On a gently south-sloping vineyard in Langenlois, the Losium Hotel and Wine Center celebrates the rich local heritage of an ancient wine vault system. The historic subterranean network, which includes stone passages that are 900 years old, runs beneath the town.
The first two buildings of the Loisium Hotel Complex were designed by SHA and sought to form a relationship with the geometry of the cellars. The Wine Center, which was completed in 2003, is embedded within the vineyards and the Hotel, which was completed in 2005, references the branching morphology of the vaults.
The concept for the 30-room Hotel expansion by Steven Holl Architects connects the original vaults via precast vaulted rooms. A reflecting pool at the entry reflects the curved geometry. According to Holl, these three elements together represent three basic types of architecture, being ‘under, in and over the ground.’
In terms of materials, the roofs and walls of the extension are clad with Rheinzink. The matte natural material is pre-weathered to blend with the landscape and the sky. Alongside this, board-form exposed concrete walls complement the natural wood millwork installed throughout.
Finally, glass walls in the hotel rooms provide optimal views of the mountains, vineyards and the existing Loisium Hotel and Wine Center.
