Therme Vals
Peter Zumthor · Vals, Switzerland · 1996
Therme Vals, completed in 1996, is a notable example of minimalist architecture integrated into its natural surroundings. Peter Zumthor designed the bathhouse using locally quarried Valser quartzite, creating a layered, monolithic appearance that echoes the alpine landscape. The structure is largely subterranean, with carefully positioned openings that frame views and control the entry of natural light, fostering a unique sensory experience within its various cave-like spaces. The building's design emphasizes the primal experience of bathing, with distinct pools and chambers offering varying temperatures and therapeutic qualities. Its concrete and stone construction contributes to a hushed, contemplative atmosphere, while the arrangement of volumes and voids creates a complex spatial journey. Therme Vals is recognized for its sensitive material palette and its ability to connect architecture with the geological and cultural context of its site.