Exterior view of Lanserhof Sylt designed by Christoph Ingenhoven, integrated with natural landscape

The stunning exterior of Lanserhof Sylt, designed by Christoph Ingenhoven, showcasing its integration with the natural landscape and sustainable design elements

Exterior view of Lanserhof Sylt designed by Christoph Ingenhoven, integrated with natural landscape

The stunning exterior of Lanserhof Sylt, designed by Christoph Ingenhoven, showcasing its integration with the natural landscape and sustainable design elements

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PROJECTS / HAUS DER DIGITALEN WELT HAMBURG

Largest Thatched Roof in Europe

On the site of a former officers’ accommodation block, in the northern part of the island, Lanserhof Sylt has been completed—a medical health resort featuring 68 rooms, finished in 2022. Ingenhoven was responsible for designing the building, interior, and landscape.

In collaboration with the Office for the Preservation of Historic Buildings and for Nature Conservation, the original officers’ accommodation from the 1930s has been repurposed as the central structure of the entire Lanserhof complex. This existing building, characterized by its thatched roof, serves as the architectural inspiration for additional facilities at Lister Watt. Consequently, all new constructions feature distinctive overhanging thatched roofs, making Lanserhof Sylt home to Europe’s largest such roof, spanning 7,100 square meters.

The development includes the main building with a spa area, encompassing indoor and outdoor salt-water pools, as well as a diagnostics building for medical care services catering to guests. Additionally, three holiday homes situated directly by the water, linked with the medical facilities of Lanserhof, complement the project.

The Lanserhof Group is a prominent operator of modern health resorts specializing in medical spa services across Europe, and is a pioneer of the LANS Med concept. Christoph Ingenhoven completed the Lanserhof Tegernsee in 2014, followed by the Lanserhof at Lans in Austria in 2017, and the Lanserhof at The Arts Club in Mayfair, London in 2019. In line with the designs for Tegernsee, Lans, and The Arts Club locations, these developments utilize meticulously selected materials, including insulation, paints, and varnishes, which adhere to stringent ecological and health standards. The architecture of the buildings embodies a subtle and timeless aesthetic, marked by elegant forms and understated colors.

Wellness suites at Lanserhof Sylt designed by Christoph Ingenhoven, comfort and tranquility with nature view.

The building project prioritizes the seamless integration of architecture with the surrounding dune landscape to ensure minimal impact on the protected environment and wildlife. The objective was to create an exceptionally sustainable and health-oriented complex where guests can rejuvenate and reconnect with nature. By utilizing natural materials free of synthetic finishes and designing serene, uncluttered rooms, the project emphasizes creating a therapeutic environment that supports holistic recovery. Each room features private outdoor space through loggias incorporated into the thatched roof, providing privacy and wind protection. Furthermore, the compact layout and high insulation standards significantly reduce energy consumption.

Timber Construction

In terms of design, the main building is inspired by the Frisian houses typical of Sylt with low-pitched thatched roofs, relatively small façade areas and windows. The Lanserhof presents a contemporary interpretation: The main building rests on supports so that the ground floor could be glazed all around - a continuum of house and dune, interrupted only by partial glimpses of its inner life. The ridge and eaves swing gently, the soft shapes of the thatched roof trace the dune.

Luxurious spa area in Lanserhof Sylt designed by Christoph Ingenhoven, modern design and serene ambiance.

While the Lanserhof on Tegernsee, also designed by Christoph Ingenhoven, is organized around a courtyard reminiscent of traditional monastery buildings in southern Germany, the Lanserhof in Sylt features an impressive staircase made of steel and oak as its central spatial element. This staircase connects all levels, guiding guests from the reception and garage to the medical area and their rooms, each with a private outdoor area. The loggias cut into the roof provide protection from strong winds while offering unobstructed views of the sea or dunes. All materials used, including insulation, varnishes, and paints, are rigorously tested for ecological and health standards.