Hotel Salzamt Hallstatt Austria Contest
The design idea for our contest entry was based around the mysticism and the historical relevance of the region. The “Salzamt”, built 1751 during the golden age of alchemy in central Europe, will be extended to reach a new unity through alchemy design ideas. The architectural concept figuratively utilizes salt, sulfur, and mercury and creates a new balance with the help of these elements. The power to unify the old and new to the region lies within the trinity. A balance which views the existing “Salzamt” as the soul, the ground it stands upon as the body, and the newly built as spirit.

Shaped by the surrounding earth and the hill slope, a new footing, providing space in an underground garage and the hotel's entire provision and disposal, is created. The basalt footing lifts the whole ensemble onto a new layer and creates a central Piazza. The five star hotel offers 82 Rooms and 20 Suites.

Furthermore, we are of the opinion that architecture contests should entail winning projects.