-By Celia Ying, Photography by Roland Halbe

Some people believe that the Roman bath is the father of our modern day spas and health clubs because it embodied an important community hub for social intercourse varying from neighborhood gossip to business discussions. Today, some of the larger ancient Roman baths still can be viewed at various locations in Greece, Italy, and Spain. Yet in Kärnten, Austria, people actually can indulge in the ancient Roman way of life in the "Römerbad" Spa Baths in the Austrian ski resort of Bad Kleinkirchheim, thanks to the ingenious design by the Stuttgart, Germany-based architecture and planning firm Behnisch Architekten.

Widely recognized as a leader in creating distinctive and sustainable architectural solutions, Behnisch Architekten won a 2005 competition and was commissioned for the spa renovation and expansion. The task was to extend the existing structure, built in 1978, with new facilities like wellness and sauna area, restrooms, children's area, and beauty salon to acquire new target groups and to revive its appeal to existing guests.

When the Römerbad Spa was built in the late '80s, it was known as one of the first "event spas," reminiscent of the antique bathhouse. Therefore, when Bad Kleinkirchheim planned to renovate and expand the existing building, it was important that the new design remained true to its original character. "It was a formal approach looking for old traditional Roman spa structure," recalls Martin Hass, principal architect and partner of Behnisch Architekten. "The concept of the old structure is the Roman bath, and our idea was to keep the structure in this specific location and build new landscape terraces behind the building."

The architects took full advantage of the views from within the existing three-story main building, situated at the foot of Kaiser Mountain, and positioned the new facilities across the stream-oriented lawn leading to the original multi-level facility in order to showcase the dominant, sculptural motif of the spa. "Our inspiration comes from the landscape behind. Since the spa is in the middle of the valley, our approach is to let the building be part of the landscape," Hass explains.

Given the existing geometrical forms, Behnisch proposed a new, terraced landscape punctuated by three circular pavilions as an extension to the original structure. The various new amenities are characterized by different moods and atmospheres ranging from a cave-like meditation zone dug into an existing hill to light-flooded spaces opening up to the beautiful panorama of the valley. "One of the concepts we like in the old structure was that the building was organized in three levels, which is very unusual," Hass remarks. "In our efforts to maintain the original structure, we had to deal with different levels, and we thought that would be a nice opportunity to create certain characters for each level. As a result, we have a calm and contemporary approach for the lower level, and the higher as you get into the building, you have a visual connection to the outside."

Rather than perceiving this three-story structure as a constraint, the architects took it as an advantage to maintain clarity, open perspectives, and optimal circulation for visitors, and to further develop three individually modeled landscapes. As its name suggests, the Romanum at the lower level reflects the traditional bathing culture of Ancient Rome with vaulted structures accommodating the warming areas. Located at the entrance level is the Noricum instilled with a light, cool, refreshing ambiance. Here the architects built an irregular wooden structure as a filter between various facilities, and the warm tones of natural wood contrast with the cool shades of blue, green, silver, and white.

The upper level, called the Maximum, comprises several saunas and a mineral salt spa. This area opens on almost all sides onto individually modeled terraces, which can be clearly visible from the nearby slopes of Kaiser Mountain. "We actually did a very careful material research," adds Hass. "We looked for materials that have a good carbon footprint, like the untreated wood we used for the façade. We optimized the technical aspect of the spa and reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling down the building."

Distinctive characters rest on the harmonious interaction of history, nature, and architecture; Behnisch Architekten's restoration work on the Römerbad Spa does not only stay true to the site, but actually enhances it. With only 12 months' time from design to construction, both the client and the architect consider the experience a successful symbiosis. Kurt Glettler, manager of Bad Kleinkirchheim, remarks: "The end result was similar to the cooperation experience—it was a result where both the architects and the owner have implemented their visions and ideas in an equitable way with few compromises.

"The whole concept is harmonious and looks auspicious. It communicates the historical idea in a modern way," Glettler continues. "Elegance and impression are subjective. The majority of our guests are very impressed and give us a lot of good feedback. I think we are very unique with the new Thermal Römerbad and, a lot of people confirm this opinion."



who
Project: Spa Bad Kleinkirchheim Renovation. Client: Bad Kleinkirchheimer Thermengesellschaft. Architect, interior designer: Behnisch Architekten; Stefan Behnisch, Hon. FAIA, BDA, RIBA, CIMA, partner; David Cook, RIBA, partner; Martin Haas, Dominik Heni, Thorsten Stepper, J��rg Usinger, Hie Gown Ohh, Daniel Neves Pimenta, Zheng Sun, Marcel Kipping, Andreas Ried.Structural engineer: Reinhold Svetina, Klagenfurt. MEP Engineer: Ingenieurb¸ro Bodewig + Partner. Light planning: Bartenbach Lichtlabor, Aldrans bei Innsbruck. Kitchen technology: Fa. Unteregger, Villach. Surveyor: DI. Ronald Humitsch, Spittal an der Drau. Project and site mngmt: Tschernutter Consulting, Villach. Photographer: Roland Halbe.

what
Paint: Caparol. Laminate: Strussnig GmbH, Ein��de bei Villach. Carpet/carpet tile: Toucan-T carpet Manufacture. Ceiling: Sto Silent. Lighting: Artluce Produktions, Schruns. Dry walls: Aquapaneel, Knauf. Tiles: Fliesen & Glas Strauss, Spittal, Oberwinkler, Lendorf. Glass: Tischlerei Wuntschek, Ledenitzen, MBS Metall- und Alubau, Sattendorf. WC partitions for changing rooms: Tschojer Melcher & Co, Matrei. Glazed railings: Glas Keil, Villach, Strussnig, Ein��de bei Villach. Lounge seating: Heller. Cafeteria/dining/outside seating: Expomobil. Bar seating: Offect.
Other seating: Fritz Hansen. HVAC: Ingenieurb¸ro Bodewig + Partner, M¸nchen
Building Physics: Dr. Ingo Steiner, St. Veit. Building management system: Ingenieurb¸ro Bodewig + Partner, M¸nchen.

where
Location: Karnten, Austria. No. of floors: Three stories.