San Diego homeowners have famously diverse aesthetic preferences. During a scenic drive around the city’s iconic neighborhoods, you’re likely to see architectural and landscape design styles from Europe to Oceania.
While some residents want their entire yard space transformed into a miniature tropical retreat or an expansive entertainment area, some have far more niche interests. This was the case for one Del Mar resident, who wanted their landscape centered around a concept imported straight from Japan: a spahouse.
Japanese bathhouses, or Onsen, have a storied history in the country and are often constructed using a classical architectural style. Desiring a modern twist to fit the concept’s new home here in the U.S., the homeowner enlisted the help of Torrey Pines Landscape Company to design the outdoor room and create a fitting landscape to match.
The Concept: Onsen Architecture And Bathing Culture In Japan
A distinct difference between Japanese and American culture is the former’s predilection for public baths. This preference is rooted in Japan’s unique geology: the archipelago is situated on a hot spot in the Pacific Rim, making it prone to both earthquakes and volcanic activity.
While this seismic activity has its history of “cons”, it does come with some “pros” and benefits. Hot springs are a common sight in Japan, and soaking in the geothermically heated waters has long been thought to enhance the healing process and help treat various illnesses.
Expansive bathing complexes were built around these hot springs to provide traveling lords, samurai, and merchants a chance to soothe their weary feet in the healing waters. As the country modernized, this concept was expanded to public baths in cities that use artificially heated water.
Onsens are typically situated in mountainous areas, which provide a rugged and beautiful panoramic landscape for the complex. Onsens are traditionally constructed open-air so that bathers can take in the natural beauty surrounding them as they bathe.
A common feature of Japanese Onsen is the cedar tub, or Ofuro. Cedar is used because its unique mix of natural oils makes it naturally resistant to water damage, rot, and mold. When wet, it produces a pleasant fragrance, enhancing the relaxing qualities of the bath. Our client purchased a tub from Robert’s hot tubs and we built the spa house around it.
Design And Construction
The challenge for the Torrey Pines Landscape Company design team would be to create a custom residential spahouse whose design was a clear modern descendant of classical Onsen architecture and interior design. The surrounding landscape would feature Japanese foliage to complement the structure.
The spa house would be semi-open air to better capture the feel of a traditional Onsen. It would center around an Ofuro cedar tub, feature shoji-style wooden lattices on its windows, and utilize a modernist take on Japanese-style roofing.
The spa house would be constructed similarly to a small bungalow, featuring expansive windows on all four sides to emulate an open-air environment. The base of the walls would be solid concrete, transitioning into clean white wooden slats.
The wall facing the main house would consist of a large, foldable La Cantina glass door that could be left open during bathing to enhance airflow. An expansive glass window would dominate the longer ocean-view-facing wall. Back and side walls would be left open to the elements, with the openings decorated with a wooden latticework screen reminiscent of Japanese koshido (paper and wood doors).
The structure’s roof would be a modern take on Japanese-style roofing. Rather than gabling, the roof would be a simple slant with an extended eave over the northern side of the building. The roof’s slant would be incorporated into the overall structure, while opening up to the ocean view.
The interior of the structure prominently features the ofuro cedar tub, which would be nestled into a series of wooden platforms, similar to what you would find in a sauna. These platforms would provide both a walkway for tub access and seating options for those simply enjoying the ambiance of the Onsen.
Floating utility shelves were added to the long back wall section on the spa house for storing personal items, beverages, and bath utilities. Porcelain tiles with linen texture were selected for the flooring, which provides a water-resistant, slip resistant and aesthetically pleasing final touch to the interior.
Finally, the landscape outside the spa house would consist of a cement stepper walkway surrounded by interesting boulders and a custom simple wooden fence. Artistically spotted with bonsai-style black pines and other Japanese inspired plantings.
With the spa house completed, the homeowner was now the happy proprietor of a personal Japanese onsen. If you have a unique concept or element you want featured on your property, Torrey Pines Landscape Company can help. Call today!