Falkensteiner Family Resort Lido by noa: A Playful Alpine Retreat Redefining Family Hospitality*

 Architects: noa* 

A New Chapter for a Historic Family Resort

Perched on the serene shores of a small Alpine lake in the Pustertal Valley, the Falkensteiner Family Resort Lido has been a cherished destination since 1957. As the first hotel opened by the Falkensteiner family—now a leading European hospitality group with over 30 properties across six countries—this resort has always been dedicated to families with children.

When the time came for a major renovation, the challenge was clear: revitalize the resort without losing its identity, while enhancing its architectural character, sustainable design strategies, and family-focused services. This task was entrusted to noa network of architecture*, who approached the redesign with a vision that seamlessly merges play, nature, and contemporary Alpine aesthetics.

A Landscape-Integrated Design

The most striking transformation is the wave-shaped green roof—a sweeping, 300-meter-long structure that blankets both new and existing buildings. This roof is not just a visual statement; it’s a multi-functional landscape in itself. Covered with vegetation, it blends harmoniously into the Alpine surroundings, creating a natural hill that slopes gently to the ground.

Here, architecture becomes terrain—offering a ski slope, skating rink, playgrounds, adventure parks, and scenic walking trails. The east slope hosts a 163-meter-long children’s ski slope with a carpet lift, allowing year-round training thanks to an artificial base. At the roof’s highest point lies an all-season skating rink, while the west slope offers a family fitness area, a bobby car track, an elevated mini adventure park, and courts for football and basketball.

A vibrant yellow water slide, spiraling 120 meters over the lake, connects the rooftop playground to underground swimming and play areas, becoming an unmistakable icon of the resort.

Sustainable and Innovative Construction

The roof’s engineering combines reinforced concrete, steel beams, and wooden structural elements, clad in metal shingles that mimic a second skin over its flowing curves. This design not only creates an energy-efficient envelope but also maximizes the use of outdoor space for recreation while reducing the visual impact on the surrounding landscape.

Reconnecting with the Lake

The redesign strengthens the relationship between the resort and its lakefront setting. An artificial hill along one shore conceals the adults’ spa, while a new terrace offers panoramic views over the water. The partially covered infinity pool extends visually into the lake, creating an immersive nature experience.

Playful, Nature-Inspired Interiors

Inside, noa* has reimagined the spaces with a nature-meets-play concept. The extended restaurant spans three levels, each with its own character:

• Forest-inspired motifs deep inside
• Lily pad-shaped seating at mid-level
• Reed-inspired lighting near the terrace

The new buffet area channels a lively market atmosphere with food stations shaped like small houses or mobile carts, designed for accessibility to both adults and children.

The reception area maintains its original layout but now features bright colors, round forms, and flora-and-fauna-inspired décor. Play areas with swings and merry-go-rounds sit beside cozy lounges for parents, reinforcing the resort’s family-inclusive ethos.

Family-Friendly Accommodations

An additional 36 guest rooms bring the total to 118, each designed for privacy and togetherness. Rooms feature separate parent and child areas divided by sliding partitions, plus bathrooms with dual-height washbasins—a thoughtful touch for families.

An Alpine Resort Reimagined

The Falkensteiner Family Resort Lido is more than a renovation—it’s a reinvention of the family holiday experience. By fusing architecture with landscape, play with relaxation, and sustainability with style, noa* has created a destination resort that celebrates its heritage while embracing the future of family-oriented hospitality.

All photographs are works of  Alex Filz