The fact that Oberstdorf has retained its village character is a key part of its appeal as an internationally renowned spa and winter sports resort. Opened in January 2026 after around four and a half years of construction, the new thermal baths strike a balance between blending elegantly into the town centre and making a striking architectural statement. Gebrüder Schneider constructed both the fully glazed standard facade and the punched window facade as aluminium-wood mullion-transom structures.

Inspired by the nature and culture of the Allgäu region. Spanning some 3,000 m², the new Therme Oberstdorf features a spacious sauna and wellness area, complemented by a bathing and spa complex covering approximately 2,000 m². It was deliberately designed not to stand out from its surroundings as a solitary structure, but was planned by Auer+Weber Architects as a complex comprising four staggered buildings with a maximum height of 15 metres. Three of the structures, with their gabled roofs, reflect the local architectural style, whilst the flat roof of the fourth structure offers a breathtaking view of the Allgäu Alps from the panoramic terrace with its infinity pool.

Wood as a unifying element. Spanning both the building structure and the glazing, the timber curtain wall unifies the complex into a cohesive whole. The varying rhythm of the vertical square-edged timbers lends it a subtle depth. The spruce wood owes its silver-grey patina to a silicate coating, which over time blends seamlessly into the natural greying process.

On behalf of the market town of Oberstdorf, Gebrüder Schneider carried out the following work: approximately 796 m² of fully glazed timber-aluminium mullion-transom façade, approximately 90 m² of timber-aluminium mullion-transom façade with 23 timber punched windows, as well as a substructure for fixing the square timber, 28 aluminium doors, four steel-framed draught lobbies, and the installation of window sills.