Undugu Wellness Centre

Project idea

From stress to serenity — a retreat centre designed to translate psychological and environmental goals into physical space, developing indoor-outdoor environmental transitional systems to enhance psychological refuge.

Project description

The Undugu Wellness Centre is a holistic wellness retreat that guides people through gradual emotional transitions rather than abrupt movement from one room to another. The design embraces threshold spaces which allow users to decompress slowly, feel less trapped and stay connected to nature. Key qualities include tranquility, solitude, simplicity, and adaptability. The project features a main entrance with a drop chain and water feature introducing calming sounds, a therapy courtyard with perforated circular screens forming passages of movement, an eatery and social hub, yoga and therapeutic massage spaces, accommodation units for self-reflection, group therapy and intimate spaces, a mindful art gallery, private therapy spaces, and solitude and reflection spaces. The semi-open layout combined with well-segregated spaces and straight circulation pathways ensures the layout is orientational and comprehensible at human eye level. Rounded forms, curved concrete seating zones, and enclosed garden moments create psychological refuge through form. The project is rooted in human experience — how someone arrives, how they calm down, how privacy is controlled, how light changes mood, and how movement becomes therapy.

Technical information

Semi-open layout with visual access to spaces and nature, providing prospect and refuge while ensuring well-ventilated spaces. The design uses brick and light pergolas to create contrast of groundedness vs openness, balancing refuge and exposure. Circular openings and curved concrete elements are employed throughout. Nature trail connects to river deck for direct connection to nature with calming effect from running stream. Spaces include art room, therapy courtyard, reception lounge, outdoor retreat pods, and transitional paths between functions.

Documentation

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