Loisium Hotel and Spa Resort with Wine Center
Langenlois, Austria, Project
Architect for Steven Holl Architects, 2001-2005
On the edge of
the picturesque town of Langenlois, one hour west of Vienna, a new wine
center and visitors’ facility was built on a gently south-sloping
vineyard to celebrate the rich local heritage of a magnificent wine vault
system. This historic subterranean network, which includes 900 year old
stone passages, underlies the urban plan of the town. The north-south
axis of the network echoes that of the Baroque houses above and suggests
the existence of a second town below that which is visible.
The project is composed of three parts: the existing vaults, which were
made accessible to visitors, the Wine Center, and the Loisium Hotel Wine
and Spa Resort. The vault system’s geometry is transformed into
an abstract three dimensional spatial language. This language forms the
basis of the architecture of the Wine Center and Hotel, wherein each project
element is derived from and related to the unique spaces of the vaults,
while simultaneously having individual qualities of space, materials,
light and experience.
The three elements of the project stand in relation to a geometric field
of vineyards, the landscape of wine production:
1. Under the ground
- Existing Vaults
2. In the ground - Wine Center and Ramp Connection
3. Over the ground - Loisium Hotel Wine and Spa Resort
The Hotel and Spa Resort
Like the grid
of the city, the geometric spacing of the vineyard rows is continuous
through the landscape connecting the three elements. The 53m X 53m square
plan is aligned with the strict geometry of the surrounding vineyard rows.
Offering a variety of activities and room types, the Loisium Hotel Wine
and Spa Resort offers guests and visitors a variety of experiences. Earthlike
materials and palette combined with the views of the surrounding landscape
create a strong connection and relationship of the hotel to its context.
Public functions including the lobby, a wine themed restaurant, bar, cigar
lounge, conference and meeting facilities, and wellness and spa area are
located on the ground floor with views open to the surrounding vineyard.
An inviting courtyard and terrace provides outdoor seating. 82 guest rooms
are located in two upper floors. While the ground floor is transparent
and open, the upper floors are more private.
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