The former “Reportage-Hüsli” broadcasting centre was renovated in 2018. The focus was on the façade and the interior work on the upper floor. The renovation created the Urs Fankhauser Lounge in memory of Urs Fankhauser (1943 – 2018).

Urs Fankhauser took part in the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico. His second Olympic participation followed in Munich in 1972. Urs Fankhauser received an Olympic diploma for both Olympic regattas. Another special highlight was his victory at the equally famous and prestigious Henley Royal Regatta in 1969.

When asked about important milestones in his life, he mentioned the four rowing world championships on the Rotsee: “That’s like a red thread. I was there as a young spectator in 1962, as a national team rower in 1974, as a team manager in 1982 and as a member of the organising committee in 2001. Truly wonderful, well-rounded cornerstones in the fulfilled life of Urs Fankhauser from Hergiswil.

With a great deal of personal commitment, determination, reliability, tenacity, skill and a good network, Urs Fankhauser has made a significant contribution to the all-round renewal of the rowing infrastructure on Lake Rotsee. First and foremost, I am relieved that the new rowing centre has been completed in time for this season and that the financing has been secured,” commented Urs Fankhauser to the Luzerner Zeitung in 2016, shortly after the opening of the new rowing centre. He has also been the head of the organising committee for the annual Swiss Championships since 2005, and was particularly proud to be able to organise a championship regatta on the new infrastructure in 2016. The Urs Fankhauser Lounge is used for smaller events and receptions as well as for meetings, especially during the regatta. From the balcony, visitors have the best view of the finish line.

Location: Rotsee, Lucerne
Client: Fondation Rowing Center Lucerne
Owner: Fondation Fondation Rowing Center Lucerne
Architects, planners: Schärli Architekten AG (Bauökonomie/Bauleitung) Luzern

Urban Planning
(Andreas Fuhrimann Gabrielle Hächler Architects ETH BSA SIA AG)

The topographical situation of the Rotsee delta is unique, which is why the “Göttersee”, as it is known in rowing circles, is ideal for the organisation of rowing regattas. The requirements for the finishing tower were varied and complex. They were based on functionality, landscaping and the creation of an identity. The height development resulting from the stacking of the spatial units sets a vertical accent on the elongated horizontal surface of the Rotsee, which is thus given a point of reference and identification. The considerable building volume, resulting from the required spatial programme, was given a certain fragility and subtlety through subtle “shifts” of the three stacked spatial units.

Project description.
The finishing tower, completed in 2013, was the first stage in the renovation of the Rotsee nature arena. The new rowing centre was opened in May 2016. In principle, the rowing centre and the finish tower form an architectural unit that is recognisable through its materialisation, structural and aesthetic themes. The three-storey prefabricated timber structure of the finish tower is supported by a concrete platform and a concrete staircase above the water level. The structurally effective concrete platform provides access from land and water on the one hand, and to the first floor on the other. Together with the external staircase, which is formulated as a spine on the rear but no less prominent side, the platform anchors the tower close to the shore.

This reflects the hybrid character of the building, i.e. a functional building with intensive sports use during the rowing regattas in the summer, but also the unused state during the rest of the year, when the structure stands closed on the reflective water surface and transforms into a mysterious, sculptural house. This metamorphosis, which the building undergoes every year, was the demanding challenge of the design. The architectural expression of the prominently located finish tower in a picturesque setting must effortlessly master the balancing act between practical functionality and high sculptural aesthetic demands.

The programme
The functional space units OC, Jury Timing and Event Direction Speaker are aligned axially to the finish line and arranged one above the other. While the shorter façade front faces the finish line, the longer façade side faces the finish area and marks the end of the sports facility, which begins at the start line and extends via the rowing centre to the finish line.

Construction & Materialisation
The prefabrication of the timber construction made it possible to assemble the elements cost-effectively, quickly and efficiently. The façade formwork is made of specially treated pine wood from sustainably managed forests. The treatment significantly reduces the wood’s ability to absorb water, making it much more dimensionally stable and extremely durable.

Project data:
Location: Rotsee, Lucerne
Client: Naturarena Rotsee
Owner: Foundation Rowing Centre Lucerne – Rotsee
Architects: Andreas Fuhrimann Gabrielle Hächler Architects ETH BSA SIA, Zurich
Planners: Schärli Architekten AG (construction economics/construction management) Lucerne; Berchtold + Eicher AG (engineer) Zug;
Lauber Ingenieure für Holzbau & Bauwerkserhalt (timber construction engineering) Lucerne; 1a Holzbau Hunkeler (timber constructor), Ebikon
Project management: Daniel Stankowski
Competition: Andreas Fuhrimann, Gabrielle Hächler, Carlo Fumarola, Lukas Schlatter, Andrej Zouev
Planning: 2012 (May) – 2013 (March)
Construction time: 2012 (Dec) – 2013 (May)
Area: 123 m2
Costs: CHF 1.3 million
Photographer: Valentin Jeck, Zurich

Urban development concept
(Andreas Fuhrimann Gabrielle Hächler Architects ETH BSA SIA AG)

In terms of urban planning, the break in the hillside created by the mouth of the old stream forms a spatial link between the urban fabric and the Rotsee, which today represents an important leisure and recreation area for the Lucerne region. The horizontal structure of the new rowing centre takes up the long, seemingly artificial form of the Rotsee and continues it in a wooden construction whose elongated proportions are reminiscent of an elegant rowing boat. The upper floor rests on two slightly offset concrete structures, giving it a floating, light expression that does justice to the heterogeneous character of the recreational landscape on Lake Rotsee. The building acts as a link between the hills to the west and east and forms a clear front to the Rotseewiese, which will remain in its current form.

Architectural and spatial concept / materialisation
The functional ground floor, characterised by the two slightly offset concrete boxes, which occupy a minimal floor area, houses the storage and boat halls in a serial arrangement. All technical rooms, ancillary rooms and the public toilets are also located on the predominantly unheated ground floor.

The main entrance to the rowing centre occupies the outdoor space between the concrete structures, which is lit from above. A representative external staircase leads to the upper floor. The upper floor of the new rowing centre is a prefabricated wooden construction, which is placed freely on the reinforced concrete ground floor and is divided into two levels. The reception room, which has a large skylight opening, forms the prelude and distributor to the actual utility rooms of the rowing centre, each of which has its own entrance door. Most of the rooms are used by the LMS school during the year and for 2-3 weeks a year by the rowers during national and international competitions. The ancillary rooms such as changing, showers and toilets are located on the south side, while the offices and the training room are on the north side with a view of the lake.

The choice of simple and robust materials – exposed concrete, galvanised metal and wood – underlines the functional character of the building.

Project Data:
Location: Rotsee, Lucerne
Client: Naturarena Rotsee
Client: Foundation Rowing Centre Lucerne – Rotsee
Architects: Andreas Fuhrimann Gabrielle Hächler Architects ETH BSA SIA AG, Zurich
Planners: Schärli Architekten AG (construction management) Lucerne, Berchtold + Eicher AG (engineering) Zug
Project management: Daniel Stankowski, Martina Guler
Competition: Carlo Fumarola, Lukas Schlatter, Andrej Zouev
Construction period: 2015 (Aug) – 2016 (May)
Surface area: 2400 m2, 11.2 million CHF
Photographer: Valentin Jeck, Zurich