Ciara Stenhouse

Project Thesis

The Spa for Steel stands as a Post-Petroleum Industry which seeks to re-establish the intricate bond between Torry, the city, and the sea, with a focus on uplifting the quality of life in Torry. Inspired by the altruistic nature of the Wulver, a scottish Forklore character, the proposal centres around transforming the industrial infrastructure, particularly the steel middens left behind by the oil industry, into a beneficial entity for Torry and its inhabitants. The primary objective is to implement a circular use of industrial waste by restoring the steel middens. This involves salvaging and repurposing the discarded metal in innovative ways, breathing new life into the remnants of the oil industry.

At the heart of the proposal is the concept of The Steel Spa creates a unique typology that blends domestic and industrial elements. This space becomes a pivotal point where material is not merely cleaned but also imprinted with stories and experiences of the women. The juxtaposition of domesticity in washing with the industrial nature of the steel blurs the boundaries between public and private spaces, challenging conventional notions of spatial use.

Furthermore, the role of women in society takes centre stage, as the Wash House for Steel challenges traditional gender norms associated with washing as a ‘female support role.’ In this post-petroleum era, the space transcends mere chores, becoming a sanctuary where women’s roles extend beyond the household, and serve as catalysts for change, shaping the collective narrative of a sustainable and egalitarian society.

Gathered around communal wash basins, women engage in a symphony of shared experiences, intertwining ancient wisdom with the flow of water. The Wash House for Steel nurtures a space where culture, resilience, and solidarity flourish. Each item cleansed carries not only the stains of everyday life but also narratives whispered between rinses, stories passed down through generations.

In this innovative architectural intervention, women stand not just as caretakers of the household but as guardians of traditions and bearers of ancestral sagas, connecting them to their roots. The Spa for Steel becomes a transformative space, fostering a sense of community where joy, folklore, and shared experiences become integral threads in the fabric that binds Torry together. The Spa is more than an architectural proposal; it is a celebration of resilience, culture, and solidarity, weaving a new narrative for Torry’s industrial rejuvenation.