Header: BWM Designers & Architects; Ana Barros, BWM Designers & Architects; Lukas Schaller
The Hotel Badeschloss was built between 1791 and 1888 and has been since then part of the cultural heritage of Bad Gastein in Austria, alongside the Hotel Straubinger and Alte Post. Recently renovated with the help of BWM Designers & Architects, with Erich Bernard as lead designer, it gained a new image that, although modern, doesn’t forget its roots.
The team of designers embraced the principle of “working with the layers of the past” while focusing on the project, having applied this to every stage: new constructions, renovations, and interior design. Badeschloss has managed to maintain its historical charm even with the boost in modernity and quirkiness—things that aren’t out of character for the old building as the name “Badeschloss” actually means “bathing palace“, showing that the hotel has always reflected the new theme.
The renovation stage of the project brought new life to the original building, which now houses all food and beverage areas, each uniquely designed. An art concept was developed in collaboration with the local art festival director to complement the space.
The new rooftop spa, which spans three whole floors, is where we can see how careful the designers were when attempting to merge the hotel’s history with our modern age. The finished terrace now includes a rooftop pool with glass crystal steps and a modern signature wall with the “Alpine Swim Club” lettering.
The 102 guest rooms are divided between the original building and the new construction, offering the same relaxation and luxury seen anywhere in the hotel. Some exclusive rooms, however, were designed around a concept we are all guilty of once gushing about: “a bath you can spend the night in.”
Charismatic, soft, and comfortable for sure, the old hotel’s new design shows how charming enjoying the same activities people have been doing for centuries can be; it might only need a new design to make the experience extra appealing.
