A carefully considered rooftop extension of an existing hotel complex on Lake Constance: an architectural project situated within a sensitive historical context from the 1980s and a historic villa. The extension within the existing fabric aims not only to respect the qualities of the original ensemble, but to further develop them in a meaningful way – with a strong focus on materiality, spatial quality, and a harmonious integration into the existing architecture.
Extending existing buildings is always a demanding architectural task – particularly in the field of adaptive reuse and hotel architecture in Switzerland, where historically significant and architecturally valuable structures meet contemporary needs. Architektur im Bestand und der Hotelarchitektur in der Schweiz, wenn historische und architektonisch hochwertige Strukturen aufeinandertreffen.
The existing building ensemble was designed in the 1980s by the renowned Swiss architects Rudolf Guyer and Esther Guyer and completed in 1986. It is a representative example of high-quality Swiss architecture of the 1980s. Schweizer Architektur der 1980er-Jahre.
The complex includes a diverse programme comprising hotel rooms, seminar and training facilities, restaurants, exhibition spaces, as well as a spa area and indoor swimming pool. The ensemble is embedded in a carefully designed landscape garden, with a historic villa at its centre – originally commissioned under Napoleon – offering remarkable views over Lake Constance and the neighbouring country.
As part of the hotel extension on Lake Constance, the only single-storey building on the site was extended with an additional floor. The intention was to achieve a subtle yet clearly readable architectural intervention within a contextual approach to building in existing structures.
From the early design phase through to the development of the building application, the project was developed in close collaboration with the client, the project management team, and the relevant authorities. A key objective was to consistently continue the architectural language of the existing ensemble.
The result is a hotel extension within an existing structure that integrates naturally into the overall composition while strengthening its architectural identity.
The new floor plan is based on the original design principles of the Guyers, while being carefully adapted to meet today’s hospitality requirements.
Instead of the originally planned eight rooms, six generously proportioned units were created, with a focus on junior suites in contemporary hotel design. The spatial layout prioritises generosity, comfort, and flexibility.
Die Innenarchitektur folgt einem klaren Konzept der zeitgemässen Hotelgestaltung The interior architecture follows a clear concept of modern hotel design, using high-quality, natural materials and a reduced, elegant design language.
A particular focus was placed on the design of the bathrooms within the hotel rooms. These were conceived in a more generous and open way, with partial visual connections to the sleeping areas.
Level-access showers, large glazed surfaces, and a carefully developed lighting concept in interior architectureenhance transparency and create a strong sense of spatial quality. Natural light is drawn deep into the interior, significantly improving comfort and atmosphere.
The material palette is intentionally restrained, natural, and refined – aiming for a timeless architectural expression aligned with principles of sustainable hotel design.
The external appearance of the extension was carefully aligned with the existing building. Façade structure, proportions, and materials were designed to match the existing ensemble, resulting in a calm and cohesive architectural composition.
Materiality plays a key role in adaptive reuse and architecture within existing structures: old and new merge into a coherent whole without imitation, yet with clear architectural readability.
The design is characterised by clarity, creativity, and architectural sensitivity. The extension integrates seamlessly both internally and externally into the existing context.
The project demonstrates how hotel renovation and extension within existing buildings, particularly in historically and architecturally valuable contexts—can be developed with respect, precision, and design quality, and how architecture in dialogue with the existing fabric can create new qualities. The presented design remains a conceptual exploration within this process.
| Area of expertise | Addition / Alteration / Renovation / Architecture |
| Collaboration | Moreno Architektur GmbH |
| Status | Preliminary project to Council Submission |
| Year | 2025 |