1st Prize Wellness Lifestyle Resort Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

Respect for the environment lies at the heart of the concept for this contemporary building which creates a link with the local surroundings and with the Kurpark through its choice of materials and, in particular, of natural stone and timber.

The position of the Kurpark directly adjacent to the site creates the impression of a free-standing hotel complex and opens up views of one of Germany’s most spectacular Alpine panoramas. The materials and design approach of the building respect and interpret the qualities and experience of the Alpine way of building.

The breaking down and stretching of the large volume allows it to slip effortlessly into the town and the streetscape. The spa area is located on the opposite side of the Alleestraße. Together with the hotel, the expressively shaped volume of the spa creates an ensemble that clearly highlights the hotel entrance. The design of the hotel responds to the fact that it contains considerable numbers of both suites and service apartments by clearly separating these two areas and giving each a special private atmosphere and a dedicated entrance appropriate to each form of living. The common ground floor connects the different areas of accommodation allowing all service facilities of the hotel to serve all areas equally at all times.

The architecture of the ensemble creates clear added value for the tourist-rich spa town of Garmisch Partenkirchen. It makes a clear contribution to the range of hotel accommodation on offer in Garmisch without allowing its considerable volume to have a noticeable negative effect on its surroundings.

Competition Organiser: fh-concept GmbH, Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Competition team: Christoph Achammer, Marc Mark, Paul Ohnmacht, Carsten Gauert, Sina Palic, Simone Mans, Anna Rainer