A breath of pure air, the rustle of the forest, the tranquil flow of water, deep regeneration.

Glazed facades blur the boundaries between the interior and views over the Vltava Valley and Vyšší Brod, while pathways invite guests to stroll through the landscape. These seamlessly transition into cultivated relaxation zones and exclusive spa areas. Careful attention is given to the sensitive treatment of the original architecture and natural processes. The result is a harmonious environment that builds upon the time-tested tradition of the health resort as a sanctuary for wellness, recovery, and human connection.

Ideological Base

Conceptual Heritage: Connection to the legacy of classic health resorts as a proven model for a long-term sustainable resort with social value.

Identity & Harmony: Preservation of the identity of place and landscape, achieved through harmony with the natural context.

Focus on Well-Being: Emphasis on restorative elements (pure air, nature, water, movement).

Urban Planning Solution

Campus Integration: Interpretation of the existing campus layout and its integration into the landscape at the forest edge.

Substance & Preservation: Retention of historical and architecturally valuable buildings, alongside the removal of non-conceptual structures.

Historical Anchors: Spatial alignment toward the valley leading to Hohenfurth Abbey (Vyšší Brod) and the restored Tiroler Hof as historical and visual anchors.

Visual Connections: Landscape relationship curated through intentional views and visual axes across various parts of the site.

Terrain Integration: New cure buildings do not rise above the terrain line; instead, they are embedded into the slope, providing panoramic views of the valley. Their roofs are activated as public outdoor spaces surrounding the central structures.

Sensitive Infill: Additional new structures integrate sensitively into the existing framework.

Operations (Access, Accommodation, Thermal Baths)

Pedestrian Access: Pedestrian approach leads from the railway station across meadows along a main scenic axis.

Car-Free Core: The central campus core is strictly pedestrianized and free of vehicular traffic.

Central Arrival: Main arrival area is positioned between the thermal bath entrance buildings and the accommodation facilities.

Trail Network: Direct integration into the surrounding network of hiking paths.

Accommodation: Existing pavilions are paired (A-B, C-D, E-F) and expanded into operationally efficient blocks featuring private courtyards and distinct atmospheres.

Thermal Baths: Existing buildings I and J form the entry portal to the resort. Primary spa and wellness areas extend downhill, transitioning into outdoor pools and relaxation grounds.

Circulation: Guests navigate between structures outdoors or via covered walkways (panoramic bridges and an observation gallery).

Architectural Concept

Respecting Identity: The core of the former sanatorium is preserved as a spatial framework defining the site’s identity and detailed character.

Massing & Scale: Connecting additions acknowledge and respect the original massing of the historic buildings.

Interior & Comfort: Floor plans and interiors are adapted to modern luxury standards while preserving key historical rooms and keeping original building fabric clearly visible.

Ecosystem & Infrastructure: Minimal intervention preserves soil permeability, utilizing blue-green infrastructure throughout the natural grounds.

Public vs. Private: Sheltered courtyards are created for hotel guests, while the surrounding grounds remain open to all visitors in the tradition of classic public health resorts.

Human Scale: Existing buildings are augmented with covered entrance forecourts and balcony extensions, introducing a human scale and functional connection to the outdoors.