Johann | Austria | Ludescher + Lutz Architekten

The Alter Markt, a central location in Lauterach, is undergoing change and transformation. The site represents the historic centre of this Rhine Valley town, as can be seen in the church and cemetery as well as the tight web of streets.

The former structure of the square was destroyed in the 1960s when the L-190 local road was rerouted. Buildings were demolished, lots at central locations were divided into triangles, diminishing their value, and corners were smoothed to accommodate the flow of traffic. Today this area of town has little left to attract pedestrians.

The guesthouse named Engel or Angel held a prominent location, directly at the crossing opening onto the square. Since the mid-19th century, the site has always hosted an inn or restaurant, at times combined with a shop. This meeting place is, correspondingly, deeply rooted in the awareness of the local population.
A detailed analysis revealed that the existing building could not be adapted to meet contemporary standards of use. Erecting a new structure at this central location became the first step towards revitalising the town centre: a wooden building, to reflect in size and shape the historic structures of the old town.

The entrances to the guesthouse, connected by a broad hallway, are aligned along a north-south axis, while the separate entrance to the hotel is oriented towards the west. Additional access from a side street to the south allows unobtrusive deliveries to the kitchen and storage.
Two dining rooms serve guests, one seating 28 and the other 60. On entering, guests are received in a generously dimensioned central hallway, giving access to various areas and flanked by a bar and reception desk. A total of 15 rooms, mostly for business travellers, are located in the upper two storeys. The owner’s office is located on the top floor