Overview
The architecture collective Badweather has transformed a 17-meter canal boat into a functional, off-grid bathhouse named 'Soak'. This floating establishment operates along London's waterways, relocating to a new position every two weeks. 'Soak' is characterized by its self-sufficient design, functioning entirely independently of mains water, electricity, or sewage infrastructure.
Approach
The core of the project involved the conversion of a derelict canal boat. This transformation resulted in a facility capable of accommodating up to 12 individuals simultaneously. The design integrates several distinct components to provide a comprehensive bathhouse experience:
- A wood-fired sauna
- Two cold plunge pools
- Showers
- Changing facilities
- A small bar
A central tenet of the design and operation of 'Soak' is its complete independence from conventional utility networks. The bathhouse operates without any direct connections to mains water supplies, the electrical grid, or municipal sewage systems.
Why This Matters
This initiative represents the establishment of London's first off-grid bathhouse. Its mobile nature, coupled with its self-contained operational model, introduces a unique amenity to the city's canal system.