germany-based studio 4a architekten has renovated the 1950s building and outdoor swimming pool at the historic bad berg mineral baths in central stuttgart. the aim was to design a modern facility in capturing the old charm and the unique character of the existing baths. besides, a muted color and material palette wraps the interior and exterior, adding a calm and warm atmosphere. stuttgart's oldest mineral baths refurbishment captures the old charm of the historic buildingthe  L-shaped building with its wings and the rectangular outdoor pool adds the baths a unique character

all images courtesy of uwe ditz

 

 

the key-element for 4a architekten‘s project was the balance between preservation, renewal, and supplement. the redevelopment involved the entire existing structure, with its two wings formed adjacent to the outdoor pool, giving a modern touch to stuttgart’s cult baths.

 

 

‘although the outdoor pool was retained in shape and size, it had to be completely re-edified including the fountain of the central spring and the surfaces surrounding the pool.’ says the architect.4a architekten refurbishes stuttgart's oldest mineral baths in a contemporary waythe facility is built on two sides of an outdoor pool

 

 

as part of the renovation, the entrance hall acquired a clear and transparent layout, allowing plenty of light to penetrate the large-surface glass façades. a view opened towards the outdoor pool and the garden, delivering an extensive and airy ambiance to the interior. meanwhile, the old exercise pool in the east was demolished and replaced with an annex to the bathing hall which remained the unique structure of the pre-existing building.

 

 

‘the new design concept, spatial optimizations, and slight changes to procedures create completely new qualities in the baths,’ explains burkart. ‘at the same time, the characteristic appearance of berg mineral spa, legendary to the inhabitants of stuttgart, has been successfully preserved.’4a architekten refurbishes stuttgart's oldest mineral baths in a contemporary waythe bathing hall with the new gallery and the wooden ceiling holds a warm and friendly atmosphere

 

 

calm materials clad both the interior and exterior, while muted colors produced a relaxing atmosphere in the baths. wooden-strip ceiling, porcelain stoneware elements, mosaic tiles, exposed concrete surfaces, and steel provided a warm character to the design. apart from the smooth color and material palettes, the architects added pops of color, maintaining some details from the original building. 4a architekten refurbishes stuttgart's oldest mineral baths in a contemporary waythe tiled wall in the main bathing hall, created by the artist matthias kohlmann

 

 

the design held a contemporary touch and integrated harmoniously into the overall concept. the adjoining exercise pool continued the materiality from the bathing hall with the wooden-strip ceiling, the change of tiles and exposed concrete surfaces, and the extensive glazing towards the park. relevant to the external appearance was also the retention of the sun balconies with awnings and horizontal balustrades. 4a architekten refurbishes stuttgart's oldest mineral baths in a contemporary way wooden slatted ceilings combined with exposed concrete form a calm atmosphere stuttgart's oldest mineral baths refurbishment captures the old charm of the historic buildingthe new built exercise pool includes glass artwork from the old structurestuttgart's oldest mineral baths refurbishment captures the old charm of the historic buildingthe sauna area on the first floor with a view of the outdoor pool and the garden landscapestuttgart's oldest mineral baths refurbishment captures the old charm of the historic buildingthe interior design combines muted colors and elements from the previous buildingstuttgart's oldest mineral baths refurbishment captures the old charm of the historic buildingthe glass artwork of max ackermann in the entrance ceiling is taken from the old baths buildingstuttgart's oldest mineral baths refurbishment captures the old charm of the historic buildingcable pull switches are reinstalled in the showers of the sauna areastuttgart's oldest mineral baths refurbishment captures the old charm of the historic buildingthe wooden locker rooms in the outdoor area are restored and rebuilt in the new structure of the north wing

 

 

stuttgart's oldest mineral baths refurbishment captures the old charm of the historic buildingthe transparent entrance area in the evening mood

 

 

project info:

 

name: bad berg mineral baths

architects: 4a architekten gmbh

location: stuttgard, germany

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina petridou | designboom