Creating a harmonious relationship between the natural and built environment, Metung Hot Springs immerses visitors into this unique ecosystem, and offers a reintroduction to what this ancient landscape holds. As the subservient addition, the architecture enables clients to fully experience the elements, both large and small, that make it so unique and special. Wellness here is considered multifaceted, connecting mind and body to place, culture and people.

The project is founded on the idea that nature, community and context are the hero, and that the architecture is the gel that supports and enables the activities within. Located on a 40-acre site, the architecture provides paths, links, spots to ponder and shelter, places to gather and a framework to encourage connection with the natural world. More broadly, the project prioritises relationships and links to community, ensuring the project is mutually beneficial.

Regeneration is a core principle of this project, and has guided decisions large and small- from selected materials, energy and water usage, waste creation to long term outlooks on how the project will look in 50 years. With 40 acres to work on, the most naturally valuable half of the site was partitioned off for bird and animal life protection. The built project focused on parts of degraded farmland, and set a 50 year goal to return these to a virginal like coastal woodland forest.

Furniture: Pony Rider Loose Furnishings, Inartisan, Level Lighting, About Space Lighting, Green Frog, Custom lighting made by local artist Belinda Wiltshire, Zest Lighting, Ambience Lighting, Havit Lighting, Masson Lighting, Superlight, SAL lighting. Finishes: RMS Traders, Elton, Resene, Polyflor, Britton Timbers, Viridian Glass, Laminate, Recycled Timber Specialists, Wattle and Wire, Pavers, City to Coast Glass and Glazing, Eco Outdoor. Fittings & Fixtures: Dylan Black Furniture, Phoenix Tapware, La Marzocco, Smeg, Skope Refrigeration, International Catering Equipment.

Photography: Sharyn Cairns