Grand Hotel Straubinger

21 Nov 2024

FRAME winner of the year 2024

Spa outdoor Photo credit: Lukas Schaller

The Grand Hotel Straubinger epitomizes the pinnacle of luxury and historical preservation. Its unique selling proposition (USP) lies in its meticulous restoration of heritage-protected buildings, seamlessly blending historical charm with contemporary luxury.

The hotel's architecture reflects a harmonious fusion of old and new, preserving the historical fabric, while introducing modern elements with precision and care. The rehabilitation process, conducted in collaboration with the Federal Monuments Office and local authorities, showcases a deep respect for the building's heritage. The result is a grand hotel that exudes understated elegance and poignant grandeur, drawing guests into a captivating journey through time.

The interior design narrative meticulously integrates historical elements with thoughtful contemporary touches, creating a sensory experience that immerses guests in the rich history of the property. From the preserved patina on the walls to the adaptation of original artefacts, every detail honours the legacy of the old hotel while offering a glimpse into its reimagined splendour.

Furthermore, the hotel's comprehensive amenities cater to the discerning tastes of its target demographic, offering a world-class experience within its walls. The Straubinger Saal restaurant delights guests with a modern interpretation of Austrian-French cuisine, while the exclusive spa, divided into seven concept worlds, promises a holistic retreat for those seeking luxury and relaxation.

The integration of the hotel concept into its surroundings further enhances its appeal. Situated in the heart of Bad Gastein's historical centre, the Grand Hotel Straubinger revitalizes Straubingerplatz as a vibrant hub for visitors and locals alike. The new pool landscape, offering panoramic views of the Gastein Valley and the nearby waterfall, exemplifies the hotel's commitment to immersing guests in the natural beauty of its surroundings.

The renovation and revitalization embody a holistic approach that is beneficial to both people and the planet, significantly contributing to society with a strong commitment to inclusive design, sustainability, and carbon footprint reduction. Strategies to maximize the reuse of materials have been implemented, and the original fabric of the building was preserved where possible. Historical elements such as walls, doors, and fixtures have been carefully restored, reducing the need for new materials and minimizing waste. This approach not only conserves resources but also maintains the authenticity and charm of the hotel's heritage.

 

Technical sheet

Client: Straubingerplatz Immobilien GmbH

Project data

Completion: Autumn 2023

Address: Straubingerplatz 2–4, 5640 Bad Gastein, Austria

GFA: approx. 19,000 m² for Hotel Grand Straubinger and Hotel Badeschloss, Straubinger only: 9800 ?

BWM team 

Erich Bernard, Markus Kaplan, Peter Foschi, Marlene Gesierich, Martina Lehner, Claus Hasslinger, Elisabeth Albenberger, Ismail Berkel, Maximilian Fasslabend, Lena Hainzinger, Tanja Hainzl, Clemens Hörl, Marlies Klauser, Ales Kosak, Sonja Leitgeb, Massimiliano Marian, Elisabeth Morillo-Napetschnig, Fridolin Öhlinger, Tjasa Rus

Project partners

Design-build / interior design: BWM Designers & Architects 

Brand strategy and branding: moodley brand identity

Execution planning: zwei Architekten

Construction supervision: edelmueller.architektur.management

Structural design: Gschwandtl & Lindlbauer ZT GmbH

Building services engineering: Ingenieurbüro Lothar Mayer GmbH

Construction physics: TAS Bauphysik GmbH

Fire protection: Norbert Rabl Ziviltechniker GmbH

Construction coordination: Lackinger BauKO GmbH 

Historical architectural expert opinion:  EIDOS Architektur ZT GmbH

Surveyor: Gernot Fleischmann

Landscape planning: Simma Zimmermann Landschaftsarchitektinnen OG

F&B consulting: Baysics, Georges Desrues

Lighting design: Pokorny Lichtarchitektur

Carpet design/guidance system contributor: Gabriele Bruner

Interior styling concept: Atelier Peter Weisz, together with BWM Designers & Architects

Art concept: BWM in cooperation with Andrea von Goetz of Schwanenfliess