The Therme Vals by Peter Zumthor

The Therme Vals which is a hotel and spa was designed by architect  Peter Zumthor. It is built over the only thermal spring in Graubunden Canton, Switzerland.

It was built in conjunction with the already existing hotel which was located next to the spa. the hotel and spa are connected via a long narrow passage.

MAIN IDEA OF THE BUILDING:

The main idea that the architect was going for was to create a natural  cave. a spa that might appear as if it was always there and formed from the mountain itself.

 

FORMAL CLUES:

The spa is designed using mostly horizontals and verticals. (post and lintols) although it is made to look as if they are that way naturally. The building is made up of stacked stone which looks as if it has just been placed on top of one another. with slits of light here and there to keep up the appearance of the spa being a natural cave.

 FUNCTIONAL CLUES:

The idea of the spa was to create a natural space where people could come to to break away from everyday life. It is a place for relaxation. There are many different chambers or "caves" within the spa each one different and unique. They differ in temperature, colour, scents, depths of water and texture of walls. All made specifically to create different atmospheres within the space. One could look at it as a journey of sensory experience, all meant to rejuvenate the body and soul.   

CONTEXTUAL CLUES:

The Spa is located on a natural spring in a valley among the Switzerland mountains. It is a secluded location which is perfect for the effect the architect was going for, a natural spa and hotel away from everyday life. This is evident as the architect did not want time to be known while in the spa.

TECHNOLOGICAL CLUES:

The Therme Vals was made using mostly quarried Valse Quarzite stone, which is the natural stone which is found in the Swiss Mountains. This helps the architect to achieve his effect of the spa being a natural timeless cave.

I really enjoyed learning about this building because the architect Peter Zumthor has achieved with this spa what I would one day like to achieve with every building or space that I design. Which is an atmosphere that is felt only in that specific place. The building is not only a building but an experience. And that's what inspired me to study architecture in the first place. That is in my opinion the difference between a building and architecture.