lang + schwärzler: bathhouse

‘bathhouse’ by lang + schwärzler, lochau, austria image courtesy of lang + schwärzler

located forty-five meters from the seehotel am kaiserstrand is ‘bathhouse’, the undisputed highlight of the shore of lake constance in lochau, austria. designed by austrian practice lang + schwärzler, the structure is multi-faceted in its program, housing a restaurant, tanning deck and performance space for theater and musical events.

influenced by the materiality of the region’s vernacular architecture – classically wood or stone – the design features a shuttered exterior shell, which opens to expose the interior space, integrating it with the encircling body of water.

approach image courtesy of lang + schwärzler

low and perfectly symmetrical in form, the structure appears to float above the water, set in its position by a collection of wooden pillars. a single and monumental dock defines the point of entry, which otherwise appears in unison with the rest of the structure.

(left) walls open (right) walls closed images courtesy of lang + schwärzler

inside, an single room seems to be one with its surroundings, open to the lake and the natural breeze. a large un-sheltered

deck extends from the back of the unit, expanding on dining space while simultaneously providing access to the water.

back image courtesy of lang + schwärzler

deck image courtesy of lang + schwärzler

interior image courtesy of lang + schwärzler

night view image © böhringer friedrich

night view image © böhringer friedrich

night view image © böhringer friedrich