Nestled in the heart of the Alps in Austria, Hotel Krallerhof has recently opened its doors to 'ATMOSPHERE by Krallerhof', a luxury spa and wellness centre. Designed by the Hamburg-based Hadi Teherani Architects, this new adult-exclusive wellness retreat facility aims to redefine the luxury hospitality design and experience, offering guests a harmonious blend of nature, sustainability, and innovation.

ATMOSPHERE has been carefully crafted to be visually unintrusive. It seamlessly integrates with its surrounding alpine landscape and is present without causing disruption. It's hospitality architecture respects the local alpine terrain while simultaneously enhancing the overall guest experience.

Lead architect Hadi Teherani says, “I wanted to create a building that is subordinate to this wonderful landscape but is still present. ATMOSPHERE engenders a quiet experience of great intensity, especially in the 50-metre-long infinity pool, embedded in a large natural swimming lake and the vastness of this unique landscape.”

The spa is strategically located on a slope, minimising its visual impact from the hotel while providing guests with unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains. The centrepiece of the facility is a 5,500 metres square natural swimming and bathing lake, featuring a 50-metre Olympic-sized heated infinity pool at its heart. The wooden architecture of the deck, made from sustainably sourced Kebony wood, extends into a circular trail around the lake, offering multiple viewing platforms that showcase the beauty of the Steinernes Meer plateau and Leoganger Steinberge mountain range.

The intelligent use of Kebony wood in the construction of ATMOSPHERE aligns with its commitment to sustainability. Developed in Norway, Kebony wood is dually modified™, transforming sustainably sourced softwoods into a durable and environmentally friendly building material. This choice significantly enhances the contemporary wellness experience while simultaneously reflecting the project's environmentally conscious ethos.

The Kebony wood is not the only conscious thing about the design. The spa demonstrates a firm resolve towards sustainable architecture by incorporating excavated material from construction into a new plant belt in the lake. This supports biodiversity and local flora and fauna, showcasing a thoughtful approach to the integration of architecture with nature. Additionally, the infinity pool is heated using a biomass power system that uses local wood chips from a nearby timber construction enterprise. This thoughtful integration of sustainable practices demonstrated a commitment to local resources and reduced the overall environmental impact of the spa.

ATMOSPHERE takes the holistic experience forward by offering a comprehensive wellness experience. The wooden path around the lake leads guests into the main resort through a descending glass façade, connecting the tranquillity of the outdoors with the world-class treatments available at the parent Hotel Krallerhof.

The many services offered by the spa are enveloped in designs reflective of the offerings themselves.  Spaces featuring services including a sub-zero 'Ice Grotto' therapy room, a 'Blue Grotto' water vault, a White Himalayan infrasalt room, a Finnish-style and herbal all-wooden 'Amphi-Sauna,' and an accompanying café are all carefully crafted to give the guests the perfect combination of comfort and luxury. Locally produced wood and glass dominate the interior design, creating a calming and sophisticated ambience. The attention to detail is evident, from the choice of materials to the specially carved furniture made from provincial alpine marble.

Despite its sweeping views and stunning pool design, one of the most striking features of the spa is the curved split-roof. This roof, spanning 100 metres seamlessly merges with its green surroundings, giving the spa a truly distinctive character. The underground connection to the main hotel, punctuated by a circular sunken courtyard design, adds a unique touch to the design, creating a holistic experience for guests.

The split floor-plan typology and descending glass façade on the spa building connect the interior to the outdoor terrace and the path around the lake, offering panoramic views of the alpine landscape. The ground-floor hosts various saunas, locker rooms, and a relaxation area with split platforms, providing guests with a serene space to unwind.

ATMOSPHERE is an alpine oasis designed for regeneration, relaxation and renewal. It is crafted to be kind to its environment while providing a luxurious escape for its guests. The spa is an example of how the combination of luxury, sophistication, and sustainability can work wonders when brought together creatively.

Project Details

Name: ATMOSPHERE by Krallerhof
Location: Salzburg, Austria
Year of completion: 2023
Design Firm: Hadi Teherani Architects