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Archi-Europe Highlights

Architecture That Resonates, Summer 2025

Today, great architecture isn’t just about design, it’s about meaning.

The most successful projects are those that respond to their environment, tell a story, and integrate sustainability in a thoughtful and intelligent way.

High-end real estate now demands more than aesthetics. It calls for a deep connection with context — cultural, ecological, and emotional — and for close collaboration between designers, engineers, and visionaries from the very start.

After years of writing about architecture and innovation, and organizing international awards, one thing is clear: the future belongs to those who build not just for impact, but for relevance.

Because in the end, what truly sets a project apart is not how loudly it speaks — but how deeply it resonates.

Jacques ALLARD / ArchiWorld / Archi-News
Image: Smyril Line's new headquarters and ferry terminal in Tórshavn by Henning Larsen

Smyril Line Headquarters by Henning Larsen

MIPIM 2025, March 2025

An Unparalleled Networking Success for Archi-Europe and Archi-World

In an unprecedented international context, MIPIM 2025 brought together more than 20,000 participants from around the world — political representatives, business and institutional leaders, and opinion leaders — to address the major challenges of shaping tomorrow’s cities with three key priorities: breaking down silos between public authorities and private stakeholders, bridging industry sectors, and showcasing the most exemplary projects and solutions.

Once again this year, Archi-Europe and Archi-World were proud to participate in MIPIM, contributing to what was an unparalleled networking success. The event offered unique opportunities to connect with architects and developers from across the globe. On this occasion, a special edition of Archi-News magazine was distributed, sparking widespread interest and resulting in a remarkable number of new enthusiastic subscribers.

This year’s event promises unparalleled networking opportunities and inspiring keynote sessions by global thought leaders. Discover the latest trends in urban planning, architecture, and real estate in an iconic setting. Let MIPIM be your gateway to redefining the future of architecture.


Reflection on BAU2025, January 2025

Again, it was a pleasure attending this year’s BAU2025 in Munich, the premier building and architecture trade fair in the world. This event stands out as one of the most fascinating platforms for discovering innovative sustainable and smart building materials, as well as solutions for on-site energy production, management, and storage.

This year’s edition is particularly impressive, showcasing how the construction industry has made significant strides in providing the right solutions and inspiring architects and engineers alike. It's evident from the overwhelming attendance of architects, who are eager to experience these solutions firsthand and engage in direct conversations with industry experts.

While we live in an increasingly digital world, many architects we spoke to admitted that critical information and cutting-edge innovations often fail to reach them through online channels. Events like BAU2025 offer an invaluable opportunity to see, touch, and understand the latest advancements in person, bridging the gap between the virtual and physical realms.

This is not just about exploring new products; it’s about continuous learning. By engaging with experts and discovering the latest developments, architects and designers are better equipped to ensure that each new project surpasses the last.

BAU2025 offers a glimpse into the future of building, making it an unmissable event for anyone in the industry. For architects seeking inspiration and practical solutions, there’s no better place to be.

 

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August 31, 2025    Sauska Tokaj Winery

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June 26, 2025    Snæfellsjökull National Park Visitor Center in Hellissandur

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April 29, 2025    Hengqin Culture & Art Complex: Architecture at the Crossroads of Nature and Urbanism

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March 22, 2025    Confex, Koelnmesse, Cologne Trade Fair

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February 27, 2025    Nine X Nine, Sanjay Puri Architects

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December 16, 2024    Novartis Pavillon Zero-Energy Media Façade

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November 25, 2024    KCAP Win Competition to Design Two New 260m and 180m Skyscrapers, in Bratislava

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November 22, 2024    Grand Hotel Straubinger, Bad Gastein, Austria

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Grand Hotel Straubinger,
Bad Gastein, Austria

BWM Designers & Architects

 

 

FRAME Winner of the Year 2024

Wien, Austria, 2024-11-20 –  The Grand Hotel Straubinger epitomizes the pinnacle of luxury and historical preservation. Its unique selling proposition (USP) lies in its meticulous restoration of heritage-protected buildings, seamlessly blending historical charm with contemporary luxury.

