Japanese Onsen — Public Bathhouse, Kyoto

Scenario

A Kyoto public bathhouse is being renovated to improve accessibility and modernize facilities while preserving traditional elements like sliding doors and gender-separated hot spring baths.

Key decisions

• Divided into symmetric men and women wings for cultural privacy compliance
• Included hot spring bath, cold plunge, sauna, and washing zone in each bath area
• Used sliding entrance door and windows on exterior walls for natural ventilation
• Grid of lockers (wardrobe) placed along the north wall of each changing room, with central bench

When to reuse this

Applicable when designing a traditional Japanese onsen layout that requires clear separation of male and female facilities, multiple bath types, and adherence to cultural bathing rituals.