AUSTRIA
THEATRICAL SPA noa* - network of architecture Words by Laura Ragazzola Photography by Alex Filz
I N T H E H EA RT OF T I ROL , AUST R I A , T H E ITA LI A N T EA M NOA* DE SIG NS A CON T EM POR A RY A N D EMOT IONA L SPA-BU I L DI NG . G L A SS A N D CONCR ET E DI A LO GU E W IT H T H E EN V I RON M EN T A N D I N V IT E TO ST I L LN ESS A N D CON T EM PL AT ION
HERE: The new wellness area at the Mohr Life Resort stretches out across 600 sqm and creates an artificial rib, mirrored by the dry stone walls running along its side.
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n Lermoos, one of the oldest skiing areas in Tirol, just an 80-km drive from Innsbruck. a new wellness area has been added to the renowned Mohr Life Resort. Designed by noa* network of architecture, it’s a glass and concrete structure laid down on a gentle slope below the hotel, which enjoys a unique view across the wide Ehrwalder Becken valley, with its pastures, old farmhouses and barns: an impressive scenario dominated by the imposing 3,000 metres of the Zugspitze mountain – which represents a geographical border between Austria and Germany. As architect Christian Rottensteiner, partner at noa*, explains “for us, the majestic and powerful presence of the mountain was a
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kind of test bench. The Zugspitze, with its beauty, strength, and formal complexity, was our inspiration and the project’s protagonist. The new wellness area is conceived as a theatre, an ideal location to admire that extraordinary masterpiece”. The new Spa stretches out across 600 sqm and features a roofed infrastructure built from scratch and an outdoor area with a swimming pool. The covered building is sober and light. It has been designed as an aggregation of simple shapes: a grid of glass cubes placed across the two levels of the structure. The use of a reflective glass surface delivers an unexpected, scenic effect: the different shapes virtually fade into the background and become a ‘screen’ mirroring the gargan-
OPPOSITE PAGE: Reflected on the glass facade is the giant silhouette of the Zugspitze mountain. ABOVE: The new glass and cement structure was built organically on a gentle slope located below the hotel (on the top, the design section).
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OPPOSITE PAGE, FROM ABOVE: The scenic sauna looks over the landscape; the shower area. ABOVE AND RIGHT: The relaxation areas were developed to look like theatre stages.
tuan silhouette of the Zugspitze. As the pool runs along the Spa’s glass front, the image of the mountain is also reflected in the water, creating even more impressive visual experiences. While outside the structure is defined by clear lines and stark shapes, inside it becomes softer and enveloping, embracing you once you get into the building. The tension created by the contrast between indoor and outdoor enriches the building both aesthetically and formally. The relaxation areas look like theatre stages with a view across the mountain. Every ‘booth’ includes two deckchairs featuring different designs: open, spacious areas with huge swings hanging from the ceiling enshrouded by drapery or metal cones framing the mountain alternate with closed balconies deliver-
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©Kaatje Verschoren
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Christian Rottensteiner
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hristian Rottensteiner is partner of noa* and he has been working at the office from 2012. noa* is a young team of architects and designers, led by founders Lukas Rungger and Stefan Rier and based in Bolzano (Italy) and since April 2018 also in Berlin (Germany). The office explores and examines interdisciplinary methods of design, continuously evolving depending on both nature and requirements of each project. By following the concept of “emergence”, where the whole is perceived as being far greater than the sum of its parts, a holistic approach and strategy is central to noa*s way of conceiving design.
ABOVE: The sauna is designed for approximately 20 people, LEFT: Inside, the colours and textiles were inspired by nature.
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ing increased privacy and relaxation with an omnipresent mountain view. The ground floor also features a private lounge; a lobby and bar for refreshments; a Spa and scenic sauna for approximately 20 people featuring a mini bistro reminiscent of cinema halls, as well as changing booths and showers. A scenic spiral staircase pinpoints the centre of the building and takes to the first floor where 10 symmetrical chill-out ‘stages’ are available. The swimming pool represents the natural extension of the wellness area. It extends into the open and features chill-out areas boasting different sensorial experiences. Six “island boxes” dot the water basin, reflecting the structure overlooking the pool. H
THE HARMONIOUS INTEGRATION of different materials and textiles. ATMOSPHERE LIGHTS have been designed by noa*.
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