Becher-Weaver Conversion to Hipter-Haven

This project required us to convert the existing Becher-Weaver building in Greensboro into apartments for young adults of the x-y generation. The first part of this project, shown here, was to layout where the 900 square foot apartments would be as well as the 900 square foot coffee house. We chose to stay away from the idea of a long, thin hallway with straight walls and rows of doors. Some of our units just out into a trapezoid shape to show where the different units are. Below is the plan for the building as well as two perspectives of the space.
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a place to BATHE.....

Inspired by the warm springs of Budapest, my design for a place to bathe is a tranquil space. The warm water pool or "bath" was designed to look like rock that has been eroded over the years by water.

plan view

The pool is 48" deep, with a water level of 40". This height comes to almost the shoulder of a wheelchair-bound individual. The different levels of "sediment" are actually cut out at different heights to allow for seating. The different heights allow for different levels of submersion in the water.

section cut of pool

reflected ceiling plan

The walls of the space are curved to take away the sense of space. Individuals in wheelchairs are forced to be constantly aware of the heights of things, so I wanted them to be in a place where there was no sense of height.

front elevation of space

back elevation of space

The pool was designed as a place for relaxation for wheelchair bound individuals. The setting of the space is somewhere serene, almost as if you are actually outdoors. Earth-toned stained cements, and rubber flooring warm the space.

perspective

perspective

perspective from inside pool

I chose to use rubber flooring to allow for a smooth, mat surface, and also to allow for slip resistance. By using the slate textured rubber in nutmeg, the feeling of stone is continued throughout the space.

The pool itself as well as the wall that protrudes from it are all made of stained concrete. The different levels are different colors to look like sediment. The top of each layer in the pool are covered in a matching layer of rubber to make it more comfortable, and to allow for slip resistance.

model