Renovating a successful hotel requires preserving its identity while enhancing aesthetics, sustainability, and guest services. The architecture firm NOA (Network of Architecture) addressed this challenge in their redesign of the Falkensteiner Family Resort Lido, located in Casteldarne, Pustertal Valley.
This historic hotel was the first opened by the Falkensteiner family, who now operate over 30 hotels across six countries. Established in 1957, the family resort sits on the edge of a small lake near the village, and has gradually expanded to serve its target audience: families with children. The project’s goal was to add new space and functionality by creating an amusement park for young guests while providing parents a place to relax. A key feature is the stunning Alpine setting, with the hotel carefully designed to blend harmoniously into the landscape.
NOA’s innovative solution begins with the roof: the traditional gable roof of the original hotel is replaced by a flowing wave structure that covers both the new and existing buildings. This roof slopes on both sides, disappearing underground to form a hill integrated into the landscape through vegetation. This hill transforms into a ski resort, ice rink, amusement park, adventure park, and leisure area, all seamlessly connected.
Designed by NOA, the roof stretches 300 meters in length, covers 4,900 square meters, and rises to a maximum height of 18 meters. It introduces a highly innovative form, scale, and material palette. The new section features a reinforced concrete structure, while steel beams and timber systems support the existing building. The entire roof is clad with metal tiles, functioning as a second skin that perfectly follows the roof’s curves and undulations.
The expansive roof features a circular path where guests can enjoy leisurely walks. This rooftop park offers various sports and entertainment stations. On the eastern slope, a 163-meter-long ski slope with a carpet lift invites all resort guests, especially children, to learn skiing with instructors without leaving the hotel. The artificial base ensures year-round usability, as does the skating rink perched at the highest point of the roof deck.
On the western side, the roof accommodates a large fitness area suitable for the whole family, a Bobby car track, and an elevated mini adventure park. Below lies a multi-use field for soccer, basketball, and other activities. A standout feature is a 120-meter-long bright yellow spiral water slide that winds down to the underground amusement zones and swimming pools. This slide has become a symbol of the resort’s dedication to offering diverse entertainment and adventure for young guests.
Throughout the entire complex, leisure areas are enhanced with green spaces that maintain a seamless connection to the surrounding valley forests.
Project Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Architect: noa * network of architecture
Area: 6000 m²
Year: 2021
Photographer: Alex Filz
Location: Italy
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