Therme Nova, Köflach

The staging of water and light in a compact, glazed building characterises the new thermal baths in the West Styrian town of Köflach. The baths are built over different levels which are all connected in the middle via the thermal water pool in the multi-storey. The whole thing looks like a stranded ship in the cavity. The baths are seen as a glassy, compact body with reflecting walls in the landscape which give it an aura of secrecy and hide the virtual inner life. In darkness the body begins to glow and offers its lighting ambience to the outside: a glazed complex which can grow in all directions without compromising on its geometric character.
(Photos: Angelo Kaunat)