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Krieger Architekten Ingenieure Thermal BathsWho knew concrete could be so cool? The Bavarian city of Bad Staffelstein has recently unveiled a newly-renovated thermal bath topped with a<a href="http://inhabitat.com/translucent-concrete/"> light-transmitting concrete</a> cave. The cave's shell, which is shaped like a natural salt crystal, is made out of LUCEM translucent concrete, which uses millions of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/?s=fiber+optics&_=1482144202">fiber optics</a> in the panels to "glow" over the pool.1
Krieger Architekten Ingenieure Thermal BathsThe popular Obermaintherme spa is built on top of 1600 meter-deep drilled saltwater spring.2
Krieger Architekten Ingenieure Thermal BathsThe bath house was recently renovated with an updated 170 m² large pool with underwater-jets, a waterfall, and a channel that leads to an existing outside pool.3
Krieger Architekten Ingenieure Thermal BathsThe transparent cave-like design replaces a former grotto-like area made of natural stone.4
Krieger Architekten Ingenieure Thermal BathsHovering over the main pool, the cave's shell was constructed out of LUCEM translucent concrete that transmits light through thousands of fiber optics embedded within the panels, giving off the appearance of an illuminated natural salt crystal.5
Krieger Architekten Ingenieure Thermal BathsThe cave illuminates with varying shades of blue.6
Krieger Architekten Ingenieure Thermal BathsThe new ambient lighting is coordinated with a special sound system integrated with the massage jet nozzles in the pool, creating an ultra-relaxing spa atmosphere.7
Krieger Architekten Ingenieure Thermal BathsThe cave's small grotto-like feel was maintained from the previous stone design.8
Krieger Architekten Ingenieure Thermal BathsThe panels have millions of fiber optics so that the cave can "glow" over the pool.9
Krieger Architekten Ingenieure Thermal BathsThe cave is made out of a the double wall construction on a steel frame.10
