For more than 200 years, Bad Ems has been one of the most important health resorts in Europe: the resort located in the picturesque valley of the Lan River remembers Nikolai Gogol and Fyodor Dostoevsky, Emperors Wilhelm I and Alexander II, and many other prominent figures of different eras. 17 thermal springs with alkaline sodium chloride waters still attract a large number of visitors: several hydropathic establishments operate in the city at once, and at the end of last year, after reconstruction, the “Emskie Termy” were also opened. Their total area is more than 1000 m2: during the renovation, the complex received not only new equipment, but also a completely new building, the solution of which was inspired by the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
The main theme of this complex, located near the city center, on the banks of the Lahn River, the architects made pebbles. The rounded outlines of pebbles, which are full of local embankments, formed the basis of the general plan, and also served as a prototype for the shape of window openings and some solutions for interior decoration. In particular, this allowed the authors of the project to almost completely avoid sharp and right angles - the soft plastic of the building and its seemingly "melted" corners emphasize the atmosphere of rest and relaxation.
Separate saunas and thermal baths, as well as fitness and wellness rooms have the same rounded quadrangles in the plan, and the architects turn the space between these “cobblestones” into a common relaxation area with pools, sun loungers and a phytobar. This part of the complex is clearly visible from the street thanks to the fully glazed northern facade, while the walls of the rooms requiring privacy are made of architectural concrete, decorated with multi-colored oval inserts.
And this is not the last reminder of the pebbles - the windows facing south, as well as small fonts, a jacuzzi and a pool for children, take on the same shape. Decorative pebbles are also used in interior decoration - along with wood, frosted glass and colorful mosaics.
A. M.
