Page 141 - AIT0618_E-Paper

Entwurf • Design Konrad Knoblauch GmbH, Markdorf
Grundriss Erdgeschoss • Ground floor plan
Grundriss 1. Obergeschoss • First floor plan
Bauherr • Client CDF Immobilien, Offenburg
Standort • Location Grabenallee 8, Offenburg
Foto: Katja Scharnagel
Fertigstellung • Year of completion 2017
Fotos • Photos Jens Pfisterer, Stuttgart
Mehr Infos auf Seite • More infos on page 185
HOTEL LIBERTY
IN OFFENBURG
Which of the hotels one stayed in can the frequently tra-
velling guest remember in the end? Liberty, which ope-
ned in Offenburg in 2017, is predestined to burn itself
emotionally into the memory of its customers. The inte-
rior designers of Konrad Knoblauch GmbH from
Markdorf transformed the former prison into a luxury
hotel with a great deal of respect for its history.
W hen the Offenburg prison was opened in 1845, it was tragically
the freedom fighters of the Baden Revolution who were
the very first to be imprisoned here. Just ten years ago, two prisoners
each shared a small cell before they were transferred to more modern
prisons. Gradually, the idea matured in Offenburg-based investors
Christian and Dietmar Funk of creating a luxury hotel in the history-
laden walls. Together with the interior design team of the Markdorf-
based Konrad Knoblauch GmbH headed by Katja Scharnagel,
the client representatives of Trend Concept GmbH and General
Manager Marc Aeberhard from Switzerland, they succeeded in
respectfully capturing the spirit of the past and breathing a new
soul into the building. You won't find the clichéd entertainment
prison feeling. Cautiously preserved relics of the past rather refer
to the previous purpose of the building substance. Exposed vaul-
ted brick cap ceilings in the rooms, red, solid sandstone masonry,
barred windows in the lobby, and elaborately restored old cell
doors. The Liberty breathes the spirit of freedom, nothing is
oppressive here anymore. Two or three combined cells were turned
into modern luxury rooms with free-standing bathtubs and
beautiful bathrooms that leave nothing to be desired in terms of
comfort. With only 38 rooms and suites, the Liberty radiates a familiar
touch. The hotel corridors are characterised by old, low prison
doors, which are next to new room doors. A former outdoor space,
the former prison yard, now serves as the heart of the Liberty.
Lobby, lounge, restaurant, and bar merge seamlessly between old
sandstone façades and new glass fronts. The atmosphere created
by furniture and lights in retro-industrial style is casual and relaxed.
The name of the restaurant "Wasser & Brot" ("Water & Bread") is
pure understatement and refers to the once frugal menu in the
men's prison. Today, regional delicacies from Ortenau, seasoned
with global influences, pamper the guests. Liberty looks authentic!
The guest will remember it—maybe even for life!
AIT 6.2018 • 141