Harbin Hot Springs - The Domes

The Concept

In 2015, the Valley Fire destroyed almost all the structures at the world-renowned Harbin Hot Springs. Of the five buildings at the Watsu Center, known as, “The Domes”, two burned entirely while the other three survived intact. The original designs were unique, very organic spherical structures, and had been found to be impractical and very costly to build. Instead of trying to replicate or compete with that approach, we chose to compliment the spheres with different geometries: a cubic building with a barrel-vaulted roof. The materials and color palettes were chosen to blend in with the existing buildings, as well as the hilly landscape. The featured steel and concrete stairs and balconies were designed to take advantage of the expansive valley views. These buildings were the first part of an overall Master Planning effort still underway; you can read more about that under the Conceptual heading.

Project Team

General Contractor
Mike Salmina, Salima Construction

Structural Engineer
Jeff Kennedy

Landscape Designer:
Rick Taylor, Elder Creek

Photography
Ramsay Photography