Design concept
The building is set at a respectful distance from the existing buildings.
The amount of light, the visual relationship to the landscape, the generous voids between the existing fabric and the new volume have been carefully planned.
In terms of height and volume, the building responds to its immediate surroundings by respectfully rising and falling in response to given alignments, shaping its appearance and orientation in ideal relation to the given site.
By dynamically leaning forward, the volume formally encloses the forecourt, clearly gaining a prominent role within the town square and symbolically bowing to the guests.
A homogeneous paving material for the forecourt and ground floor deliberately blurs the boundaries between inside and outside as an inviting gesture to guests. The façade, with a glazed front on the west side of the ground floor, echoes this open attitude, lifting its wooden shell like an open mouth towards the square and the river.
The formal freedom of the plaza allows it to be flexibly reconfigured for different events, while the indoor interactive exhibitions showcase the nearby natural environment and its unexplored potential.
The building's interior is organised around a central distribution core, with an open staircase and lift piercing the interior spaces. Underground parking is provided by the garage of the adjacent hotel.
On the upper floors, flexible layouts, floor-to-ceiling furniture and glass partitions clearly define work groups and thematic areas that can be rearranged at any time. Constructive elements also allow for free distribution and versatile solutions for any functional area, over any period of time.
A special feature of the top floor is a sloping roof that creates a generous space, while an oversized glass frame creates an extraordinary interplay between the natural environment, the building and its users.
Construction
Our choice to use structural timber enabled short construction times and is a clear sign of our commitment to nature. Materials could be produced locally and delivered quickly. The construction methods ensured the implementation of low energy standards and thus an energy-optimised building. The basement was built in waterproof reinforced concrete. The underground car park was designed for maximum capacity, which was also achieved by increasing the number of parking spaces.
Materiality
Regional materials have been chosen with a clear reference to the surrounding landscape.
Skilful arrangements and combinations have given the building a modern, honest character with a strong reference to traditional craftsmanship.
The spacious ground floor, with its high-tech information point and restrained linear design, reflects Ötztal Tourism's forward-looking strategy.
The exterior cladding of pre-grey larch shingles, full-height wooden windows and open glass façade on the ground floor create a distinctive overall image that stands out from the surrounding buildings.
