The geometric swimming facility, “Paracelsus Bad & Kurhaus”, designed by Berger+Parkkinen Associated Architects, is a visionary project that highlights the surrounding landmarks of Salzburg, Austria.
Alfred Berger, architect, says that the building’s impact is due to the interaction between new spaces and surrounding surroundings – the Mirabellgarten baroque garden, the old city and the mountains. The indoor pool was designed as an extension of the park located on the third-floor. The project offers a unique combination between physical relaxation and inspiration through the integration of city treasures.
The sun naturally illuminates the majority of the facility during the day. The four ceramic pools are divided into a sport pool, diving pool, kiddie pool and relaxation pool. They all sit under a ceramic ceiling with waves. The implementation of glass at storey heights allows this swimming level to open up on the trees, gardens, and city beyond. This further emphasizes the beauty of the urban surroundings.
The top of the building has a sauna, a relaxation area and an outdoor pool that gives guests the feeling they are bathing over the rooftops of the city. Tiina parkkinen, architect, says that references to the built-environment, the natural surroundings, and the social context, are very important in her projects.
The project planning team set out to create a building that would be highly energy efficient. This goal was achieved after a thorough sustainability analysis.
The article was first published in AQUA Magazine, the leading resource for pool and spa retailers, builders and service professionals. All industry professionals can subscribe to the print edition of AQUA Magazine for free. Subscribe by clicking here.
