Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa, Rotorua
Māori Inspired Modernism by RCG Architects
The Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa are nested along the shores of Lake Rotorua. The lake is created from volcanic geothermal activities of the Indian-Australian and Pacific plates, and the building takes some inspiration from that, with the roof pushing and pulling both horizontally and vertically. The function of the building is to create an immersive experience that takes the visitors through the traditional Māori healing practices of Ngāti Whakaue using the region’s renowned thermal waters. Wai Ariki means ‘chiefly waters,’ the water used in its various pools is directly connected to Rotorua’s geothermal water. Some pools are heated to 42C (107F).
Unlike traditional, modern architecture that celebrates the flat roof in the man-made line, Wai Ariki instead doubles down and emphasizes the gables predominantly used in traditional Māori Whare Whakairo (large, ornamented meeting houses). The thickened roof makes the breakage in that line more noticeable. The metal roof has a wood underside and is nested between it. It supports several building systems, such as lighting and return/supply air. The mechanical systems are located in the middle of the flat portion of the building, and they plug into the thickened roof structure to deliver air to the interior structure. In a way, the roof is life and life-giving.
Lifting the roof on both E/W sides allows ample light to penetrate deep into the interior. Large panes of glass and the wooden ceiling continuing into the interior further disguise the interior from the exterior.
The lake-side facade is open. The walls are pushed back to expose the pools to the northern sun; NZ is in the southern hemisphere, so the sun swings to the north.
The city/parking side facade is a dialog between the facade of QE Hospital across the parking lot. Both are incredibly long. But in its own right, it is texture between large aggregates, vertical linear slots, and softer wood fins and native plants.
The park also connects to the lakefront walk for spectacular views of Lake Rotorua. The polygonal design angles of the roof extend to the ground by \ widening and narrowing the paths. The vegetation also rises and falls. Together, they create horizontal and vertical movement in a relatively flat landscape. For additional info regarding the concept for the landscape, see the video below.
Overall, Wai Ariki is a well-sited building that respects its surroundings and Maori traditions. I only regret discovering this building too late in my visit to Rotorua. I would have loved to spend a day at the Spa…
This article is part of a series during my year-long sabbatical. If you enjoyed this article or the images, give a like. If you loved it, follow me on Instagram and find more of my work at www.georgexlin.com.
