Architecture / urban planning
Kauffmann Theilig & Partner Freie Architekten PartGmbB, Ostfildern
Completion
2011
Client
Vermögen und Bau Baden-Württemberg, Pforzheim Office
Awards
Bauwerk Schwarzwald e.V. Architecture Route 2022, IOC/IAKS Award 2015 in silver, Hugo Häring Award 2014, EWA Professional Award 2014
History / existing situation
The Palais Thermal spa complex is an integral part of the Bad Wildbad spa and recreation centre in the northern Black Forest, which is popular with tourists. The Palais Thermal, which is operated by the Wildbad State Spa, consists of a historic thermal bath - a bathing temple dating back to 1847. The historic bath was built directly above the thermal springs and has been remodelled and renovated several times to its current appearance. Directly adjacent to it is a terraced spa centre from the 1970s, which has stood empty for many years and is a burden on both the urban development and the landscape of the municipality, which is idyllic on the one hand and cramped in the valley on the other. The complex is complemented by a spa hotel with a spa square and surrounding administrative buildings.
Design
In order to expand the offerings of the historic bathing temple, outdoor areas on the second and third floors of the disused spa centre were extensively redesigned and made usable for a spa operation. The atmospheric wooden landscape with outdoor pools, terraces, saunas and other facilities and services offers an attractive view of the valley crossed by the River Enz.
The new landscape can be accessed via steps from the Graf-Eberhard-Bad's sauna courtyard. From there, stairs integrated into the wooden landscape lead to the top level. The extended new lift also provides disabled access to all levels. An essential part of the new outdoor area is a new pool with an unobstructed view, which, although structurally complex, is integrated into the wooden landscape as a matter of course and without thresholds. There is also an existing large sauna integrated into the terrace structure on level 1. At the rear of level 2 are two new outdoor saunas and an experience shower. An open-air bar also complements the offer. Special lighting installations enhance the atmosphere of the new outdoor area, which is also planted with plants.
Material / construction
The uniform and spatially exciting folding of the wooden surfaces was simulated in advance and realised on site using a wooden substructure with almost perfect fit and sophisticated craftsmanship in every detail. The wall surfaces are made of Thermo Elm, the accessible terrace surfaces of Thermo Ash. To prevent the neighbouring spa hotel from looking in, a significant and lightweight membrane construction spans the entire north side. The translucent white membrane surface frames the view to the south and east on the one hand and creates weather protection on large areas of the wooden decks on the other.
The previous interventions in the existing construction and substance of the spa centre building are minor and manageable. The load transfer of the new superstructures was realised via a few points and the construction only had to be upgraded or supplemented in a few parts.
The bottom line
The proposal to dismantle the upper levels of the disused terrace building was much discussed, but has not yet been realised due to financial constraints. The new outdoor area acts as a modern and high-quality addition to the historic building and deliberately draws the eye away from the terraces of the disused terrace building.
