Therme Oberstdorf by Auer Weber Architekten

Set within the alpine terrain of Allgäu, the new Therme Oberstdorf reimagines the contemporary thermal spa as an architecture in dialogue with its surroundings. Designed by Auer Weber Architekten, the project replaces an earlier facility with a spatial composition that integrates wellness, sport, and leisure into a unified yet differentiated environment.

The building is conceived as a cluster of staggered volumes, each defined by pitched roofs and a restrained material palette that echoes regional construction traditions. Timber façades rise vertically against the mountainous backdrop, while generous glazing opens the interiors toward expansive views of the Allgäu Alps. The result is a structure that remains grounded in its context while articulating a clear contemporary identity.

At the core of the complex, a large bathing hall establishes a calm and legible spatial centre. Wood, concrete, and glass define the interior atmosphere, directing attention outward to water and landscape. The programme unfolds through a sequence of interconnected zones, from sports pools to quieter wellness and sauna areas, allowing movement while maintaining distinct spatial identities.

Material and colour are used as continuous elements throughout the building, translating the character of the surrounding landscape into architectural language. The concept of the four elements subtly informs this approach, with each zone expressing variations in tone and texture that reflect water, stone, air, and earth.

Ceramic surfaces play a central role in shaping both atmosphere and performance. Developed in collaboration with AGROB BUCHTAL, the material palette extends from exterior thresholds into interior spaces, creating continuity across the project.

Darker tones establish a mineral base that recalls the surrounding terrain, while pools introduce gradients of turquoise that evoke alpine lakes. In areas of rest and transition, lighter shades soften the environment, offering a tactile contrast to the more robust surfaces of circulation zones. Within the sauna’s cooling areas, deeper hues reference the spatial qualities of nearby gorges, reinforcing the sensory dimension of the experience.

Beyond aesthetics, the ceramic systems respond to the technical demands of a thermal environment, ensuring durability, slip resistance, and hygienic performance over time.

The project integrates a comprehensive environmental strategy. Photovoltaic systems embedded within the roof, combined with energy-efficient building services and heat recovery, reduce operational demands. Material choices further support longevity and low maintenance, contributing to a sustainable lifecycle for the building.

Therme Oberstdorf positions itself as both regional destination and architectural statement. By aligning spatial organisation, material logic, and environmental performance, the project establishes a coherent framework where architecture, landscape, and use converge. It demonstrates how contemporary spa design can extend beyond function to create an immersive environment shaped by context, atmosphere, and time.

Project Credit

Project Name: New Therme Oberstdorf
Project Location: Germany
Design firm: Auer Weber Architekten / @auerweber
Year: 2025
Photo: David Matthiessen / @david_matthiessen_fotografie