Aarau: Duplex Architects design Moxy conversion
Pensimo announces the result of a competition for the conversion and extension of a traditional hotel in Aarau.
Zurich-based Duplex Architekten have been awarded the study contract for the conversion of the "Aarauerhof" hotel in Aarau. Their design for the extension and renovation of the building came out on top in a competitive process. This was announced by the owner, the Turidomus real estate investment foundation, which is part of the Zurich-based Pensimo Group. As reported, a hotel belonging to the Marriott chain Moxy is to move into the property.
Eleven invited planning teams took part in the competition. The owners do not want a new building, but rather to retain the existing building with its good building fabric - "not least for ecological and economic reasons", according to Pensimo. Depending on the side, the building will be raised to 8 to 10 storeys, increasing the number of rooms from the current 98 to 146. The architects have based the extension on the existing staggered heights and developed them further. The first floor opens up to the urban space in all directions. "The inviting gesture is no coincidence, as the new hotel with its café and bar is set to become a lively meeting place for the people of Aarau once again," reads a press release. A separately accessible and flexibly usable event room with its own foyer in the basement, accessible from the Bahnhofplatz, also testifies to this. Wood and lightweight modular construction methods are planned for the extension. Heat will be supplied via a district heating connection and electricity will be supplied by new photovoltaic modules on the roof and façade, among other things.
The project by Duplex Architekten is the basis for a design plan that still needs to be drawn up. The owners expect it to take at least two years from now until a legally binding building permit is granted. Construction is therefore expected to start in 2027 and the new hotel will open at the beginning of 2029 after a further two years of construction. Until construction starts, the existing building will continue to be used by the current self-check-in hotel. (aw)
