Ulrich Stefan Knoll

Open House Blueprints of the Unpredictable

Mysterious light and darkness meet endless horizons and perspectives. Trevarefabrikken, the long-term project of two pairs of Norwegian brothers on the Lofoten Islands, may be called a hotel or a social hub, but it is much more.

⟶

In Conversation Sigurd Larsen: Architecture Is More Than the Shell

Architect Sigurd Larsen sees himself as a designer of form – accordingly, his concepts often extend far beyond the mere building shell. Find out below what attracts him to hospitality projects and what strategies he has developed for various locations and requirements.

⟶

In Conversation Charles O. Job: The Art of Joining

We spoke with the Swiss designer about attitude and curiosity – and about his fascinating journey from architecture and urban planning to design, from Lagos via London to Zurich and beyond.

⟶

In Conversation Anarchy requires a sense of duty: Peter Haimerl

We interviewed one of Bavaria’s most renowned architects about freedom and responsibility, skills (also ones that are lacking), the architectural world’s comfort zone and the future of living in honeycombs.

⟶

In Conversation Interview with Harry Thaler: “I love challenges!”

His Pressed Chair made the South Tyrolean designer world renowned. We asked him what he would most like to design, why craft is worth the effort, and how he and his wife like the experience of being hosts.

⟶

In Conversation When property owners say no, we do the opposite: Johanne and Lena Nalbach

In our latest interview, we spoke to Johanne and Lena Nalbach from Nalbach + Nalbach. They talked about the pitfalls of architecture and the hotel business, their appetite for spontaneity and flawed nostalgia.

⟶

Positions Further on there’s no way forward

There are places that have fallen into a deep sleep or have never been on the tourist radar. Photographer Olaf Unverzart presents one such place in his new photo book: the Upper Palatinate. An unflinching portrait of his homeland.

⟶

In Conversation Jonathan Tuckey: “Building new things wasn’t in my DNA”

Friday afternoon – time for a phone call! This time, London calling. A reflective conversation with Jonathan Tuckey, founder of Tuckey Design Studio, about his convictions, architectural influences, beer brewing and the charm of hand drawings.

⟶

In Conversation Kasper Egelund (Vipp): »My whole concept grew out of failure«

Time for a chat! We talked to Kasper Egelund, third generation co-owner and CEO of the Danish design brand Vipp about architecture, design and his passion for holiday houses.

⟶

Materials NEWood: Mycelium Miracle for the Building Industry

Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology are developing NEWood, a new class of bio-based materials. The goal is to create a recyclable alternative to conventional MDF, OSB and particle boards.

⟶

Open House Intuitive souls, dedicated foodies and passionate hosts: Anke and Felix Krohmer

There are countless ways to become a host, even for career changers, as Anke and Felix Krohmer’s journey demonstrates. Their recipe for success? A blend of passion, perseverance and a keen instinct – especially for the right architect.

⟶

In Conversation Art in architecture between experiment and pure irrationality

First Meisterzimmer, now Feuer & Flamme – applying their artistic approach, Jana Gunstheimer and Manfred Mülhaupt create idiosyncratic accommodation with their installations. But how does it actually come about and how do the two of them work? Time for a conversation.

⟶

Positions Progressive Province: The future lies in the countryside

With rural exodus, vacancy and stagnation in daily life, what are the options? An interview with town planner, visionary and ex-journalist Frederik Fischer, who has been revitalising rural areas for years.

⟶

Positions Experimentation and perseverance: Living Architecture

In this interview, Mark Robinson reveals why the British initiative is still setting standards after more than 15 years, what exactly it is and why it is more than just ‘an affair’.

⟶

Positions Best of Modernism: Iconic Houses

For more than a decade the platform has been the guide par excellence to modern house museums worldwide. In this interview, founder Natascha Drabbe explains what else the network can accomplish.

⟶

ArchiveInspirations Bon appétit!

As we all know, food tastes best in company. We have put together some recommendations for those who like to dine in large groups – from accommodation with a large communal kitchen to houses with a table d'hôte.

⟶

Positions Tourist infrastructure as a location factor

Reiner Nagel, Chairman of the Board of the Federal Foundation of Baukultur, in interview on golden energy, the cultural relevance of tourism architecture and his personal holiday preferences.

⟶

Open House Silent beauty in the Blue Land: DIRINGLO

With the Diringlo, an architect and an entrepreneur have preserved a historical gem of southern Bavarian residential culture, embedded in one of the most beautiful natural and cultural landscapes in Upper Bavaria.

⟶

Open House Not afraid to leave gaps

Entrepreneurs Birgit and Mathias Mahnke have dedicated themselves to the creative revitalisation of old industrial properties in eastern Germany and have skilfuly proven that coincidence can be planned.

