THE HEALING SANCTUARY , HOUT BAY
This is one of those rare projects that come around once in a lifetime , where the client introduces the brief by emphasising that this needs to be a world class facility . The materiality , the spatial experience and the journey through the buildings is key . Visitors and members alike need to feel the diversity of spaces and be drawn into a state of inner calm as they progress further and further along the meandering paths , ultimately to a place of quiet contemplation with the mountains of Hout Bay as a backdrop .
The site is situated in one of the most picturesque valleys of South Africa , a stone ’ s throw from the bustle of Cape Town . On just over 16,000m 2 of rolling lawns combined with lush mature trees , dissected by the Hout Bay River , it is destined to become the location of a 1,200m 2 mental wellness sanctuary , restaurant , and Wolfdog sanctuary .
The public will journey along protected , elevated walkways to the restaurant , perched on columns above a water body , surrounded by natural landscape . From here they will be able to absorb the beauty and tranquillity of the surroundings , while at the same time catch a glimpse , perhaps , of a wolfdog on its own rehabilitation journey . The wolfdogs , relocated from the Tsitsikamma Wolf Sanctuary , will be given a place to heal and recover , with enough space to roam . Members of the wellness sanctuary will journey along another protected , elevated path through a forest of trees to the sanctuary building , where they will be offered a variety of mental wellness consulting options in a world class facility . Form there they have the option to descend via a spiralling ramp , through an outdoor glazed walkway , to a yoga studio tucked away in the trees .
The buildings , all clad in natural materials , were deliberately envisioned as circular in order to create quiet internal spaces with dynamic 360-degree views of the surroundings . The circle creates a spiritual space where members and the public alike can be embraced by nature , while at the same time feel private and protected .
Another key concept of the project is to create a space where humans can visually engage with Wolfdogs safely , while the dogs have the freedom to roam the natural environment without being restricted to formal camps . This was achieved by using the walkways to the various buildings as the separation line , allowing fences to be almost invisible ( below you ), to create the feeling of being amongst them .
This project is a truly unique opportunity for the entire professional team ; one which they have embraced with vigour , and cannot wait to make it happen .
Architect : Alab Architects | Interior Design : Attik
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