Hotel Astoria

Since 1949, Intersoc has organised affordable mountain holidays. In Badhof Gastein, near Salzburg, the organisation renovated and expanded an existing hotel to accommodate its growing activities. The intervention includes a new wing with 76 additional rooms and the reorganisation of public, logistical and staff facilities across the complex.

The ambition was to create a coherent and future-ready hotel structure that supports both seasonal tourism and the specific animation programmes characteristic of Intersoc.

The site required near-complete occupation to integrate the additional programme: expansion of the restaurant to 273 seats, a new multifunctional space with bar (150+ seats), three polyvalent activity rooms, children’s play and sleep areas, ski storage, parking and technical spaces.

The central architectural idea was to restore logistical balance between the existing hotel and the extension by relocating the heart of the complex to a new inner space between both wings. This multifunctional hub connects the lobby, restaurant and activity rooms and establishes a clear internal orientation. The main entrance was repositioned to the side street, reinforcing visibility and coherence within the streetscape.

Hotels depend on internal organisation. Public, semi-public and private zones are carefully structured to ensure efficient circulation, acoustic comfort and fire safety compliance. Back-of-house functions are strategically grouped to serve public areas without interfering with guest experience.

Existing spaces were reconfigured to maximise daylight and views towards the mountain landscape. The new central hall functions as a hinge between old and new, supporting both collective gatherings and independent activities.

The new wing reinterprets Austrian chalet architecture through restrained detailing and material unity. Cross-laminated timber (CLT), locally produced, is used both as primary structure and interior finish. Prefabricated solid timber modules enabled rapid assembly, even under challenging weather conditions, significantly reducing disruption.

The structural and finishing layers coincide, resulting in a calm, warm interior atmosphere. The lightweight yet robust modular system enhances adaptability, demountability and long-term resilience.

Each façade responds to its immediate context, creating varied elevations while maintaining unity through consistent material use. Timber cladding integrates the new volume into the mountainous backdrop, balancing contrast and continuity.

New terraces and reconfigured access zones reinforce the connection between interior functions and the surrounding landscape.