⟶

ArchiveInspirations City Whispers

After an intense summer, we’re slowly retreating indoors. But before we finally settle in, let’s embark on an autumnal cultural journey through various metropolitan cities.

⟶

Positions Guiding Architects: Seeing the world through different eyes

Interview - Guiding Architects has been an institution for 20 years when it comes to exploring cities and regions under the expert guidance of architects.

⟶

One Picture Picturesque River Deity

The editor of our online magazine sometimes sits at his desk as if enchanted by the beguiling song of the sirens. And dreams himself back to the Middle Ages.

⟶

Open House Alpenloge: Sophisticated composition of cuisine, design and hospitality

Off the beaten track, the boutique hotel in Western Allgäu combines subtly composed rooms with elaborate culinary delights and emphatic hosts. You will find plenty of peace here, but fortunately no events.

⟶

One Picture Silent Expanses

The editor of our online magazine has been dreaming of a trip to Scotland for years. In the third part of the new series, he reveals where this fascination comes from.

⟶

Open House Hermitage Sykaminea — Hub of creativity

In the Hermitage on Lesbos, a long-term project by German-born visual artist Andreas Sell, small teams find a project space for meetings or workshops that goes far beyond the scope of dull event rooms.

⟶

Positions New holiday architecture: Andrea Gebhard in conversation

What role can holiday homes play in times of crisis and what could a “new” holiday architecture possibly look like? We talked about this with Andrea Gebhard, President of the Federal Chamber of Architects in Germany. And we also found out what true holiday happiness means to her.

⟶

ArchiveOpen House Gem on the dyke: Tetenbüllspieker

High in northern Germany, André and Sebastian Schäfer have lovingly restored a centuries-old storehouse on the Eiderstedt peninsula. Their guests can explore the Wadden Sea World Heritage Area and discover the immense freedom of the endless horizon.

⟶

Positions Bridging the gap between history and modernity in Switzerland

The Swiss Foundation for Holidays in a Historical Building has been working at the interface between tourism and the conservation of historical buildings by promoting the preservation of historically significant buildings. Threatened architectural monuments are revived as holiday properties after gentle restoration.

⟶

Open House Alpine romanticism without kitsch: Schilana 80

In the upper Inn valley rests a 300-year-old Engadine house. In all serenity, it awaits and decelerates guests who appreciate built and lived authenticity in the Central Alps.

⟶

Open House Château de Sibra – Place of a thousand stories

At the foot of the Pyrenees, a Swiss architect has resurrected the Arcadia of a French industrialist couple in all its splendour. Castle suites, flats and a holiday home meet an enchanting park with mountain views. Bienvenue!

⟶

Positions Come on, let′s save a house!

We repeatedly receive enquiries from partners regarding the preservation of buildings worthy of protection. Here you will find a compilation of initiatives and organisations in Europe that are committed to preservation and after-use.

⟶

Positions A good picture is a shy deer

Interview: Artist and photographer Olaf Unverzart in conversation with URLAUBSARCHITEKTUR about photography, freedom, distance and architecture.

⟶

Positions Design, nature and species protection in the holiday home garden

Interview with German garden designer Rainer Elstermann about "the" perfect garden, the special requirements in the rental sector and the "New German Style".

⟶

Positions Holidays and Holiday Homes: Interview with Axel Hacke

A conversation about the experiences and challenges of owning a holiday home, the dimension of vacation beyond the mere "recreational setting" and the happiness of harvesting olives.

⟶

Open House Much light and in praise of the shadow: Quartier Wieck

Two elaborate holiday homes on the Baltic Sea - reduced, modern and conceived with love for Japan and Scandinavia. Breathe a sigh of relief at the edge of a National Park, contemporary art included.

⟶

Positions You can (still) pack your bags and go home!

Travel can inform and educate, but many destinations no longer want visitors at any cost.

⟶

Positions Controversy: I (don’t) want a holiday home!

Whether one's own holiday home is more of an anchor or a prison is a matter of widely differing opinions, even among the HOLIDAYARCHITECTURE team.

⟶

ArchiveOpen House Not a conservation, but a conversation

For years, we have been closely associated with the Czech designer Daniela Hradilová. We followed the creation of her second house, which has only just been published by us, almost in real time: Mezi Lukami - the making-of.

⟶

Open House The Good Fairies of the Kanisfluh: Temple 74 Apartments

Repeat offenders - With "Tempel 74", hostess Evi Haller and her husband, architect Jürgen Haller, have once again created a holiday highlight in the architectural eldorado of the Bregenzerwald.

