AQUALUX THERME

Located in Styria, Austria the Aqualux Therme Fohnsdorf is a thermal spa which’s shape was inspired by the place’s mining tradition and...

The form of the building, resembling a coal seam, is apparently a very random sci-fi design. However, there are several axes that organize it, give it meaning and help differentiate between the various areas. Another idea that stood at the base of the design was the amount of openings allowing a permanent dialog between the outer and the inner space. Located in Austria, the site abounds with alpine sceneries which are turned to account by these cracks in the exterior shell intensifying the relationship between the two separated spaces.

The truly welcoming interior is divided into six different areas: the athletic pool, children’s area, adventure pool, wellness area and sauna, restaurant and the health center. This organisation is dictated by the arrangement of the openings and by the different noise levels; along the main symmetry axis, the highest activity area is located on one end while the most relaxing was placed on the other end, creating a succession in the buildings functions. Between the two far ends of the building, in its center, an interior courtyard can be found which not only provides the necessary lighting but also accentuates the relationship between the inner and the outer space by establishing a connection between the course of the sun and so with time and weather conditions and the inhabitants of the thermal bath.

The exterior dark cladding continues on the inside as well, reinforcing the interconnection between the two separate spaces. In contrast with this material, the water pools are tiled with light stones that allow a better illumination by reflecting light. The third predominant interior material – the timber form work – creates another reference to the mining tradition and allows a seamless transition between the walls and ceilings which are in a very powerful contrast.

S.I.

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