Site Specific: Spa Samedan

Miller and Maranta - Switzerland, 2009

M&M The new baths in the historic center of Samedan, in the Swiss canton of Grisons, is situated directly on the back of the town’s baroque church. Despite building’s prominent position the exterior of the baths building is restrained, leaving the church to play the leading role on the town square. At the same time it tries to show the significance of a public building within the historical context of Samedan. The scale as well as the precisely chosen materials integrates the new building into the existing situation, at the same time the building maintains its’ own character and independence.

Several labyrinthian staircases lead off from a central hall to the different facilities within the building. The bathing rooms are stacked at different heights. Situated on first floor, the warm bath is double height and lit from above through a series of skylights. On the second floor the steam bath encircles the patio of the lower baths. The jacuzzi and the hot bath, as well as the relaxation room, have room‐high windows that open to fascinating mountain views of the Engadin. The stairs lead us further to the top floor where the outdoor bath and the sun roof is reached.

NOTES

Photographs © Ralf Feiner

Many thanks to Miller and Maranta for sharing this project with us.

Posted 26th April 2022.