graft architects embeds hotel and spa into the hilly landscape of germany

graft architects has designed the ‘hotel and spa seezeitlodge’ in bostalsee, germany. the new 12,860 square meter (138,400 square feet) building occupies an advantageous position in its natural surroundings, overlooking a serene lake from a wooded promontory. graft’s design aims to enrich the character of the resort with the addition of 100 rooms and suites in addition to a new spa.

the building serves as a buffer zone between the woods and nearby lake
image © airteam

the building’s shape was informed by the surrounding topography as the design interventions creates a buffer zone between the woods and the lake. the main section of the hotel building has been placed on two green hills while the lobby sits beneath the natural gap between the hills, revealing a breathtaking view over the lake as one enters.

conference spaces, the spa, and administrative facilities are embedded within the hilly landscape
image © airteam

guests are welcomed to the hotel in the lobby area, where framed views of the sunset and an open-air terrace with a fireplace offers guests an opportunity to enjoy the evening spectacle. from the lobby, guests can proceed to the restaurant, bar and reading room as well as the conference spaces and spa. functional spaces, as well as the administrative facilities, are embedded beneath the topography of the hilly landscape.

from the lobby, guests can proceed to the restaurant, bar and reading room
image © michael moser

hotel rooms and suites are located on the upper floors ,where graft prioritized views through their careful design decisions. rooms on the southwest can watch the setting sun, while those on the northwest side can see the rising sun in the morning. the spa and wellness center is sheltered by the woodland to create a more intimate area for relaxation.

open air terraces surround the bedrooms 
image © michael moser

‘the design is a response to the spirit of the place, and builds on its qualities to create a new harmonious whole’, explains the design team. ‘the result is a travel destination with a special identity of its own.’ the gross building area totals 12,860 square meters, including outdoor recreation areas and the covered parking spaces. 

the architects considered panoramic views throughout the entire complex
image © michael moser

a cafe and outdoor terrace lead onto an outdoor promenade 
image © michael moser

image © michael moser

guests of the hotel are awoken by views of the rising sun on the northwest side of the building
image © michael moser

views of the surrounding landscape and hillside can be seen from the upper levels
image © airteam

the gross building area total 12,860 square meters
image © airteam

project info:

location: am bostalsee 1, gonnesweiler, germany
client: hotelkultur GMBH & co. KG
gross floor area: 12,860 square meters
net internal area: 7,820 square meters
year: 2017