Studio Bellesi Giuntoli, in partnership with Kuyucu Chau Architekten AG, has been awarded First Prize in the international design competition for the new dementia care facility at Areal Rosenhügel, located on the southern edge of the village of Hochdorf.
This important recognition highlights the studio’s landscape-driven design approach, integrating architecture, open space and the identity of the site with great sensitivity.
The competition involved numerous international practices, and Studio Bellesi Giuntoli’s proposal stood out for its ability to combine functional requirements with a strong relationship to the surrounding agricultural landscape and panoramic views towards the Alps.
A landscape-integrated project
The new single-storey building is designed to accommodate 24 residents and represents a natural evolution of the existing Rosenhügel complex, including the demolition of the current southern wing. The project carefully preserves and enhances the south-facing panoramic view, opening towards the agricultural landscape and the distant Alpine chain.
Special attention was given to the creation of welcoming living spaces for residents and a functional, pleasant working environment for staff, where architecture and landscape work together to support daily life, orientation and well-being.
A sensitive landscape approach
At the core of the project lies a deep understanding of the site and its context. Rather than imposing a new structure, the design establishes a harmonious dialogue with the existing landscape, strengthening the relationship between built form, open spaces and the surrounding environment.
The landscape design plays a fundamental role in shaping the overall spatial experience, contributing to orientation, comfort and visual continuity. The project demonstrates how landscape architecture can enhance care environments while respecting the character and identity of rural contexts.
An award for landscape-driven design
Winning First Prize at an international competition confirms the value of an approach that places landscape, nature and human experience at the center of the design process. This recognition further reinforces Studio Bellesi Giuntoli’s position in the international landscape architecture field, following a series of awarded projects focused on sustainability, environmental integration and social well-being.
