This attractive yet subtle interpretation of a typical landscape of Goriska Brda region merges with the landscape's character and with a great sense represents added value to the area.
The design of the entire complex is dictated by the configuration of the existing terrain. The given location is namely surrounded by vineyards, which grow on a characteristic terraced terrain. The guiding principle of the design is to integrate larger areas of the building into the existing landscape as unnoticeably as possible and to merge the planned program into the hillside as much as possible to preserve the characteristic green terraces that adorn the landscape. The design concept foresees the removal of the upper layers of the hill, which will be replaced with the floors of the new building. The shape of the levels of the new building follows the organic form of the hill’s slope and thus abstractly replaces the removed peak. Such a layout enables optimal lighting of the rooms and opens up to extraordinary views of the surrounding endless vineyards, compact villages and even the Alps. The lower or basement floor is partially dug in and enables the installation of technical rooms and an underground garage in the back, while the upper floors become a new vantage point.
It is planned to set up various program sections, which include an extensive spa program, a congress center with two types of restaurants, a winery, i.e. a rich catering offer of tasting wines and local dishes and a luxury hotel with 92 rooms (standard rooms and suites). The offer is complemented by smaller facilities for comfortable camping, so-called ‘glamping’ units, which offer even closer contact with nature, especially with the surrounding vineyards. 17 glamping units are planned at the foot of the hill.
The concept for the design of the planned spa hotel’s facade comes from the symbolic image of the vineyards of the Goriska brda region. Around the large glass surfaces of the new building, a wrap of terrace fences is formed, illustrating the intertwining of wooden posts that are typical of vine plantations. The facade thus consists of thinner vertical slats that are undulating around the individual floors. In this manner the envelope additionally emphasizes the organic shape of the building, which represents the new top of the hill. Natural materials are used, and the color scheme is based on the natural tones of the surroundings, dominated by the color of soil, wooden compositions and natural stone. The concept of the building is an architectural interpretation of the top of the hill, so the size of the individual floor decreases towards the top. A construction where each floor has its own special organic shape is planned. Each ceiling slab thus represents a green roof or an upper floor terrace.
The aim of the placement of this entire complex is to subtly blend the planned arrangement with the surroundings, while at the same time creating an attractive architectural design that would attract visitors. The largest facility is placed at the most visible point, on the highest part of the building plot, while smaller glamping accommodation units are lined up at the foot. Natural materials in calm earth tones are planned to be used, which will be complemented by horticultural arrangements for an unnoticeable transition to the natural landscape. The surrounding hills are reflected in the large glass surfaces facing east and west.