In the spring of 2024, we were tasked with transforming the former Vanilli—a legendary nightclub in Linz for over four decades—into a modern daytime dining venue.
The building at Hofgasse 8, constructed in the first half of the 19th century with an addition dating from 1944 (under which lies a Nazi air-raid shelter), is a designated historic landmark. The challenge was to transform a dark, enclosed space into a light-filled, inviting restaurant.

However, the true extent of the problem became apparent as early as the demolition phase: the structural integrity of the main building was in a desolate state—neither fire safety nor structural stability was guaranteed. The extension designed by Roderich Fick proved to be in even worse condition: water-saturated masonry, compromised structural integrity, destroyed windows, a defective sewer line, and a subfloor laid directly on the ground.
Despite these adverse starting conditions, the team succeeded in transforming the existing structure into a space with a new future. The formerly closed facade facing Hofgasse was opened up and generously redesigned. The new, rectangular skylights replace the old round arches and create harmonious proportions. For the first time, the restaurant is now directly accessible from the street and engages with the public space.

 The historically protected addition was also carefully yet thoroughly renovated: Neo-Baroque windows were restored true to the original design.