Capybara Bathing by Studio Blek, Rebecca Qin and Natalie Cheung

Situated in the vibrant enclave of Sydney’s Surry Hills, Capybara Bathing is an opportunity to take a deep exhalation – a tantalising sanctuary focused on wellness and spirituality amid the hustle and bustle of the CBD.

An ode to bathing houses and ancient wellness rituals found across Europe and Asia, the urban oasis is designed to be enjoyed in a communal and holistic fashion. The creators of Capybara Bathing envisioned an inclusive respite where family, friends, neighbours and community members can meet, mingle and relax.

An ode to bathing houses and ancient wellness rituals found across Europe and Asia, the urban oasis is designed to be enjoyed in a communal and holistic fashion.

The idea for the venue stemmed from a meeting of creative minds: a group of architects, ceramists and art collectors creating a passion project together – a slow space to counter our busy days.

Occupying the ground floor of the Douglass Building, a former brick warehouse built in 1939, the bathhouse takes full advantage of existing architectural details – the loftiness of the space, exposed concrete beams and timber joists inspire an atmosphere of grandeur and historic charm. Signs of previous renovations and inhabitants – like various shades of chipping paint, mismatched light sockets and the scarring of time – contrast with the curated Capybara Bathing offering.

The creators of Capybara Bathing envisioned an inclusive respite where family, friends, neighbours and community members can meet, mingle and relax.

As one enters, a full-height concrete wall directs focus to a reception desk and a Gadi tree – a native plant that nods to the traditional owners of Gadigal land, on which the bathhouse stands. Adorned in solid blackbutt timber, the reception speaks to the industrial nature of the precinct’s history. This element, together with the smooth surfaces of benches and touchpoints, adds textural intrigue.

Further in, the placement of rooms creates a fluid, meandering path that slowly reveals each experience. On offer are open social spaces, a tea point for rehydration, heated benches, ice scrubbing facilities, a magnesium-infused treatment bath, terracotta showering nooks with handmade ceramic basins and a cedar-lined hot-stone sauna with vibrant red waterproofing.

Each space is deliberately communal, designed to hold at least two people at a time.

The different zones can be entered through curved portals that appear to be carved into the walls. Each space is deliberately communal, designed to hold at least two people at a time. While the intermediary spaces are soft and neutral, these rooms are rich with texture and tones that are immersive, atmospheric and bold, inspiring a feeling of escaping to new worlds.

An inner-city sanctuary designed to be an escape from the fast pace of city living, Capybara Bathing heroes beautiful, curated design and switching off with intention.

Architecture and interior design by Studio Blek, Rebecca Qin and Natalie Cheung. Build by Evo Build. Planting by High Swan Dive. Sculptures by Project Snail. Artwork by Sally Anderson. Lighting by Koda Lighting.