwakasiyana anoratidza unyanzvi, hunyanzvi hwekusikwa nekungwara kwevagadziri vawo. Arctic Aurora Primary Function: Nzvimbo Yekuzorora Nekuzvimba inotarisirwa kuva basa rinoshamisa, rinotangira vamwe, rine hunyanzvi hunoonekwa uye zvitsva zvakadzika. Dhizaini iyi yakahwina Mubairo weSirivha we A' Design Award chigadzirwa chinoshamisa, chinokudzwa chinobatsira uye chinosundira mberi miganhu yehunyanzvi, sayenzi, dhizaini netekinoroji. Arctic Aurora Primary Function: Nzvimbo Yekuzorora Nekuzvimba chigadzirwa chinoshuvirwa nevazhinji, chinomutsa zvishuvo, chinouya nemanzwiro akanaka uye chinomutsa kushamisika.

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