The project focuses on the expansion and reorganization of an existing hotel in Ortisei. The current building comprises a ground floor with a bistro and four upper floors with guest rooms. A special highlight of the design is the spacious rooftop terrace planned for the top floor, offering guests an unobstructed view over the valley and thereby enhancing the overall quality of their stay.

The objective of the planning is to upgrade the existing ensemble through a high-quality addition, creating a harmonious and contemporary overall appearance. Current quality standards in hotel construction are taken into account and ecological aspects are integrated into the design. The main building will be extended by one additional floor, without increasing the number of guest beds. At the same time, the entrance area on the ground floor will undergo a complete redesign, combining functional improvements with a welcoming atmosphere. The bar will be expanded, creating a central meeting point for guests and visitors. The upper floors will also be comprehensively reorganized. The rooms will be modernized and additionally equipped with spacious balconies, enhancing comfort, the quality of stay and opportunities for personal retreat. In doing so, the project combines functional improvements with architectural enhancement and contributes to the sustainable development of the hotel.

A central design element is the facade, inspired by the temporary ice sculptures created in winter in the Gardena stream. This so-called “icicle facade” will be implemented as an installation on the main facade, linking traditional building forms with contemporary design. Vertical modules unfold a sculptural character and interpret the theme of water as a frozen moment. The structure serves not only an aesthetic but also a functional purpose: it acts as a visual screen and spatial divider between rooms. This creates privacy without losing the connection to the surrounding environment. Furthermore, the facade reflects the interplay between nature and architecture. It translates the dynamism of water into a tangible form and opens up new perspectives on the building. From a distance, it appears like an ornamental band; up close, the modules reveal their narrative and tactile qualities. This results in a multi-layered connection between space, material, and perception, inviting visitors to engage in a dialogical relationship with the building.