Project: Thermal Baths
Location: Bande, Orense. Spain
Year: 2022
Client: Bande City Hall
Surface: 600 m2
Status: Competition Entry
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The Thermal Baths of Bande, located near the Roman Archaeological Site of Aquae Querquennae, beautifully blend historical heritage with nature. Known for open-air baths, this site will soon feature a new center to enhance the therapeutic potential of its natural medicinal mineral springs. This addition is designed to complement the baths, enriching the visitor experience and connecting ancient traditions with the natural landscape.
A Historical Connection
Set amid Galicia’s lush landscapes, the Thermal Baths of Bande offer more than just relaxation—they are a journey back to Roman times. The nearby Aquae Querquennae was once a thriving Roman settlement with baths, temples, and a community that valued health. The new center will honor this legacy, creating a modern space where visitors can experience these ancient practices firsthand. The baths draw on Roman traditions, harnessing mineral water valued for centuries for its health benefits.
Serene Architecture
The architecture of the Thermal Baths of Bande reflects a balance of practicality and tranquility. Visitors will find interconnected spaces that foster a smooth transition between indoors and outdoors. Tanks with distinct functions are connected by a pathway, creating a flow that aligns with the surrounding environment and the exterior frigidarium.
Each pool reflects the calm of the surrounding forest, inviting peaceful immersion. Visitors can unwind as the mineral water provides therapeutic benefits to body and mind. The natural landscape offers a scenic backdrop and a sense of seclusion, creating a holistic experience that harmonizes with the forest.
A Pathway to Wellness
A network of pathways at the Thermal Baths of Bande guides visitors toward the external mineral baths, inviting them to enjoy fresh air and natural beauty while moving toward the baths. These open-air pools are a focal point, offering a unique experience of bathing in medicinal waters surrounded by the tranquility of nature.
Inside, the center is bathed in natural light from skylights, creating an inviting atmosphere. Selective openings in the walls blend interior spaces with the surrounding forest, enhancing the sense of immersion even indoors.
Healing Properties of Medicinal Mineral Water
The Thermal Baths of Bande are renowned for the therapeutic qualities of their mineral water. Rich in minerals that benefit skin and circulation, these waters have drawn people seeking natural healing for centuries. Bathing in mineral-rich water relieves stress, eases muscle pain, and improves skin health, making the baths an ideal wellness destination. The new center will amplify these benefits, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the therapeutic power of the springs.
Commitment to Sustainability
The development of the new center also emphasizes sustainability, ensuring that the Thermal Baths of Bande remain in harmony with their environment. The architectural design minimizes environmental impact by following the natural contours of the landscape and using materials that complement the surroundings. Respecting both the site’s historical significance and ecological responsibility are key priorities, making the baths a pristine retreat for future generations.
An Invitation to Experience Tranquility
As the Thermal Baths of Bande evolve with the addition of this new center, they continue to offer a unique fusion of history, nature, and wellness. The baths provide a serene escape, encouraging visitors to reconnect with nature and rejuvenate in mineral-rich waters cherished for generations. Whether one is drawn to the ancient Roman site of Aquae Querquennae, the therapeutic benefits of the medicinal mineral water, or the beauty of the natural landscape, the Thermal Baths of Bande promise a revitalizing experience that honors the past while embracing the present.
Each visit offers a rare opportunity to engage with history, wellness, and the peaceful rhythms of nature. With enhanced facilities and a deeper connection to the heritage of this exceptional location, the Thermal Baths of Bande stand as a testament to the timeless allure of natural mineral springs, inviting travelers to rejuvenate and connect with the past.
Project: Thermal Baths
Location: Bande, Orense. Spain
Year: 2022
Client: Bande City Hall
Surface: 600 m2
Status: Competition Entry
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Thermal Baths of Bande
In the surroundings of the Roman Archaeological Site of Aquae Querquennae, the open-air thermal baths of Bande shall be completed with the construction of a centre to enhance and use the medicinal mineral water that flows out of the ground.
A collection of precise volumes that contain the tanks of water with diverse utilities are connected through a spine, always in relationship with the exterior frigidarium. The pool remains calm inside the forest and the medicinal water causes a placid ambiance for leisure.
A system of pathways guides the visitors towards the external mineral baths. The interior spaces are enlightened from skylights and connected with the natural environment through selected voids in the walls.