The competition for the transformation of the Palazzetto del Ghiaccio into a wellness centre was in two stages: in the first phase, 31 architecture firms participated, in the second phase the group led by Daniele Geltrudi triumphed over the 10 finalists.
The landscape setting of the new thermal baths is extraordinary: on the northern edge of the village of Champoluc, they are located on the bank of the Evançon torrent, in view of the mountains and glaciers.
The project is characterized by an immense hall crossed by a dense series of transverse wooden blockbau walls, the ancient construction system of the peoples of the Alps, which are supported by a unitary paving in local natural stone.
The wooden walls articulate the various functional spaces, according to the competition brief: a spa; a gym; a conference room; a reception and distribution hall; an arrangement of the exterior (road along the stream and garden on the opposite side).
The atmosphere of the spa environments is determined not only by the general presence of the warm color of the wood, but also by a particular brightness: the headboards of the wooden walls, thanks to projectors and very polished brass surfaces, are transformed into mirrors in the water of the main pool.
A large restaurant is located on the mezzanine level above the locker rooms.
At the main entrance, the project provides a real little square that is projected as a terrace on the Evançon stream, to entertain and have lunch outside over the clear waters.
Executive Architect: BianchettiArchitettura SA.
