GRAFT, in collaboration with engineering firm Buro Happold, has won first place in a competition to design a “premium common good resort” in Lofer, Austria.
“Building in the Alps means building within a proud cultural landscape and its deep-rooted identity,” GRAFT stated. “Therefore the design must shape the link between old and new while keeping the balance between nostalgia and change.”
“All buildings are innovative architectural sculptures that are reminiscent of the traditional larch facades and the history of the local timber constructions.” Each respond uniquely to the “urban genius loci,” while “each distinct transformation of the local gabled roof allows a full-scale adjustment to the surrounding village context.”
The resort will include a hotel complex, staff building, workshop based on “the economy for the common good,” “café villa” and a premium residence area. GRAFT’s design was highly lauded by both the client and locals, all of whom were fully involved in the decision process.
“The building is designed to meet the needs of a hotel without harming soil, air or water. Energy and water consumption is minimized through the “lean -mean- green” strategy, where modern technologies and renewable energy sources come into use. Apart from the ideal use of rain, snow and sun, also the façade and the building measure up to specific sustainability criteria” says the architects.
