The Hotel Bostalsee sits at a unique point within a natural environment, where the forested cape rises over a serine lake. The core of the GRAFT design is to capture and enrich the spirit of this place, developing a piece of architecture which generates from the character of its location. In accordance to this idea, the building figure develops out of the surrounding topography. The hotel connects the two atmospheres between which it sits: the density of the woods and the expanse of the lake, becoming the guardian between the earth and the water. The house rests at the natural focal point of the site and, through this, ties together these two identities at the water’s edge.
Guests will approach the hotel by driving through a dense oak forest, barely seeing the lake. The path continues between two green hills on which the new two-storey hotel structure seems to float on top. The lobby is situated between the natural gap of the hills underneath this structure, revealing a breathtaking view onto the lake. All functional areas, such as restaurant, convention areas, spa and the back-of-house are integrated into the hilly landscape, which seamlessly melt into the surrounding topography. The lobby captures and frames the sunset. Here, the sunset becomes performer and provides the building with a unique connection to the natural cycles in which it exists. An open air terrace with a fireplace invites guests to relax in the evenings.
Upon entering the hotel through the undulating landscape, in one direction the hotel guest encounters the restaurant and reading lounge after passing the bar, while in the other direction they find themselves at the convention area and spa. The 2,000 sqm spa and wellness area is facing the dark oak woods of the surrounding area and is thereby protected from public views. This creates unique high-quality indoor and outdoor spaces. The main public parts of the hotel such as the restaurant, convention area and parts of the spa are open to the lake and offer an incredible panorama view.
Through the lobby the hotel guests enter the lifts to access one of the 100 rooms or suites in the two upper floors. The rooms in the southwestern area of the hotel benefit from view onto the lake during the sunset, and the hotel rooms in the northeastern area enjoy the sun over the lake during the first hours of the day. Spacious suites are located at the northern head end of the hotel, offering the best views over the cape and the lake. Below grade, there is only minimal infrastructure to connect the back-of-house, spa, and convention area. Later on a penthouse and a bar will be constructed on the roof top of the hotel in a second construction phase.
In order to create more look-outs on the lake along the western hillside, small areas of the environmental tree population have been removed. The obtained wood will be used for the façade of the hotel, reflecting an attitude of sustainability: a “dress” of wooden slats, which were burned to create a silvery-black shine, covers the building’s surface. The gross building area constitutes of around 11,800 sqm, including the outdoor wellness areas and the covered parking spaces. The hotel design by GRAFT results in a house which arises by the energy of its site, using its strengths to create a new harmonic environment. A destination with an own new identity will be built.
