Pustertal Valley, South Tyrol, Italy
“The aim of the project was to add new spaces and functionalities that would reinforce this vocation, creating a kind of playground for the little guests and, at the same time, a place where parents could relax,” writes noa* network of architecture.
“A defining point of the project was also the beautiful Alpine surroundings, in which the hotel complex was meant to blend in harmoniously.”
Paying attention to the historic identity of the hotel, noa* network of architecture has extended and redesigned the Falkensteiner Family Resort Lido adding a new wave deck embedded into the landscape and a large wavy roof sloping down on both sides until it disappears into the ground.
The deck was designed as a place for sports and entertainment, where you can ski, skate or walk in the middle of the Alpine nature.
The architects have replaced the traditional gable roof with a large wave roof that covers new and existing buildings.
According to the studio, this roof should have been “a kind of hill that blends in with the landscape by covering itself with vegetation”, and it should have been transformed into a ski slope, skating rink, playground, adventure park, leisure, and recreation area.
“We wanted to bring together the old and the new into a uniform whole,” explains architect Andreas Profanter.
“The new roof allowed us to connect the various buildings in the complex and link them with the surrounding nature. But it also allowed us to invent new spaces, such as the ski slope, which enrich what we can offer to families,” he adds.
The roof spans 300 meters in length over an area of 4,900 square meters and reaches a height of 18 meters at its center.
It is a highly innovative element in terms of shape, size, and materials used.
The structure was made of reinforced concrete in the newly built part, while a system of steel beams and wood was used in the parts where it rests on the existing building.
It is clad with metal shingles that, like a second skin, perfectly follow the curves and undulations of the roof.
On the roof, traversed by a loop trail where guests can enjoy a pleasant walk, is a recreational park offering various stations for sports and entertainment.
The roof’s artificial bottom allows year-round use, as is also the case with the skating rink, which is located at the highest point of the deck.
On the other side, facing west, there is a large fitness area for the whole family, a bobby car track, and an elevated mini adventure park, under which there is a field for football, basketball, and other activities.
The redesign project also features a 120-meter-long water slide that winds its way over the lake to an area underground that is occupied by other play zones and the swimming pool.
The slide stands out against the landscape with its bright yellow spirals and becomes the symbol of a place that is dedicated to the recreation and adventure of its young guests in every way.
Green areas also intersect the development creating continuity with the forests in the valley.
“We literally brought nature up to the roof,” says Andreas Profanter.
“The aim was to strengthen the link between the building and the landscape, without taking up any more land, but rather by creating added value and a new way of thinking about sustainability,” he adds.
Geometric patterns in natural wood give rhythm to the building, evoking the aesthetic of old alpine barns, which should also be highlighted.
Additionally, there is also a connection between the resort and the small lake it overlooks has also been redesigned with the creation of an artificial hill along one bank, under which the adults’ spa is located.
A large new terrace opens out onto the lakefront and the partially covered swimming pool which overflows onto the water mirror, giving guests the sensation of being authentically immersed in nature.
noa* network of architecture has also made various alterations and renovations in the interior of the resort that includes the rejuvenation of the restaurant, which has been extended to include a terrace and a play area for children, has been distributed across three levels to allow all diners to enjoy the view of the lake.
The entrance and reception area of the hotel retain their original layout but are given a new look. Here, the presence of numerous pillars inspired a new design language characterized by round shapes, bright colors, and decorations referencing the flora and fauna of the forest.
Project: Falkensteiner Family Resort Lido
Architects: noa* network of architecture
Client: Falkensteiner Hotels & Residences
Photographers: Alex Filz
