of Bad Wimpfen brine pool

Location Bad Wimpfen, Germany Client / operator Kurverwaltung Bad Wimpfen

Architects 4a Architekten GmbH DE – 70376 Stuttgart www.4a-architekten.de

Site management bau-werk-stadt Jürgen Gruber, Stuttgart Author 4a Architekten

Photos Uwe Ditz, Stuttgart Official opening May 2021

BATHING IN ATMOSPHERE

MODERNISATION AND EXTENSION OF BAD WIMPFEN BRINE POOL

Together with the health clinic, hotel and spa hall, the brine pool is part of a building ensemble in the resort town of Bad Wimpfen. To make the existing facility dating from the 1970s fit for the future, the spa has been atmospherically redesigned and extended in the style of the existing pool, and the entire pool equipment has been upgraded. The client commissioned the Stuttgart-based 4a Architekten with a preliminary study and the design.

The spa town of Bad Wimpfen owes its long tradition and good reputation as a health resort primarily to the curative properties of brine. With the founding of the first spa hotel in 1835, the town developed into a health resort and today‘s spa centre comprising a clinic, hotel and spa hall. At the end of the 1970s, the brine pool designed by the Stuttgart architects Geier+Geier was added as the centrepiece of the building ensemble.

Respectful modernisation Structurally, the brine bath is linked to the spa hall via a shared foyer. Due to this good location with a direct connection to the clinic and the spa hall‘s

underground car park, the client decided to refurbish the existing building rather than build a new one – and commissioned 4a Architekten to prepare a study in advance. The refurbishment has made it possible to leave the ensemble largely untouched and thus conserve resources. In addition, by preserving the existing building fabric, distinctive elements continue to characterize the revamped bathing hall and ensure a high recognition value after modernisation. Fit for the future To get the spa built in the 1970s ready for the future, not only was a redesign and extension of the facility necessary, but the entire pool equipment had to be replaced as well. The design upgrade comprises the central bathing hall with the entrance area and foyer, the changing wing, and the outdoor area with its outdoor pool. The basic structure and load-bearing frame of the existing building have been left largely intact, and with it

the characteristic polygonal floor plan of the existing bathing hall. Only towards the spa park has the ground plan been opened up and the façade shifted outwards to provide more sunbathing space.

The hexagonal indoor brine pool has been given new surfaces, a new pool surround and a user-friendly entrance. Above the pool, a new, strikingly folded wooden slat ceiling extends like a canopy over the bathers. The ceiling not only gives the interior a special atmosphere, but also ensures pleasant acoustics. The new glazed steam bath is directly adjacent to the swimming channel in the bathing hall. Behind it is a secluded relaxation room with a view of the outside area. The steam bath, relaxation room and sanitary areas are also clad with acoustically effective wooden slat ceilings. The outdoor brine pool has also been fully upgraded and resurfaced. In addition to a swimming channel, neck showers and bubble loungers, it has been given two extra exits for increased comfort.

Light effects on the rock salt wall Warm colours and materials lend the interior atmosphere and an elegant look. Touches of colour are provided by the ochre-coloured walls and the bright green of the lockers and changing rooms. The black mosaic tiles in the steam bath form a peaceful contrast to the open-plan bathing hall. A special effect is created by the floor-to-ceiling rock salt wall in the relaxation room, which can be backlit in different colours.