COMPETITION PROPOSAL FOR GROSSLING BATHHOUSE AND CITY LIBRARY

CONCEPT DESCRIPTION

The proposed conception envisages opening up the historical building of Grössling bathhouse to the city by merging it with the public square on the Northern side. A new accessible entrance is created on the basement level by sloping down the front park. The existing trees and their root systems are preserved, forming a patterned space of landscaped „green bubbles”. This avoids interference with the historical facade, while ensuring an entrance that complies with contemporary requirements.

The principle of openness, permeability and informal space is continued all throughout BOBBEL’s territory with the use of various „bubbles” to signify the main activity of an area. Circular parasols, open-type showers, self-service lockers, green islands of seating, hot stone circles and various pools are sprinkled within the orthogonal structure of the bathhouse. A clear boundary between the old and the new is created by juxtaposing the rigid, orthogonal existing volumes with new, informal, permeable additions.

FUNCTIONAL ZONING

The proposal aims for a clear functional arrangement of the different parts of the building. The entire volume is divided into clearly separated parts with corresponding entrances.

The historical entrance on the corner has been preserved, serving the writer’s residences, the procedure rooms and the administration area. A new entrance has been created on the basement floor, leading to a spacious lobby with a self-service coat room and a reception point for the bathhouse. The library is accessible via an outdoor terrace, utilising the existing door in the Northern facade.

HISTORICAL SUBSTANCE

The proposal respects the values of the historical substance, which is preserved wherever possible. The main pool halls are restored to their 1914 condition. A function has been added to the boiler room, ensuring the public’s interaction with an otherwise hidden gem. The former bank premises have been cleared of partition walls and feature the original structure of the space. Roof character has been preserved, while restoring the original movable roof above the main swimming pool. All historical stairwells of the bathhouse have been preserved in their entirety.

OUTDOOR SPACES

An outdoor space has been designated for each of the main functions. The sloped square functions as a meeting place for the residents of the city and the visitors of the bathhouse. A café terrace is connected to the square, overlooking the existing trees. The trees and their root systems are preserved, forming a patterned space of landscaped „green bubbles”. Bicycle racks are located underneath the terrace ramp, ensuring a safe, covered space. Temporary parking for taxis and buses, as well as two disabled parking spots are located on Medena Street.

The courtyard on the Eastern side serves the needs of the library and features an open event space, kid’s playground and individual study areas. A roof terrace is connected to the third floor quiet study of the library.

The Southern courtyard serves the bathhouse – both interactive and rest areas. The courtyard isn’t accessible from the street and features three outdoor pools. By extending the existing windows of the boiler house, the historical boiler room machinery can be observed from the courtyard.

PERISCOPE TOWER

The boiler room tower has been turned into a visitor attraction point and features a system of mirrors installed in the middle of the tower. A fragmented view of Bratislava is projected onto a plane, offering a unique perspective of the surrounding cityscape and allowing visitors a peek of the tower from inside. 

BASEMENT FLOOR PLAN 

1ST FLOOR PLAN 

2ND FLOOR PLAN 

3RD FLOOR PLAN