Hossoland Masterplan

Volcan'eau is my final-year architecture project: the design of a thermal spa complex located near Vulcania, within the volcanic landscape of Auvergne.

I envisioned the project as a complementary addition to the existing tourist activity around Vulcania, developing an architecture and visitor experience directly inspired by the volcanic character of the region. The aim was to create a coherent relationship between the thermal spa, the park and the surrounding landscape, while integrating the project as discreetly as possible into the site. The building is therefore embedded into the slope, with green roofs extending the surrounding landscape and minimising its visual impact.

The concept is based on a gradual journey through the thermal complex, designed to simulate a descent into the crater of a volcano. The experience is organised as a sequence of pools and spaces whose characteristics evolve as visitors move deeper into the building: views gradually shift from open landscapes above the trees, to views at canopy level, and eventually below the tree line.

This progression is also expressed through the sensory qualities of the experience. The temperature of the floors and pools progressively increases, while materials, textures, colours and lighting evolve throughout the journey. The spaces gradually become lower, darker and more intimate, transitioning from open and luminous environments to more introspective sequences.

The journey culminates at the lowest level with a large pool opening towards the outdoors, conceived as the climax of the experience: the volcano crater. This final sequence contrasts with the preceding spaces by reconnecting visitors with the surrounding landscape.