Who knew concrete could be so cool? The Bavarian city of Bad Staffelstein recently unveiled a newly-renovated thermal bath topped with a light-transmitting concrete cave. The cave’s shell, which is shaped like a natural salt crystal, is made out of LUCEM translucent concrete, which glows with millions of fiber optic threads.
The popular Obermaintherme spa, which is built on top of 1600-meter-deep drilled saltwater spring, was recently renovated with an updated 170 m² large pool with underwater-jets, a waterfall, and a channel that leads to an outdoor pool. The transparent cave-like design over the inside pool replaces a former grotto-like area made of natural stone.
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Hovering 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. The renovation also includes programmable LED lighting technology that controls the varying color tones. The 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.
+ Krieger Architects Engineers
Images via LUCEM GmbH
