Thermal bath building in Wi?niówka

The aim of the project is to try to form architecture that creates a healing microclimate conducive to the regeneration of the body. The project creates a building that is a kind of "safe barrier" between the cliff and the area for spending free time. The intention was to return to tradition in the form of using the extracted raw material as facade material.

The project is planned in the Wi?niówka, north-east from Kielce in Poland. The assumption is reclamation of the post-mining area and reconversion of utility values as a result of destruction by human activities. Therms situated on the edge of the slope, are designed in the spirit of minimalism. With the greenery, they form a kind of "safe barrier" preventing from approaching to the dangerous edge of the cliff. The shoreline marks the broken course of the building and the stepped extension of the lower floors is the result of a height difference and a slope gradient. The height of the object was adjusted to the height of the earth embankment located next to one of the wings, in order to fit in the surroundings. Arched windows and arcades refer to the architecture of aqueducts, which in ancient times brought water to bathing facilities. The elevations located on the lagoon side illuminate the interior to the maximum and expose the landscape. Glazing blur the boundaries between the inside and the outside, introducing users into a sense of harmony and closeness with nature. The walls of the facade surrounding the public space are planned to be full to ensure maximum intimacy of people inside the building. Heavy walls break through the arcades, which are part of walking paths. Glass and sandstone are the dominant facade materials. The use of local raw material as slabs aims to restore the memory of a closed quarry. The building gives the impression of an object that is strongly connected with the area fundamentally and historically. The functional plan includes a swimming pool area, baths, saunas, fitness center, restaurant and servicing rooms. The orthogonal functional system is broken by rounded separated spaces - places used for a more of customers. An important element is drinking-water space and observation terrace. The term project meets the intended goals set by the author, which results in a building that fits into the context of the place. The thermal bath complex was designed based on the ancient thermal baths and the use of facade material such as sandstone will make it refer to the history of the broken quarry.