San Francisco, CA

The Onsen Spa re-purposes a former auto repair shop into an intimate Japanese spa and tea parlor in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco. The design sought to add warmth to the original industrial brick construction and subsequent steel structural reinforcements by retaining the existing skylights and using reclaimed redwood throughout the space. The facade was reconstructed to bring back a large window fenestration and add a complimentary entrance.

The spa houses six treatment rooms and a bathing area in the back with a pool, showers, a sauna, and a steam room. The tea parlor and kitchen in the front will be open to the public as well as service guests.

Photography: Mark Wickens