Elysium Spa brings space for calm and relaxation, which also supports its visual. The concept is based on a minimalist combination of three elements, wood in the form of furniture, tiles and embedded elements of the sauna, whirlpool and relaxation rooms, which offer different atmospheres and stimuli.
Studio: GRAU architects
Author: Andrej Olah
Filip Marčák
Matej Kurajda
Website: www.grau.sk
Project country: Slovakia
Project year: 2018
Completion year: 2021
Gross Floor Area: 176 m²
Cost: 200 000 €
Client: Elysium Tech
Photographer: Matej Hakár
Collaborator: Processing of artwork in space [blue graphics on the walls]: Stanislav Ondruš, www.stuk-art.com
The word elysium in Greek mythology meant the island of the blissful – a place on the western edge of the earth where the gods can transfer their favorites alive, immortal heroes living there in constant spring and without worries.
When designing the spa in the middle of the historical center of Bratislava, we came out from the need to break free from the daily cycle and calm down. This space is a meditative hiding place from the outside world. We build the concept of an urban spa on the perceptions of space as a temple for the body. The reference is the historical public baths Grössling, which are located nearby and provided visitors with the purifying procedures of body and soul. Through a hidden entrance from Grösslingova Street, we dive into the basement of a historic building via the original stone staircase. In the former cellars, we preserved the original brick vaulted ceiling.
We build the concept on embedded objects and a combination of terrazzo, brick, cobalt and black cladding or wood materials. These objects define the interspace that winds freely around the entire spa. In the second plan, we work with light. With natural, which enters through existing window openings or skylight and is dynamic during the day. The experience is unique at every time and period. Or with the artificial, which is based on the functional substance, but also underlines the overall intimate atmosphere of the space. A visit to the Elysium Spa is supposed to be a kind of experiential path of purification and slowing down – therefore an art piece – the Trajectory of Movement by Stanislav Ondruš works as a reference to it.
The benefit of the space is also an outdoor terrace in the courtyard, where is a mobile sauna with sun loungers situated. The unknown combination thus creates a new relationship with the city and the neighborhood. New vistas and new experiences.
Materials
ash veneer – furniture in the space
poplar wood – material of sauna and zen booths
black varnished MDF – entrance elements according to the author’s design
blue ceramics – surfaces: bar counter, rest area
black ceramics – surfaces: hygienic spaces
brick – vaulted ceilings
terrazzo – floor in space
galvanized sheets – HVAC distribution
concrete – entrance historical staircase
Products and Brands
System ceramic tiles (blue and black) — Ceramica Vogue\www.ceramicavogue.com
Adria L1 and Elsa lights — Osmont\www.osmont.cz
Compendium light — Luceplan\www.luceplan.com
Tereza TA101 terrazzo tiles — Cidemat\www.cidemat.cz
Drop sauna oven — HUUM\www.huum.eu
About studio
Architectural studio based in Bratislava, Slovakia, founded in 2014, recently is led by Andrej Olah and Filip Marčák. GRAU works on different scales of projects, from interiors to public buildings. We are always trying to with context in context, do not fake, work with honest materials and approaches. We work from whole to detail, from vision to realisation. We are constantly looking for connection between interior and exterior.
Awards and collective work
2020 INTERIÉR ROKU, Public interior, Czech republic – bistro SOHO BB
2020 INSAID AWARDS Horeca, Slovakia – bistro SOHO AU
2019 BIG SEE AWARD, Slovenia – bistro SOHO AU
2019 BIG SEE AWARD, Slovenia – optics store ZITA
2018 Nominee CEZAAR 2018, Slovakia – bistro SOHO DUN
2016 CEZAAR 2016, Slovakia – design store slávica
2016 Nominee Dušan Jurkovič prize, Slovakia – family house Anízová, with plusminusarchitects
Selected clients include
SNM – Museum Betliar and Krásna Hôrka, Instarea, Elysium tech, Davinci software, Triad, YIT, Corwin, HB Reavis, Lucron, A.En Slovensko, STM Power, and others