The hotel’s architecture reflects a harmonious fusion of old and new, preserving the historical fabric, while introducing modern elements with precision and care. The rehabilitation process, conducted in collaboration with the Federal Monuments Office and local authorities, showcases a deep respect for the building’s heritage. The result is a grand hotel that exudes understated elegance and poignant grandeur, drawing guests into a captivating journey through time.

The interior design narrative meticulously integrates historical elements with thoughtful contemporary touches, creating a sensory experience that immerses guests in the rich history of the property. From the preserved patina on the walls, to the adaptation of original artifacts, every detail honors the legacy of the old hotel while offering a glimpse into its reimagined splendor.

Furthermore, the hotel’s comprehensive amenities cater to the discerning tastes of its target demographic, offering a world-class experience within its walls. The Straubinger Saal restaurant delights guests with a modern interpretation of Austrian-French cuisine, while the exclusive spa, divided into seven concept worlds, promises a holistic retreat for those seeking luxury and relaxation.

The integration of the hotel concept into its surroundings further enhances its appeal. Situated in the heart of Bad Gastein’s historical center, the Grand Hotel Straubinger revitalizes Straubingerplatz as a vibrant hub for visitors and locals alike. The new pool landscape, offering panoramic views of the Gastein Valley and the nearby waterfall, exemplifies the hotel’s commitment to immersing guests in the natural beauty of its surroundings.

The renovation and revitalization embody a holistic approach that is beneficial to both people and the planet, significantly contributing to society with a strong commitment to inclusive design, sustainability, and carbon footprint reduction. Strategies to maximize the re-use of materials have been implemented, and the original fabric of the building was preserved where possible.

Historical elements such as walls, doors, and fixtures have been carefully restored, reducing the need for new materials and minimizing waste. This approach not only conserves resources, but also maintains the authenticity and charm of the hotel’s heritage.

Technical sheet

Client: Straubingerplatz Immobilien GmbH

Project data

Completion: autumn 2023

Address: Straubingerplatz 2–4, 5640 Bad Gastein, Austria

GFA: approx. 19,000 m² for Hotel Grand Straubinger and Hotel Badeschloss, Straubinger only: 9800 ㎡

 

BWM team 

Erich Bernard, Markus Kaplan, Peter Foschi, Marlene Gesierich, Martina Lehner, Claus Hasslinger, Elisabeth Albenberger, Ismail Berkel, Maximilian Fasslabend, Lena Hainzinger, Tanja Hainzl, Clemens Hörl, Marlies Klauser, Ales Kosak, Sonja Leitgeb, Massimiliano Marian, Elisabeth Morillo-Napetschnig, Fridolin Öhlinger, Tjasa Rus

 

 

Project partners

Design-build / interior design: BWM Designers & Architects 

Brand strategy and branding: moodley brand identity

Execution planning: zwei Architekten

Construction supervision: edelmueller.architektur.management

Structural design: Gschwandtl & Lindlbauer ZT GmbH

Building services engineering: Ingenieurbüro Lothar Mayer GmbH

Construction physics: TAS Bauphysik GmbH

Fire protection: Norbert Rabl Ziviltechniker GmbH

Construction coordination: Lackinger BauKO GmbH 

Historical architectural expert opinion:  EIDOS Architektur ZT GmbH

Surveyor: Gernot Fleischmann

Landscape planning: Simma Zimmermann Landschaftsarchitektinnen OG

F&B consulting: Baysics, Georges Desrues

Lighting design: Pokorny Lichtarchitektur

Carpet design/guidance system contributor: Gabriele Bruner

Interior styling concept: Atelier Peter Weisz, together with BWM Designers & Architects

Art concept: BWM in cooperation with Andrea von Goetz of Schwanenfliess

 

About BWM Designers & Architects

BWM Designers & Architects is an award-winning architecture office that operates throughout Europe. The firm’s main areas of focus are architecture, interior design, narrative design, and hospitality. Founded in 2004, and led by Erich Bernard, Daniela Walten, Johann Moser, Markus Kaplan, and András Klopfer, the company and its multinational, 70-member team stand for a personal approach and a cooperative development process. Whether designing interior spaces, residential and urban construction projects, or museum and exhibition concepts, BWM Designers & Architects always collaborate with clients in strategic workshops to work out a specific project’s unique formal language and the corresponding design concept.

www.bwm.at/en