GRÖSSLING SPA

One of the first architectural competitions directed by the Bratislava Metropolitan Institute attracted over 70 studios from around the world. The winner was the young team OPPS Architettura from Florence, bringing the historic Grössling Spa complex into the present without losing its original character. They worked sensitively with the existing spaces and designed the operating scheme of the spa, library and café without the need for destructive interventions. The design also included the revitalization of the park in Medená Street and the restored corner entrance from 1895. The public response was extraordinary, which made the responsibility of the GFI as the general designer even greater.

The Grössling Spa was built gradually – from the first building in 1895 (Adalbert Swoboda), through the extension in 1914 (Lajos Gratzl) to the functionalist extension in 1930 (Fridrich Weinwurm, Ignác Vécsei). Since 1994, the premises had been abandoned.

The reconstruction included the restoration of the historic spa building and its surroundings in Medená and Kúpeľná streets and the alteration of the completed building on Vajanského nábrežie embankment 11. In addition to the spa, the City Library was also addressed, which brought several challenges. The fundamental theme was the integration of modern technologies into the historical structure and the coexistence of such different functions as swimming pools and a library. There were also unexpected reconstruction surprises. Perhaps the most fundamental was the original wall cladding-covering-obklad-obloženie- made of artificial and natural stone, which was damaged by time and adverse weather conditions. The final design was created thanks to the thoughtful decisions of the investor, who guarded both quality and budget, and the focused commitment-effort-sústredené nasadenie- of the project team and restoration specialists.

The digital twin of the complex became a key tool, essential for the coordination of the many participating entities. This was a new interdisciplinary experience for all participants between Bratislava and Florence.

a general designer

an architectural study

documentation for zoning decision

a project for building permit

an implementation project