A visionary unification of historical and contemporary architecture on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Nestled at the end of Lucerne bay, the Hotel Hermitage enjoys a privileged position with direct access to Lake Lucerne and panoramic views of Mount Pilatus. The site is a tapestry of architectural epochs, featuring heritage-protected structures like the swimming facility and boathouse alongside functionally designed hotel buildings. Herzog & de Meuron's pilot project aims to visually unify these disparate elements, harmonizing them with the small-scale shoreline landscape. The project proposes a seamless integration of the Hermitage buildings, historical shoreline development, and new extensions into a cohesive whole. Each of the four building groups—the historical stock and three new parts—will retain its own identity while contributing to a unified aesthetic. A continuous, spacious park landscape will weave these elements together, creating a singular architectural narrative. Preservation is a key tenet of the design, with much of the existing Hermitage structure retained. New floors will be added to the current buildings and guesthouse, enhancing capacity without compromising historical integrity. The transformation extends to the current parking lot and tennis court, where two new buildings, an underground parking garage, and a new park will be established. Meanwhile, the existing barn and the Bellevue across the street will be replaced, ensuring a coherent architectural dialogue across the site.

Design Highlights

Integration of historical and contemporary architecture Preservation of heritage-protected structures Addition of new floors to existing buildings Creation of a continuous park landscape Development of underground parking and new park facilities

Key Facts