BWM Architects

BWM Architekten have the overall responsibility for the renovations, interior design and new constructions to be carried out on the hotel ensemble located near Bad Gastein’s picturesque waterfall. The ensemble, consisting of two hotels – Hotel Straubinger and Badeschloss, which will provide 4-star superior / 5-star accommodation – and the old post office, is to revive the centrally located Straubingerplatz square and establish it as a popular spot for visitors and locals alike. With this in mind, the Vienna-based architecture firm, which has a long list of successfully realised hospitality projects under its belt, developed an open hotel concept that extends beyond the 19,000m² to be renovated.

A thoughtful approach to heritage-protected architecture.

Ever since Hotel Straubinger, Badeschloss and the old post office building (Alte Post) were built between 1791 and 1888, they have been a hallmark of the centre of the popular spa town Bad Gastein and are heritage-protected monuments. “Working with the layers of the past” is BWM Architekten’s guiding principle for the redesign of Straubingerplatz. “Our planning ideas are always preceded by a precise historical analysis,” BWM architect Erich Bernard explains, “in line with the maxim – loosely based on Adolf Loos – that you can change anything, as long as you know what you are changing.” The refurbishment of these heritage-protected buildings calls for a thoughtful approach. All measures to be taken have been approved by the Federal Monuments Authority and coordinated with the Bad Gastein municipality. “It is important to us to work with – and not against – the remnants and layers of the past,” Bernard continues. “They give old buildings their charm and their special appeal; it’s what makes them so attractive and unique.”

Born from the details of the past.

A high degree of expertise, care and passion is going into renovating the hotels located near Bad Gastein’s picturesque waterfall. They will reopen their doors as 4- and 5-star hotels under the Travel Charme brand after completion of construction, which is slated for 2023. BWM Architekten developed a brand philosophy for the ensemble in collaboration with moodley brand identity. The new Hotel Straubinger, named after a prominent local hotelier family, will be restored to glory once more. It will pay homage to the former grand hotel and be born from the details of its past, boasting understated elegance and grandeur. The adjacent Badeschloss will celebrate its history, while also taking a playful approach to bathing culture. Its overall atmosphere will be vibrant and sociable.

More than just the buildings … 

The open hotel concept developed by BWM Architekten is mindful of the hotels’ unique character as well as their role as part of the ensemble. It also takes into account the Alte Post with its open concept, as well as Straubingerplatz itself. This centrally located square has what it takes to become a vibrant centre of the town – for visitors and locals alike. BWM Architekten are not only redesigning the 13,000m2 in floor area, but have developed ideas that extend beyond just the buildings themselves. Their goal is to give the entire Straubingerplatz a new lease on life and to restore it to the beating heart of Bad Gastein that it once was.

More space.

In order to accommodate the 102 or so guest rooms of the Badeschloss, an extension in form of a slender tower will be built behind the existing building towards the hillside. “The facade was designed as a double-skin, coloured-concrete construction. The fact that the skins have different thicknesses gives the facade a lively appearance and a relief-like character that blends into the Alpine surroundings,” BWM architect Markus Kaplan explains. This principle is also put into practice in the windows’ different designs and the ornamental brass balustrades that add sparkle to the otherwise rock-like structure. The upper storeys feature bay windows that project beyond the facade and serve as decorative elements and “display cabinets” for bathtubs. In this way, the bathing culture theme is communicated to the outside world. The proverbial – and literal! – crowning glory is the infinity pool on the roof; the glass crystal steps into the pool take centre stage.

Swimming out into nature …

Not only the interiors are being redesigned; new structures are also being added on the outside. There will be a new pool landscape above the original thermal bath tract on the west side of Hotel Straubinger. It will allow guests to gaze across Gastein Valley and “swim out into nature” to the sound of the nearby waterfall – a perfect complement to the extensive spa area. The building adjacent to No. 1 Straubingerplatz has a structure above the new pool terrace which cannot be preserved and is being redesigned as a projecting glass structure with a lamella facade mounted in front of the two upper floors. “The expansive glazing opens the building up to the valley, giving guests an unobstructed view of the natural surroundings,” says Markus Kaplan of BWM Architekten. “The wooden lamellas in front of the glass prevent prying eyes from looking in, thereby ensuring the privacy of these rooms.” Incidentally, this redesign will also restore the original gap between Hotel Straubinger and the house at No. 1 Straubingerplatz, which has been closed up since the early 20th century.

Honouring the historical fabric.

The objective when it comes to the only 46 guest rooms in Hotel Straubinger is to preserve the historical fabric, while judiciously complementing it with new elements. The treatment of the original elements is informed by the motto of “new luxury”. Their specific charm and authenticity are what makes this place unique. The patina on the walls, the surviving doors and other original artefacts are priceless vestiges of the old hotel. These will be judiciously complemented with new elements in order to meet modern standards and requirements. The overall composition of colour and light is inspired by the chiaroscuro of historical oil paintings, resulting in an expressive use of light and dark shades. The historical building will be preserved to the greatest possible extent. It will make the impression of having been dipped in dark oil paint; beyond that “paint line”, it will remain untouched. The common areas such as the restaurant and bar – open to hotel guests and external guests alike – will be on the open ground floor with its impressive historical hall.

A bath you can spend the night in …

The cosmopolitan-style Badeschloss will have about 100 guest rooms when completed. The concept for the limited rooms in the original building is “a bath you can spend the night in”. This idea is realised in a variety of scenarios revolving around bathtubs or showers and characterises the atmosphere. Each visit promises to be a new experience, especially as each room in the original building is one of a kind. By taking advantage of additional spa and wellness offers, guests can turn their hotel room into their own private spa.

Whoever prefers a more sociable setting can visit the rooftop spa in the new tower building. Community is the main idea here, and the treatments offered are in line with it. The guest rooms in this tract are characterised by their simplicity and the stunning view. This tract also has one or two surprises in store for guests, such as a bathtub with a panorama view – in the “display cabinet”, so to speak.

The individual areas in the lobby – such as the restaurant, bar and kiosk – transition smoothly into one another. This represents an easy-going lifestyle and an inspiring sense of community and is geared to an openminded audience of all ages. The Alte Post on the ground floor is a concept store.