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 Wine Center
The Wine Center’s design concept is derived from the geometry of the wine vaults. The simple 24m x 24m x 17m volume is cut and sliced to create a rich geometry. Some of the deep cuts are glazed in recycled bottle glass with rich green hues that cast their lustrous light on the interior. Partially set into the earth of the vineyard, the slight forward tilt of the structure indicates its subterranean connection by ramp to the antique vault system. Upon entering, the visitor perceives a wonderful volume of space and steps out to the vineyard and past a café. A foot path leads down to the entrance of the vault system. The return journey is made through a ramped passage dappled with light refracted through a reflecting pool. The visitor then arrives on the lowest level of the building which houses a wine bar, a multi-purpose area and a shop with local products and books. Stairs and ramps connect to ground level with a generous wine shop and an upper floor with seminar rooms and offices. The roof terrace with spectacular views over the surrounding landscape and town can be made accessible on special occasions.
250