Innovation
Beer spas are a tradition in the Czech Republic, but not in Belgium — despite our nation’s rich beer culture. Until now. After a trip to the Czech Republic and a visit to a beer spa, two Belgian friends returned home with a plan to launch the first Belgian beer spa in Brussels. During our research, we noticed that most Czech beer spas are more beer than spa. Dark, lots of neon, and an overall pub vibe. This wasn’t exactly our idea of a soothing wellness experience. Instead, we decided to create a sense of relaxation and intimacy, but with a link to what distinguishes Bath & Barley: beer, bathing and Belgium’s beer heritage.

Functionality
When visitors enter, they are invited to gather around a blue stone tasting counter to taste a variety of beers and select the hops they want to add to the bath. The natural scent of the dried barley branches dangling from the ceiling adds to the sensory experience and sets the mood. Bath & Barley can be experienced both in small groups and alone. Guests can relax in their own spa room and enjoy an oak wooden bath filled with a mix of water, herbs and hops while pouring themselves a refreshing draft beer or hopping into the sauna. 

Creativity
We combined bathing and beer heritage in a new and exciting way. Located in the old city center of Brussels, the building itself housed a beautiful, vaulted cellar. In that downstairs area, we worked with traditional materials like copper, grain and stained glass to keep the association with Belgium’s medieval beer brewing culture alive. The exposed wall and raw concrete complete the earthy feel of the ground floor. The stained-glass screens offer spa guests some privacy, while the church-like illustrations are yet another link to Bath & Barley’s story. The staircase railing further reinforces this connection: you’ll recognize the different steps in a brewing process. These icons are part of the visual identity, but also form part of the interior design — though this time cast in steel. The curved copper installation is inspired by the ancient copper brewing kettles. The arched shapes evoke a sense of intimacy and calm.

Sustainability
At WeWantMore we created an easy, designer proof classification system for our material library. The materials and brands are sorted using a simple color code – green, orange and red – which visualizes their environmental impact, making it easier for designers to make sustainable choices. We approached the project sustainably by finding a location where the bathtubs could be integrated in the existing structure of the building. The space needed to feel like the inside of a cave, without a need to construct this. The design supports social well-being and creates a unique escape from the daily rush. The hops and herbs prepared for your bath and the use of materials - lime stucco and wood - all add to our biophilic approach. After the bathing ritual, you’re invited to rest on a bed of straw and truly connect with nature.