An architectural masterpiece
serving the primary human needs
A building nestled into the natural landscape like a ship in the harbour. Terraces, wall-length windows, white loggias: all opening out onto the Lake.
The genius loci: the spirit of this place
Every balcony and window offers a glimpse of the rhythmed alternation of interior and exterior. Harmoniously set in the stunning backdrop of the lake and vine-cultivated hills, this building contributes decisively to the scene.
The pioneer and his client
The uniqueness of this place and its atmosphere were embraced by the leading modern architect in South Tyrol, Othmar Barth (1927-2010). Not only was he the architect trusted by the Ambach-Maran family of hoteliers, he was also a family friend. Shortly after designing the restaurant and swimming facilities at the family’s «Gretl am See», he was invited by Anna Ambach (1926-2014) to work on the north eastern shore of the lake. Barth spent three years here on the design of the Seehotel Ambach. The present owner's aunt trusted the architect completely, extending to matters of conservation: nothing could be touched without Barth's authorisation. The aunt lived to the very end in one of the hotel suites. Only few people know that the architect considered the property one of his most successful projects. He would often spend his holidays here, not far from his home in nearby Brixen.
During the project phase, the visionary architect had made numerous detailed inspections and studies of the area, every detail, in order to create an architecture for this place at once distinctive and unmistakable. To do this, he looked to the language of the early 70s, choosing clear geometric lines. Ahead of his times, he included the concrete wall, which was then plastered white.
The open staircase, with its long and straight ramps, is a smaller scale continuation of the landscape in which it sits. Not everyone has been enamoured with the language of Barth. The hotel was initially derided and compared to a beached ship. Over time it was discovered, especially by lovers of architecture who recognized the value of the «Gesamtkunstwerk» or «total artwork».
Yesterday
In 1973 Anna Ambach inaugurated her Seehotel. For 40 years no changes were made, something greatly appreciated by the regular guests. It also turned out to be a blessing in disguise, since the building was preserved in its original state. Anna Ambach bequeathed this precious family jewel to her nephew Klaus Maran, who now runs it with his wife Manuela. In 2014 the two took the helm of a ship which had been bereft of its captain, yet not abandoned by its faithful guests from all over Europe. The heirs have begun a gradual programme of restoration, to adapt to today’s expectations of luxury. This labour of love was entrusted to Walter Angonese, an architect who is mindful to ensure that interventions flow in respectful continuity with the past.
Today
The hotelier couple are masterful hosts, knowing instinctively how to make guests feel at home. Both hold Othmar Barth in the highest regard, and both wish to preserve far more than just the spirit of the building: they look to enrich it even further.
At Lake Caldaro, Walter Angonese is at home for two reasons: this is where he is from, and he has a reverence for the simplicity of Barth’s language. Nevertheless remaining faithful to the spirit of the 70s while bringing the comforts of the 21st century, without creating stylistic discontinuity, was no simple task.
For the initial renovation, the Maran family worked meticulously clearing out the hotel and improving the lighting sources. Next, the technical equipment was renewed and the bathrooms renovated to give a timeless elegance. Carpets, fabric and upholstery were all replaced. While maintaining the original colours, design accessories were added, including armchairs and reading corners, which create a sense of liveability. In doing so, Angonese has revived the spirit of the Seehotel Ambach, in a way Barth would have appreciated.
In 2014, when Aunt Anna was still alive, the Seehotel Ambach received the award from the Autonomous Province of Bozen’s Department of Cultural Heritage, when it was named «Historic Hotel of the Year».
The complement
In 2018, the Seehotel added a spa with sauna and outdoor pool to the biotope park. The project was entrusted to Walter Angonese, who chose styles and materials from the period, adapted and reinterpreted for today.
What typifies the work of Othmar Barth is the sense of his having caught the spirit of his times. Yet he also knew how to take creative liberties to fill the gap between the natural and populated landscape. The language of architecture changes over time, but good architecture is forever.
