By Peter Zumthor and Helene Binet

 The 'Therme Vals', the exceptional building for a thermal bath in the Swiss mountain spa of Vals by the celebrated Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, became an icon of contemporary Swiss and international architecture within a very short time after its opening in 1996. Reduction to the essential is the leading principle behind the design. Visitors should experience the elemental nature of water, of different temperatures and various dimensions of basins and rooms.