A 19th-century prison enjoys a second life as a luxury hotel in Offenburg, Germany
In 1843, amidst the hills of Germany’s southern Rhineland,Grand Duke Leopold von Baden built a prison in the city of Offenburg. Accommodating 40 inmates, the failedBaden Revolution stocked it with political radicals in 1949. Whilst the prison was eventually decommissioned, the staid, imposing structure remained, making it an unlikely spot for a luxury hotel - even one as ironically named as the Hotel Liberty.
But it was armed with this tongue-in-cheek attitude, as well as an awareness of the site’s history and legacy, that a team of architects, designers and contractors set out to rejuvenate the prison. ‘It was a challenging project for us’, explain the team at Practice Knoblauch, which oversaw the renovation, from planning to construction and fit-out, alongside architects Jürgen Grossman and Konrad Knoblauch. ‘We had to try to understand the world of a prisoner, while incorporating the sensitive heritage of the jail into a new hotel’.
This story is from the May 2018 edition of InsideOut.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2018 edition of InsideOut.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Living California Dreams
Pooling together their creative ideas and talents, this Emirati family designed and built their perfect home in Abu Dhabi from the ground up, inspired by the architecture of Beverly Hills and luxury home stores
Moroccan Retreat
Set in a beautiful olive grove overlooking the Atlas Mountains, Peacock Pavilions is an American couple’s dream come true of a private home they designed themselves, but also a cosy boutique hotel with character and style
Get Organised
These days our homes are required to be more multifunctional, so it’s important to maximise on space. New innovative designs and interior trends offer practical and stylish storage solutions.
Coastal Charm
Discover dream holiday destinations that combine dazzling décor with stunning seaside ambience and architecture for a great summer getaway
Flamingo Room by Tashas
Contemporary African motifs and artistic influences create a stunning dining venue with a menu full of surprises
A Home Of Texture And Tone
Interior architect Natalia Miyar has created a beautiful urban escape in the heart of London, rich in pattern and contrast, inimitable custom pieces, and inspired craftsmanship
Artistic Impressions
Be inspired by our winning home, where a Nordic palette creates a cosy family space and Art Deco features find their place
Sweet Pastels
Soft colours and soothing tones complemented by natural furnishings define this townhouse in the Netherlands
Plush Brights
This month we’re inspired by Milan’s trendsetting Salone del Mobile, which showcased a fancy for rich velvets and vivid jewel tones
Flights Of Fancy
With a coastal palette, Zen elements and a tropical garden, the Fahr-Becker family has created a holiday at-home retreat in the heart of Dubai
