Located in a strategic point in Heiden, where different urban conditions come together, the Hotel Park and Seeallee Heiden proposal is shaped by the surrounding landscape. The landscape continuity crossing the plot area, the particular building density, and its relevant position from the main entrance to the city are all used to achieve a perfect urban integration. Designed by Kubota & Bachmann Architects + Martinez, this strategy enhances the environmental qualities, while staying within the strict respect of urban regulations. More images and architects’ description after the break.
The building is composed of two volumes: the main building is a five-story compact volume, perfectly integrated in the surrounding urban fabric, with a minimal footprint in the plot area. The second volume is a low elevated cylinder for the conference room. The intersection of both volumes signs the main entrance door and articulates the connection inside/outside, by creating an exterior covered space for drop-off area.
A single central core provides vertical circulations in the building, with a closed stair and 2 panoramic elevators. A central corridor deserves the rooms, and the public spaces in the ground floor level. The public programs are organized in the first level, a 6,5m double-height space for the reception, lobby area, bar and breakfast room. Meeting rooms and offices are organized in a mezzanine level, along a corridor also connecting to the conference room. Above, there are the upper room levels. A simple layout repeats to make clear technical installations and structure. There are 10 standard rooms and 3 high-standard rooms at each floor.
The elevation is also divided in 2 parts in order to divide main uses: the elevation for the public program in the Ground Floor and 1st levels is a curtain wall with thick vertical wooden mullions, with natural ventilation inlet integrated. The transparent elevation is combined with an opaque façade for the technical logistic spaces, inspired of typical elevation textures in the area, with diagonal beams clad in wood, and small glass openings between. Wood and glass provide continuity to the predominant vegetal landscape around and ensure a big transparency for public spaces of the building.
Regarding the rooms levels, a skin of small vertical louvers frames the windows of the rooms, creating a dynamic vibration to the elevation through the light-and-shadow effect under the daylight. These small louvers have 2 different materials according to the orientation: To the south, louvers are made of white resin board, establishing a close dialogue with the modern architecture language of the Kursaal, and surrounding buildings.
That dialogue is reinforced by the pure and modern elevated cylinder. For the north part, oriented towards the big landscape and towards the lake, the louvers will be clad in copper, close to the natural green tones of the vegetation around. The same elevation system is adapting for both conditions. Finally, the solar panels on the roof are considered as a part of the building design. The vertical skin tilts down to create the inclined surface of the solar panel, giving a colorful and geometrical continuity.
The landscape design is entirely guided by a single purpose: to extend as much as possible the influence of Kurpark. Different spaces of the village (Kurpark, Durant Platz) are connected in order to reduce the barriers that separate them.
The surroundings of the new hotel are designed as an extension of the park. Existing trees are preserved and new species of plantations are derived from the plant palette already presented. The car roads along the Seeallee are slowed down by the complexity of the plot. The parking places of the project are disposed between the planted areas along the road.
Architects: Kubota & Bachmann Architects + Martinez
Location: Heiden, Switzerland
Team: Toshihiro Kubota, Yves Bachmann, Francisco Martinez
Landscape Architect: Bassinet Turquin Paysage
Energy and Building Technology: Amstein-Walthert
Perspectives: Jigen
Client: Heiden City
Type of Competition: Open Competition
Program: Hotel 3 stars (50 rooms), seminer room, restaurant, parking, landscape design
Site Area: Study Area - 15.05 ha; Construction Area – 1,525m²
Building Area: 551m²
Building Surface: Usable Floor Area – 2,066 m²; Gross Floor Area – 2,295m²
Building Height: 21.5m
Total Construction Budget: 17 million euros
Competition Date: December 2012
