Modern eco-friendly house with a grassy roof, surrounded by a tranquil pond and red lounge chairs on a wooden deck.

Woloshyn Bathhouse: A Moldovan Sanctuary Where Nature and Design Entwine

Words by Yatzer

Durlești, Moldova

Tucked discreetly beneath a grassy mound in the Moldovan landscape, the Woloshyn Bathhouse by LH47 ARCH is less a building and more a living extension of its surroundings. Conceived as a tranquil retreat in Durlești, a half-hour drive from the capital, Chișinău, this 186-square-metre bathhouse is a study in immersive design, where every architectural gesture and interior detail is grounded in a profound connection to nature. Fusing vernacular soulfulness and nostalgic elegance with a touch of fairy tale flair, the subterranean venue feels both timeless and transportive, inviting guests into a world where nature, tradition, and imagination harmoniously converge.

From the outside, the bathhouse appears to emerge organically from the earth, its green roof blending seamlessly into the undulating terrain. This subterranean approach is not merely aesthetic; it preserves the natural topography and leverages the earth’s insulating properties for optimal thermal efficiency. Additional measures such as use of geothermal heating, advanced insulations and locally sourced materials further underlines the project’s commitment to sustainability.

A tranquil indoor waterfall cascades over rocks into a pebbled basin, surrounded by greenery and modern architecture.

Photography by George Omen.

A modern deck features three red lounge chairs, a wooden hot tub, and a green roof, surrounded by a serene natural landscape.

Photography by George Omen.

Modern house with a grassy roof, large glass walls, and wooden deck, featuring red loungers beside a tranquil, rocky pond.

Photography by George Omen.

A modern wooden deck features red cushioned lounge chairs facing large glass windows and a natural backdrop of trees.

Photography by George Omen.

Modern wooden cabin featuring a glass wall, three red lounge chairs on a wooden deck, and a serene pond with rocks.

Photography by George Omen.

A cozy lounge with green plants, wooden seating, and natural light filtering through large windows, creating a serene atmosphere.

Photography by George Omen.

Stepping inside, the atmosphere is at once nostalgic and otherworldly. The heart of the bathhouse is a spacious, multi-functional social area—an inviting expanse punctuated by sitting areas and communal dining tables. Expansive, full-height glazing stretching across the main façade, floods the space with natural light, dissolving the boundary between interior and exterior. A living green wall running the length of the opposite side further reinforces the sense of being enveloped by nature, as do abundant potted plants, tree trunk columns, and a boulder-like sculptural bar counter.

Hardwood floors, textured plastered walls and hand-carved wooden furnishings evoke vernacular craftsmanship, while mid-century-inspired armchairs and sofas add a layer of understated elegance. A circular glass opening in the floor offers a whimsical glimpse into an underground cellar stocked with pickled goods in a playful nod to both local tradition and the building’s immersive, almost enchanted ambience.

A vibrant wall art of a dragon and phoenix adorns a greenery-filled space with two green armchairs and a wooden stool.

Photography by George Omen.

  • Circular glass opening on the floor, revealing a spiral staircase and jars on shelves below, surrounded by wooden flooring and furniture above.

    Photography by George Omen.

  • A cozy seating area with green sofas, a wooden table, and a vibrant dragon mural set against a lush vertical garden backdrop.

    Photography by George Omen.

Cozy lounge area with brown leather chairs, wooden furniture, green plants, and a large TV, featuring natural light and rustic decor.

Photography by George Omen.

Cozy interior featuring green cushioned chairs, potted plants, and large windows with a snowy view outside. Warm wooden floors throughout.

Photography by George Omen.

Colorful lockers adorned with a mural depicting  characters from Hayao Miyazaki's animated film Spirited Away on a railway, contrasting with a dark figure in a flowing garment beside her.

Photography by George Omen.

The communal spaces flow effortlessly onto a decked terrace, where lounge chairs invite relaxation beside the crystalline waters of the lake-like swimming pool and hot tubs nestled amongst reeds and boulders. Treatment rooms, each with its own distinct character, offer further opportunities for escape: from the minimalist, cream-hued hydrotherapy room and zen-like massage parlour to the imaginative sauna enveloped in timber shingles reminiscent of dragon scales through to the adjacent pebbled patio where guests can cool down under a waterfall.

Even the changing room becomes a portal to another world, with lockers adorned by a mural inspired by Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away—a poetic nod to the bathhouse’s objective: to offer guests an immersive purification of body and spirit, much like the fantastical bathhouse in the celebrated animated film.

Cozy café interior featuring wooden furniture, plants, and artistic décor with modern lighting and a rustic stone bar.

Photography by George Omen.

  • A textured brown wall sculpture resembling bark, flanked by dried lavender bouquets, under a rustic, woven natural fiber ceiling.

    Photography by George Omen.

  • Cozy, modern interior featuring a massage table, plants, a green chair, wooden floor, and large windows with a nature view.

    Photography by George Omen.

  • Minimalist interior featuring two stone benches, soft lighting, and a collection of simple pottery on display against a textured wall.

    Photography by George Omen.

  • A serene massage therapy room featuring a black massage table, soft lighting, natural decor, and a window with a view of trees.

    Photography by George Omen.

A modern relaxation space featuring wooden benches, warm red lighting, and a stone fireplace, with large glass doors revealing a natural view.

Photography by George Omen.

Cozy interior featuring a stone fireplace, unique scale-patterned walls, and a view of a serene waterfall through glass.

Photography by George Omen.

  • Close-up of layered wooden scales, showcasing a rich, warm hue and intricate textures, resembling natural patterns.

    Photography by George Omen.

  • Interior view of a uniquely crafted wooden ceiling, formed with overlapping, petal-like shapes, featuring a circular skylight above.

    Photography by George Omen.

  • Interior of a cozy, earthy sauna featuring a stone fireplace, wooden benches, and intricate wooden scales on the ceiling and walls.

    Photography by George Omen.

  • A close-up of a wire basket filled with smooth stones, set against a backdrop of textured, scale-like patterns in warm tones.

    Photography by George Omen.

  • Close-up of textured wooden scales in vibrant red, illuminated softly by ambient light, creating a cozy, dramatic effect.

    Photography by George Omen.

A serene wood deck featuring red cushioned lounge chairs, framed by large windows and a backdrop of birch trees and rocky landscape.

Photography by George Omen.

A serene lakeside scene featuring red cushioned lounge chairs on a wooden deck, surrounded by greenery and a reflective water surface.

Photography by George Omen.