AXOR x ATMOSPHERE by Krallerhof: Iconic Harmony Down to the Smallest Detail

Schiltach, November 2023. When speaking of ATMOSPHERE by Krallerhof, Hadi Teherani notes: “There are so many unique aspects about this project, ranging from its location, which determined what kind of architecture I should use, to the fact that the owners accepted our design without any modifications and a record project completion time of about 13 months.” The enthusiasm of the Hamburg-based architect and designer with Iranian roots is clear to see when he speaks about the spa and wellness resort in Leogang, Austria, which opened in April 2023. And rightly so, because what he has created here in the heart of the Alpine landscape not only offers the ultimate in relaxation, but it is also setting new design standards in the world of spas and wellness oases. The fact that, even for such an extensive project, Teherani picked out each color, material, and installed product himself—leaving nothing to chance—is the hallmark of this internationally acclaimed architect.

AXOR design objects play an important role in both the function and design of this project, which has been carefully planned down to the smallest detail of its furnishings. When it came to equipping the shower and bathroom areas, Hadi Teherani opted for faucets, showers, and thermostats from the AXOR One collection combined with AXOR Universal Circular Accessories with FinishPlus stainless steel surfaces. The international multi-award-winning designer explains: “It was a completely natural choice because I could see myself having designed these products. They are restrained, yet iconic, the colors perfectly match the understated essentialist look, and they are easy to use and reliable. These products are an excellent example of how a seemingly small detail in such a grand project can play an absolutely crucial role in creating a positive overall experience.”

Shaped by the Landscape and the Elements

As you step into the ATMOSPHERE by Krallerhof, you are immersed in a world of absolute tranquility and relaxation. Nestled beneath the gently rolling foothills of the Leoganger Steinberge mountains, the spa itself feels contemplative despite its sheer size, completely enveloping its visitors with its organic forms. Perhaps this spa is one of the best examples of Hadi Tehrani’s approach, which he describes as a completely natural process “because the design is always already there, the setting defines it, and you just have to recognize it.” In Hadi Teherani’s words, “For Krallerhof, it was the green meadows, the backdrop of the mountain landscape, and the gently rolling lines of the surrounding area that inspired me to create this organic design. I immediately sensed that I was creating a wellness experience here that is immersive, that is in tune with the elements and symbolizes them. The idea was to create a design that stands in complete harmony with the surrounding nature while enhancing and enriching it at the same time. I feel as though this resort has breathed new life into this place.”

Immersing in the View

ATMOSPHERE by Krallerhof is a place that is both spacious and intimate, combines luxury and restraint, allows energies to flow, and creates a space for regeneration all year round. Inside, a reduced color palette, where the predominant materials are wood and stone, emanates serenity. A 22-meter-long glass facade extends across the structure’s entire face, establishing a visual connection with the surroundings and drawing attention to the unique natural landscape. The secret is that the window completely extends to the floor, thereby connecting the inside with the outside seamlessly from an architectural point of view as well. Hadi Tehrani adds: “Such sophisticated touches are exactly what make this spa a special experience. Consider the lake, which is the centerpiece of the newly formed landscape that surrounds Krallerhof and creates a whole new aquatic experience with a 50-meter infinity pool that blends seamlessly into the lake.” The Olympic-sized heated pool, which is completely enclosed by a natural lake, invites swimmers all year round; the lake itself welcomes guests to dive in and tune out, to swim around and linger at their leisure. But that's not all — the pool is specially-filled with water from the facility's own natural spring and self-regulates its water level by precipitation and evaporation. Meanwhile, the spacious gardens lining the lake provide the site with further biodiversity.. Hadi Teherani explains: “Here too, my focus once again was on achieving a harmonious and sustainable integration with the surroundings and tap into the panoramic views that this location offers. When you swim your laps here, you completely tune into the elements that surround you: the air, the earth, the heat and, above all, the water, which always plays a central role in a spa.”

Intuitive Design Objects that Dispense Water

The organically-shaped exterior shell of ATMOSPHERE by Krallerhof wraps around several saunas, a relaxation room, the Blue Grotto, a yoga room, and a lakeside café. Each area reflects the basic idea of the design, which is defined by respect for nature, harmony and elegance. The predominant materials of plain exposed concrete, regional wood, alpine marble, and glass also determine the color palette of the interior. Matching this simple design, the shower areas and bathrooms are equipped with the minimalist faucets, monolithic showers, and innovative thermostats from the AXOR One collection. Hadi Teherani attributes his choice of products to the fact that they are easy to use and that they integrate perfectly into the interior design due to their design and stainless steel finish. Hadi Teherani comments: “When you're under the shower or at the sink, you shouldn't have to think about how to operate the faucet. Especially in a spa, everything has to be intuitive to use. Even the way you turn the shower on and off should feel natural. After all, that also helps make the experience more relaxing and rejuvenating.” The AXOR One thermostatic modules are equipped with large buttons that are easy to operate, even for soapy hands. The single-lever bathroom faucet with mechanical faucet handles using Select technology offers a new mode of interaction: Simply press it to turn the water on or off, and turn it clockwise to increase the temperature. The combination of a slim silhouette and flawless stainless steel finish transforms the simple washbasin faucets into water-dispensing design objects installed at the sink. In the shower, the AXOR One overhead shower 280 1jet delivers an incomparably sensual shower experience with its choice of PowderRain and Rain spray modes. The design of the shower and bathroom areas is rounded off with AXOR Universal Circular Accessories. The accessories which, like the AXOR One products, were designed in collaboration with Barber Osgerby, are highly-functional design objects that offer a timeless, elegant style. With their clear lines and rounded corners, the accessories match the AXOR One collection perfectly, rounding off the minimalistic concept of the ATMOSPHERE by Krallerhof spa right down to the shelves in the shower.

About AXOR

AXOR conceives and manufactures iconic objects for luxurious bathrooms and kitchens. Developed in collaboration with world-renowned designers—Philippe Starck, Antonio Citterio, Jean-Marie Massaud and Barber Osgerby among them—AXOR products come in a variety of styles. All AXOR faucets, showers and accessories are produced to the highest standards of quality. With an expertise that extends far beyond the products themselves, AXOR inspires and enables architects, interior designers and the design-savvy public. Together with AXOR, they shape water-related spaces that reflect the unique personality of the user. Part of the Hansgrohe Group, AXOR is a forward-thinking brand dedicated to developing distinctive products, manufactured with excellence.