In February 2023, the official kick-off for the planning work took place, aiming to awaken Schloss Luxburg from its slumber and make it accessible to the public. The client had a clear vision, and it was our task—the planning team consisting of Benchmark Planung GmbH in collaboration with partners Moreno Architektur GmbH and MLR Baumanagement GmbH—to bring this vision to life. The goal of this ambitious project is to transform the historic castle, with its fascinating history, into a unique venue that will serve both as an event location and a boutique hotel.

A Brief Look at the Project:

Schloss Luxburg is located in the municipality of Egnach, in the canton of Thurgau, just a stone's throw from Lake Constance. The estate spans 9,000 m² and enjoys a unique location. The north-western boundary is marked by the Wilerbach, which flows into Lake Constance. The river has sufficient depth, allowing sailboats to pass by the castle to a small harbor. The other sides of the property are surrounded by a quiet residential area. The estate features a castle-like building dating back to 1494, as well as a castle extension from the 18th century. Not far from the castle is a coach house. The castle park is accessible through two gates – one at the end of the Schlossweg and the other from the Luxburgstrasse.

The Building Structure and the Concept for the Renovation Works

Die Bausubstanz des Schlosses ist in unterschiedliche Bereiche gegliedert, die je nach Entstehungszeit und Zustand bewertet wurden:

1. The 15th Century Building (East Wing): The East Wing comprises a tall structure with four floors and an attic. There is no basement, but the tower with its spiral staircase provides access to all floors and serves as a connection between the two parts of the building (East and West Wings). The structure is well-preserved, although it was completely gutted in the late 1950s. For a new use, some adjustments will be necessary. The spaces offer potential for conversion into event rooms and hotel rooms with minimal architectural changes.
2. 18th Century West Wing: The West Wing was originally used as a residential area and features spacious rooms that can be converted into hotel use with minimal renovations. However, the entire building's technical systems need to be renewed, and fire safety requirements must be adjusted.

Detailed Renovation Concept

1. Building Envelope and Energy Measures: The roofs were renovated in 2017/18. However, the facades need to be refurbished – cracks repaired, moisture protection implemented, and windows and doors replaced. Insulation measures are planned for the attic to improve energy efficiency without compromising the historical fabric.
2. New Access: The area between the East and West Wings will be redesigned to create a modern access point, including a lift that will connect the different levels of both building sections. Additionally, a new staircase will be built in the West Wing to meet current fire safety requirements.
3. Building Services: The electrical, plumbing, heating, and ventilation systems need to be completely re-conceptualized. The goal is to integrate the technical installations in a way that minimizes future repair needs while blending well with the existing structure.
4. Interior Design and Layout: The existing room layout will be largely retained, with existing materials like floor coverings and wall surfaces preserved and refreshed as needed. The rooms will be designed to combine the spaciousness of the original areas with modern furnishings, without losing the charm of the historical spaces.
5. Hospitality: A restaurant kitchen is planned for the ground floor of the East Wing. The guest area will accommodate about 40 people, and the terrace will be directly connected to the restaurant area. The kitchen will be equipped with additional windows and doors to meet operational requirements.

The Path to the Next Phase:

The goal of this project is to transform Schloss Luxburg into a boutique hotel with event rooms, while also serving as a cultural hub. To move this plan forward, a few more clarifications are needed before the planning work can proceed to the next phase. A longer-term goal is to convert the washhouse into two holiday apartments, though this is not part of the current contract.

Conclusion:

The Schloss Luxburg project presents a unique challenge, where modern technology and heritage preservation must go hand in hand. As the planning team, we are proud to contribute to this historical transformation and look forward to seeing the castle shine in its new glory. For more information about the history of the castle and the ongoing project, please visit the following link.

Project information

Area of expertise	Addition / Alteration / Renovation
Collaboration	Moreno Architektur GmbH MLR Baumanagement GmbH
Status	preliminary project
Year	2023 /2024