A refreshing image

Project name	A Refreshing Image
Location	Germany . Provinzialstraße
Design by	Stuttgart
Product	Chroma

A Refreshing Image

The opening of the new thermal baths in the traditional spa town of Bad Ems represents a decisively innovative step: the design by 4a Architekten in Stuttgart marks an end to the dusty image of baths dating back to imperial times.



The new design concept based on the nearby Lahn river and whose varying shapes reflect the motif of river pebbles necessitated demolition of the baths dating back to the 1970s. Opened in late 2012, guests can now enjoy a spacious ensemble comprising a thermal bath landscape, sauna park, wellness gallery and fitness panorama with unique highlights such as the rain shower spanning 14 square metres or the floating outdoor sauna in the river. The Emser Thermal Baths have also set new standards in terms of sustainability: by integrating the 57 °C thermal water in the overall energy concept, it was possible to reduce CO2 emissions by 55 %. The light-flooded interiors are characterised by the anthracite-colored floor tiles from the Geo 2.0 series and the luminous white pool tiles from ChromalPlural. Combined with other materials such as glass and exposed concrete, the ceiling panels made of maritime pine and wall panelling featuring Siberian larch give rise to an atmosphere which unites freshness and warmth. Renowned for their new thermal bath projects, including in Constance and Bad Salzuflen, the 4a Architekten agency opted for products from AGROB BUCHTAL for practical reasons: the unglazed floor tiles are convincing thanks to their high non-slip qualities and easy cleaning while the glazed pool tiles from the Chroma series are HT-coated for an antibacterial effect and particularly easy cleaning.

 
  
Emser Thermal Baths,
Bad Ems, Deutschland · Germany
Architect: Stuttgart