Rock Resort roccamandolfi

Competition Entry for the design of a Castle Resort in Roccamandolfi (I), Young architects competition

Jonathan Stotz, Felix Müller-Hartburg, Maximilian Keil, Sebastian Leutzendorff, Andreas Miorini and Lukas Wulz, 2017

Architecture in the context of tourism should embody a display of possibilities for every individual to find their own experience in the landscape. The historically and naturally rich surroundings of Roccamandolfi are ideal for a resort. In this region of Italy, locals and visitors take traditional dense urban structures for granted, where destinations are reached within walking distance. The city is celebrated throughout the region for annual festivities and spectacles. Such events do not need a rival to oppose them, but rather an architecture that supports the unique displays happening all over the year. Our concept does not wish to interfere with this perception. It enhances the solitary situation of the city and its castle, which are great qualities of their own.

It is obvious for us to insert a lightweight elevated pathway inside the castle’s massive walls to make this historic fortress easily accessible. We wish to generate a very close and intimate experience for the visitor inside these great walls. It is vitally important that this footpath does not endanger the existing material, thus a thin structure touches the terrain very delicately.

Possibilities to encounter and interact with other guests are generated several times throughout the resort by the compelling elements of fire and water. The bottom-most hostel building signals bypassing visitors on the road a warming welcome with a generous fireplace. Further up in the midst of our proposed ensemble lays a tranquil water basin next to the generous apartment suites. At our top-most building, symbolically the elements water and fire generate a relaxing sensation in a generous panorama sauna.

Both interior and exterior walls of the private spaces are furnished with birch wood panels. The material creates a sincere and restful atmosphere. White exposed concrete dominates the public spaces and composes the remaining structure of the building and the stairs connecting the ensem- ble. The walls containing the hillside are natural stone, in reference to the castle on top of the hill. The soft material of the rooms clearly contrasts the hard exterior materials.

The typology of the hotel does not imply that the vacation must be shared with others. The proposed resort manages to give the guests enough space for privacy and retreat, both inside and outside. Thin metal panels separate the terraces from another to establish private areas outdoors.

We aim to sell the same spatial quality for various visitors at different prices. The unrestricted views and outdoor areas are luxurious to all of our guests.