Our approach

In the heart of Athens, the Sentō Urban Spa and Shop offers a tranquil retreat where the rich heritage of Japanese Sentō culture intertwines with Greek materiality. This project, part of an urban spa trilogy operated by The Baths Experience, reimagines the concept of communal bathing as a serene meeting place—inviting guests to bathe, converse, and relax, while also enjoying modern beauty treatments and Japanese head massages.

Housed in the basement of a listed building, the Sentō Spa replaces a former Turkish hammam that once occupied the space. The previous layout, dense and overly complex, required a complete transformation. By reconfiguring the spatial flow and simplifying access via the main staircase—right to the Sentō spa and left to the treatment rooms—we introduced clarity and balance.

The guiding principle of the redesign was what we coined “Gradients of Privacy,” seamlessly transitioning guests through varying levels of openness and intimacy. The showers and baths are centrally located, anchoring the space and mediating between the very private changing rooms and the semi-public nail treatment area.

The main bathing area captures the essence of Japanese simplicity and functionality. A harmonious interplay of wood, stone, and plaster defines the space, imbuing it with a tactile warmth. Traditional Japanese pottery is showcased on pedestals along the walls, adding cultural texture and reinforcing the connection to Sentō heritage.

Beyond the bathing area, the beauty treatment rooms extend this philosophy of understated elegance. Shades of earthy browns and greys create a calming backdrop for treatments, while the elevated pedicure platform ensures both comfort and distinction. A striking backlit wall further enhances the ambiance, becoming a defining architectural feature.

Above the spa, the Sentō Shop occupies the ground floor, extending the experience into the realm of retail. This thoughtfully designed space emphasizes the calming, spiritual qualities of natural materials. The extensive use of wood reflects the Japanese reverence for nature and aligns with the shop’s purpose as a gathering space.

A central wooden table serves as both a display and a meeting point, where clients are invited to experience curated teas, aromas, and products. The shop is not merely a place of commerce; it is a sensory journey, embodying the same communal spirit that defines the Sentō bathhouse.

Throughout the project, meticulous attention was paid to construction methods and joinery, drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese carpentry. The divider/display in the shop was crafted without visible nails or screws, relying on time-honored techniques. This commitment to authenticity underscores the project’s dedication to honoring its cultural inspirations while integrating them seamlessly into a contemporary context.

The Sentō Spa and Shop transcends its function as a spa and retail space. It is a place of encounter and rejuvenation, where architectural storytelling bridges Japanese tradition with the Athenian context. Through careful spatial design, natural materiality, and respect for craftsmanship, it offers a modern reinterpretation of the communal bathhouse—an oasis of tranquility in the city’s bustling heart.