Conservation, restoration and socialization of the Central Mineral Bath "Bankya"

The Mineral Bath is located in the town center of Bankya, Sofia municipality, it is also the composition accent of the surrounding historic park (also protected as cultural heritage). At the start of the project, the building had been out of exploitation for more than 10 years and it was in a very poor condition. There was a need of an emergent conservation and restoration.

The challenges were determined by finding the way of reuse of the historic building. A specific approach, taking into account the possibilities of minimal intervention in the original, has been applied to the areas with high architectural value – in the interior and the exterior. For the purpose of the bath’s modern use, the ‘male‘ and ’female’ wings of the building (originally separated) were united – by establishing the central foyer as a distribution zone. The two original circle pool halls with the adjacent rooms with stone sinks for mineral water, also individual rooms with specially designed floor bathtubs were restored with their original use. The basement level, previously used for technical rooms and laundry, was adapted as a modern spa area. The two inner courtyards were converted into relaxation areas – through the construction of roof glazing. The building’s vertical accessibility was improved by an elevator and two new concrete staircases while restoring the existing two decorative wooden staircases. On the second floor there were arranged a museum exhibition hall, dressing rooms, two fitness rooms and an aerobics room.

The structural works were done with minimal intervention within the original structure. The facades were restored with their original vision. The areas of high architectural value were approached with the necessary care and precision, and the damaged elements were restored by specialist restorers. The implementation is entirely aimed at creating an environment conducive to health. Opportunities are provided to offer a variety of procedures and programs, including both the use of mineral water and the implementation of sports activities, relaxation, etc. High energy efficiency was achieved through rational use of the natural resource: mineral water. Not only the mineral water is uesd for the purposes of the balneotherapy, but also it is used as an energy source. The waste mineral water from the pools fills the energy center, where the temperature of the water is converted into energy, which is used to heat the entire building.