The Imperial Spa, an architectural jewel completed in 1895, has long stood as a testament to innovation and grandeur.

Originally conceived during an era of rapid technological advancements—when Edison’s light bulb illuminated modernity, and Benz’s internal combustion engine redefined mobility—the building reflected the spirit of its time. Architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer imbued the spa’s design with functionality and innovation, integrating a sophisticated mechanism for peat processing and distribution. This engineering marvel supported 2,000 daily guests across 100 baths, making the spa not only a beacon of leisure but also an economic success.

Yet, as decades passed, the Imperial Spa’s purpose diminished. By the late 20th century, the building was relegated to sporadic cultural events, falling into a quiet state of disrepair. Its grandeur lingered in memory, awaiting a vision bold enough to redefine its legacy. That vision came in the form of a concert and multifunctional hall, now the centrepiece of meticulous restoration by Petr Hájek ARCHITEKTI.

Located in the building’s former atrium—once a utilitarian machine room—the new concert hall is a brilliant reinterpretation of the spa’s industrial past. Drawing inspiration from the “peat machine” that once powered the spa’s operations, the architects introduced a new kind of machine: a spatial and acoustic transformer. This cutting-edge design integrates state-of-the-art technology within a historical framework, creating a venue that adapts seamlessly to diverse cultural performances.

The hall’s vibrant red interiors evoke drama and warmth, offering a striking contrast to the surrounding historic architecture. Its design incorporates a retractable orchestral shell and rotating triangular panels that modulate sound—absorbing, scattering, or directing it with precision. These elements ensure that each performance benefits from optimal acoustic quality, from symphonies to film screenings. Wooden resonator panels beneath the orchestra’s floor harmonize with the instruments, enhancing the auditory experience.

Flexibility lies at the heart of this venue. The hall’s advanced scenic and acoustic technologies allow it to host various events: classical concerts, theatre productions, dance performances, conferences, and even popular music shows. A heavy blackout curtain enables complete darkness and acoustic dampening, while ventilation and fire safety systems are discreetly integrated into the structure. The result is a space as dynamic as the cultural life it now supports.

The restoration process presented unique challenges. The historic atrium’s spatial constraints prohibited the transportation of large structural components. Ingeniously, the team assembled the hall’s elements from smaller pieces brought in through the roof, ensuring the integrity of the new and old architecture.

Today, the Concert Hall of the Imperial Spa is more than a venue; it is a reinvention of purpose and a dialogue between past and present. It stands as a beacon for the cultural revitalization of the Czech Republic, honouring history while embracing modern artistry. This transformation invites audiences to experience performances and the interplay of heritage and innovation.

PROJECT DETAILS

Studio: Petr Hájek ARCHITEKTI | Instagram

Author: Petr Hájek, Nikoleta Slováková, Martin Store

Client: Karlovy Vary Region

Location: Mariánskolázeňská 306/2, 360 01 Karlovy Vary

Project Country: Czech Republic

Completion: 2024

Usable floor area: 492 m² courtyard

Photographer:

Benedikt Markel 

Pavel Nasadil

Petr Polák

Collaborator:

Acoustic design and audiovisual technology: AVT Group [Petr Vlček, Martin Vondrášek]

Structural steelwork and mechanical technologies: GRADIOR TECH [Robert Nos, Martin Matoušek]