Redefining spatial fluidity: A minimalist architecture transforms a resort from the 80s into a sustainable retreat paradise. The inspiration for the new suites at Reiters Reserve Supreme is derived from the philosophy of its own hotelier, who built the retreat area as a self-contained unit. The focus is on the harmony between humans and nature and the considerate use of our resources. Like a castle, the hotel (an existing resort from the 1980s) perches in the gently rolling landscape of South Burgenland. The location is shaped by the surrounding nature, and its inherent qualities are acknowledged and revealed. Defining values of the design are honesty, innovation and modesty.

Genuine, natural materials of the highest quality and sustainability were selected for this purpose. Materials that you can smell and feel, and that, owing to their timeless colors and straightforward design, can age gracefully. The spatial composition is dominated by restraint and minimalism, focusing on the essentials, as well as on efficiency and a willingness to create true qualities. The suites (62 m² and 93 m²), emerged from joining of originally smaller rooms. The intention was to create both functional and spacy suite for a flexible use. An innovative pivoting wall design enable to fit the room to guests´ actual needs.

One can take a bath in the living room, write a diary in a retractable workspace, fall asleep on a sofa (designed by BEHF and Wittmann), do sports on wooden wall bars or prepare a favorite drink in a hidden kitchenette. In principle, the entire furnishings are made of sustainably harvested solid wood (ash) verifiably sourced from nearby regions. Partitions are made of wooden grids that allow one to see through, thus giving the wall depth. Clay plaster and natural stone, as well as cork and fur, complement the high-quality material selection. Entry into the suite is through a small, semi-transparent anteroom separated from the rest of the large space.

There is a bench and a silent fountain as a filter between the convival social life outside and a private withdrawal in the suite. In addition to generous storage space, there are long, space-defining benches and shelves where one can sit, place flower vases, or leave newspapers. The famous “Knitting Chair” invites you to read a good book or lay down your clothes.

In addition to sophisticated lighting design, expressive, individual single lights by the artist Megumi Ito (Vienna/Paris) complement the spatial experience. In the large suite, an Ofuro, a rectangular Japanese soaking tub, has been placed along one of the three window axes. From here, guests have an excellent view of the vast landscape as well as the spacious hotel room.

Next to the bathroom area, there is a wall bar with various sports equipment, providing guests with an opportunity to maintain harmony between body and soul through exercise. The first two suites were completed in March 2023, and currently, the design is being rolled out to ten more suites.

Considerable emphasis was placed on utilizing only authentic, high-quality, and sustainable natural materials. The entire furnishings, as well as walls and floors, are made of sustainably harvested solid wood (ash) verifiably sourced from nearby regions. Partitions are made of wooden grids that allow one to see through, thus giving the wall depth.

Floor-to-ceiling pivot doors allow for individual opening/closing of the bedroom to the living space. This high-quality and durable implementation significantly extends the renovation cycle. For walls and ceilings, 100% ecological clay construction panels with a wooden frame or clay plaster (instead of gypsum plasterboard with aluminum frames) were used. These provide improved sound insulation, regulate room humidity, and thus serve as a natural air conditioner. Natural stone (Travertine from South Tyrol) as well as cork and fur complement the high-quality material selection.

Category:Green ArchitectureYear:2024Location: Bad Tatzmannsdorf, AustriaArchitects:BEHF Ebner Hasenauer Ferenczy ZT GmbHLead Architect:Stephan FerenczyClient:Golfhotel Bad Tatzmannsdorf Gesellschaft mbHPhotographers:Kurt Hörbst