The Puradies project, located in Leogang, Austria, is a testament to the seamless blending of architecture and nature. Designed by the renowned architecture firm NOA and completed in May 2023, Puradies is a family-run hotel and wellness retreat that offers a haven for relaxation and outdoor enthusiasts. With its 76 rooms and 14 chalets arranged in a village-like setting, Puradies caters to passionate skiers, mountain bikers, hikers, and families seeking to immerse themselves in the breathtaking mountain peaks.
NOA’s design approach for Puradies was centered around the striking landscape of Leogang. The architects aimed to integrate the new building harmoniously into the natural surroundings, avoiding a dominating structure. The hotel’s previous facilities included a natural bathing pond with boardwalks but lacked pools.
In response to high demand, a new spa concept was conceived, featuring wellness and sports areas, as well as the addition of the in-house restaurant, Ess-Enz. The resulting extension seamlessly merges with the landscape, maintaining a balance between its size and the surrounding environment.
The floor plans of the new building are arranged in concentric rows, adapting to the natural topography of the site. One side faces the bathing lake, while the other faces the hill on the south side. These two facades, despite their different orientations, complement each other and welcome guests from any direction.
Green roofs blend effortlessly with the meadows, while carefully positioned spaces offer captivating views of the north and south, allowing guests to fully appreciate the natural surroundings. The new wellness wing, characterized by its expressive peaked canopies, rises gently from the ground like a wave and gracefully disappears into the meadow, preserving the pastoral landscape that defines the area.
Gottfried Gruber, the architect behind Puradies, explains the design philosophy: “Our idea was to integrate the new building as homogeneously as possible into the landscape and not to build a towering structure.” This vision is beautifully realized through thoughtful design choices and meticulous attention to detail.
A lawn with raised beds, a column fountain made of Dorfer quartzite, and an open-air fire pit connect the main house with the new building. Underground, the existing corridor leading to the beauty reception area has been maintained, serving as a connecting point to access the new wellness area. A new long corridor, adorned with earthy hues and light linen fabrics, sets the tone for the four-element experience.
Treatment rooms and a sports and fitness room with a view of an inner courtyard are also part of this immersive journey. The architectural elements, such as rough-surfaced walls and vibrant textiles, create tactile and mystical sensations, blending the elements of earth and air. Guests are greeted by the fireplace lounge, a split-level room that serves as a bridge between the wellness area and the restaurant.
At its heart is a captivating open, bowl-shaped hanging fireplace, surrounded by a floor-to-ceiling wall artwork by a local artist. Sisal rugs, cozy seating cushions, and lush green plants infuse the space with warmth and character. The fireplace lounge leads to a versatile yoga room, which can also be used as an additional relaxation area. A staircase takes visitors to the new restaurant located on the upper floor.
On the lower level, guests can find the area dedicated to the children’s pool. Here, the elements of earth and water converge. An organic-shaped pool with a water slide takes center stage, surrounded by intimate alcoves designed for relaxation and play. Deep seat cushions, loungers, and armchairs covered in outdoor fabrics, as well as sisal carpets and fabric lamps, contribute to the homely and cozy ambiance.
Hanging plants suspended from metal fixtures enhance the play of light and shadow. Adjacent to the children’s pool, a sheltered outdoor area with tables extends toward the swimming pond, providing a serene setting. The main pool, accessible via the passageway past dressing rooms and sanitary facilities, seamlessly connects with the outdoors.
This pool offers various lounging options, with a special design highlight—a slightly elevated platform in the middle of the room. From here, guests can enjoy a panoramic view of the pool and the swimming pond, while floating light linen curtains add an ethereal touch. The rough-surfaced wall, referencing the earth element, runs continuously throughout the entire wellness area, juxtaposing the airiness with its tactile presence.
The upper floor of Puradies houses the à la carte restaurant, Ess-Enz, which serves as a fusion of all elements. The building’s architecture becomes subtly apparent at this level, thanks to large glass fronts and recessed skylights that fill the space with natural light. Organically shaped wooden ceiling elements adorned with hanging plants mimic the profile of a mountain.
Laser-cut wooden lights create a sense of vibrancy, while fabric-covered seating islands provide grounded comfort with a mix of plain and patterned upholstery. Adjacent to the restaurant, a sun terrace oriented in different directions offers breathtaking views of the mountain panorama and meadows. The tilted section of the projecting roofs creates an intriguing open space between two enclosed structures, influencing the perception of the landscape.
Two additional relaxation rooms, one dedicated to the earth element with natural stone finishes and the other open to the air with sisal surfaces, provide a tranquil retreat. A return to the basement and the main pool completes the wellness area, seamlessly merging the building back into the natural landscape.
Puradies is an exemplar of architecture that respects and harmonizes with its natural surroundings. Through the skillful design by NOA, guests of Puradies are treated to a unique experience where nature and architecture converge, creating a tranquil haven that celebrates the beauty of Leogang, Austria.
