The Salt House

Project details

Student Amy Daja

Programme

Unit UG13

Year 3

Bathhouses are an integral part of German culture. For centuries, bathhouses have been used as a form of therapy and relaxation, and many Germans consider it an essential part of their wellness routine. The German word for spa is 'heilbad' which directly translates to 'healing bath' and one can even be prescribed spa treatment to prevent conditions developing due to stress or to treat a chronic condition.

The spring water located in the Black Forest is rich in minerals known for their healing and relaxing properties. The building will harvest the salt and culture its crystals, exploring the different ways that salt reacts with different textures and materials. The different reactions will act as a language for the bath users, providing a visual and atmospheric experience to the climate of each room of the bathhouse.

Building Section

Taking inspiration from the outdoor central bath in Bath and the Vienna botanical gardens and the impressive skylight dome in the Friedrichsbad Baths, the central pool frames the tall pine trees in the sky.

Material Exploration

The Romans were also known for communicating information on the building’s columns. I tested different textures that allowed the salt to stick to the columns and ways of producing larger crystals.