When reimagining her home's sauna area—a space over 50 years old—the client envisioned far more than a simple refresh. She wanted to create an entirely new spatial experience: a sanctuary that relaxes the body while invigorating the senses. To achieve this, the designer needed to visually heighten the ceilings, expand the sense of space, incorporate warm dimmable lighting, and ensure seamless floor transitions throughout. The brief also called for a new plunge pool, proper ventilation, and generous lounging areas.

What she started with was challenging: an open (and no longer code-compliant) fireplace, concrete-bound stone loungers that had deteriorated, mismatched tilework, cramped ceilings, uneven shower floors, and poor lighting. Interior designer Antje Bertuleit transformed these constraints into a genuine wellness sanctuary. The work was substantial—removing the embedded stone loungers alone required considerable effort. Rather than starting from scratch, Bertuleit thoughtfully evaluated what the existing space offered, preserved what could be salvaged, and introduced new elements that genuinely enhanced the design. The sauna cabin and timber wall paneling were carefully restored, the muschelkalk feature wall was repositioned for impact, the black stove plate was integrated seamlessly, and access to the original "Hallenbädle" was maintained. Systems were modernized and the floor made level. By relocating some mechanical systems to adjacent areas, the designer was able to open up the vertical space visually. From the new loungers, guests now gaze upward at a striking custom ceiling wallpaper—an unexpected focal point. Developed exclusively for this project in collaboration with wallpaper manufacturer Syndikat4 and their design team, this bespoke wallpaper combines meticulous craftsmanship with innovative production techniques. As a fiberglass wallpaper, it offers exceptional durability and resistance to moisture and light, with a premium seal that makes it suitable even for wet areas and flooring applications.

Copper accents reinforce the room's generous, luxurious character. Large-format porcelain tiles showcase the natural patina of copper oxidation, complemented by copper fixtures, walnut details, and custom copper-finished lighting rails. The former fireplace opening is now clad with a striking copper plate. Refinished wood paneling and doors in a soft rosé lacquer warm the overall aesthetic, while the alcove walls—painted in coordinated hues—add refined touches to the restored natural stone backdrop. Designer radiators by Matteo Thun function as both sculptural heating elements and practical shelving.

www.innenarchitektur-bertuleit.de

Photography Credits:

Gabi Budulig
www.budulig.de

(Published in CUBE Stuttgart 04|23)