Thermal Baths Vals by Peter Zumthor (Switzerland)

 The Therm Vals was designed by Peter Zumthor in 1996 as part of a hotel. It is built over the only thermal springs in Graubunden Canton, Switzerland.The idea was to create a cave like experience that was comforting and relaxing. As you can see the bath vals are built under a bed of grass. It is buried into the hillside right below the hotel.

The bath vals were created to make the visitor feel luxurious and look at bathing through another perspective. The open and enclosed, light and dark spaces make you have a great, relaxed experience at the baths. The enclosed,internal space make the person have peace and quiet. Also, it allows the guest to explore the different rooms and temperatures in the space. The outdoor space allows you to also find peace and relax while bathing. The cool thing about the baths is in or out you can have light or dark in both areas and temperatures.


When asked by the hotel owner to add a clock in the baths, Zumthor refused to insert a clock. When asked why, Zumthor answered by saying that he did not want the visitors to be in a rush to leave instead he wanted them to relax without worrying about time or where they needed to be in 20 minutes. As always the boss gets what ever they want ,so Zumthor designed a medium sized skinny clock in the baths. It was not exactly what the owner wanted ,but it was a clock.