⟶

Open House Feel history, discover world cultural heritage, breathe the forest air: parkchâlet potsdam

Holidays on the outskirts of the capital city and at the same time remote and dreamy - in a lake-rich park landscape of world heritage status. Alpine romance in Prussia, reinterpreted.

⟶

ArchiveOpen House Living in style: PURESLeben Holiday Homes

Dietmar Silly, host of the PURESLeben holiday homes, has matured over the years into a kind of supervisor in all things relating to Southern Styrian hospitality culture and architecture.

⟶

ArchiveOpen House The right measure: architecture, culinary delights and host culture at the Krone in Hittisau

From the sun terrace of the Krone in Hittisau, the view sweeps over the central square of the small Bregenzerwald community as if from an opera box.

⟶

ArchiveOpen House Every room is a flowery artwork: Baixa House

Right in the centre of Lisbon, more precisely in the Baixa district in the heart of the old town, which is under a preservation order, and therefore very close to famous places such as the Praça do Comércio square on the banks of the Tagus, URLAUBSARCHITEKTUR has had a very popular holiday accommodation for many years: the Baixa House.

⟶

ArchiveOpen House Sublimity, avant-garde and elegance: The Kranich Hotel

When talking to hostess Dr. Bettina Klein, who welcomes guests on an estate comprising a small hotel, a museum and a café in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, this immediately seems to be a sufficiently apt, albeit generalising description of the landlady herself.

⟶

ArchiveOpen House Besides Outside: B&B Haidl-Madl in the Bavarian Forest

If you’re the wellness type or looking for a jet-set holiday, B&B Haidl-Madl Ferienwohnen isn’t the place for you. Here on the Bavarian-Bohemian border, there are so many things you won't find: noise, air pollution, heavy traffic, and agricultural monocultures. There’s no television in the house, no permanent accessibility, and quite deliberately no “events” put on by the hosts.

⟶

ArchiveOpen House Hideaways, lookouts & open space: the Vulkaneifel houses

The Vulkaneifel (Volcanic Eifel) in western Germany is often underestimated as a tourist destination. Despite its good accessibility from the surrounding metropolitan regions and the Benelux countries, it is still far away from the major tourist flows.

⟶

ArchiveOpen House Anti-Wellness, wonderful: The Tannerhof

When a holiday destination stays with you long after you’ve visited, but you can’t quite pinpoint why – well, then it's quite possible that you’ve been to visit the Tannerhof in Bayrischzell, Upper Bavaria. And it may be a sign that you should start trusting your instincts.

⟶

ArchiveOpen House Family Ties – The Taxhof and the Aufberg Houses

High above Bruck at the Großglocknerstraße in the Austrian Pinzgau lives and works since 1687 family Unterberger. With their guests they share not only the fantastic location with a view of the Hohe Tauern, the Kitzsteinhorn and down into the Salzach valley. But also four architectural highlights up to a tree house, which happily combine tradition and modernity in very different ways.

⟶

ArchiveOpen House Bildstein and its Mesmerhaus: A mesmerising powerhouse above Lake Constance

Bildstein in Vorarlberg, Austria. This location with its view of Lake Constance and the Alpine Rhine estuary will evoke breath-taking images in your mind even whilst planning your holiday there.

⟶

ArchiveOpen House A great cinematic experience in the High Tauern mountains: Hotel Hinteregger

The Grossglockner sits enthroned in the heart of the “High Tauern“, Central Europe’s largest national park. Even if it is surrounded by more than 300 other mountains over 3000 metres, it surpasses them all in height and majesty.

⟶

ArchiveOpen House Aurora aeterna — the Seehotel am Neuklostersee

Once a farm, and from 1975 a guest house for citizens of former East Germany, the Seehotel am Neuklostersee near Wismar has been welcoming a wide range of guests from near and far for two-and-a-half decades.

⟶

ArchiveOpen House Villa Zoé – A gateway to other worlds

For 15 years, Daniela Keil ran her own travel agency in Mannheim, organising luxury tours throughout the world. During this time, she was literally always on the move, discovering the most beautiful places on every continent.

⟶

ArchiveOpen House Four times freedom – the Meisterzimmer in Leipzig

The early morning view from the giant picture windows is one of endless brick façades, rail tracks and a yard, with an expansive sky looking down over it all. Before my eyes, artists wander in and meet the cameras of the day’s first tourists. ...

⟶

ArchiveOpen House W is for wakened by a kiss – Waren Water Tower

You just can’t help thinking of Rapunzel the first time you see this building. That said, this water tower was designed at the end of the 19th century for purely functional purposes. ...

⟶

ArchiveOpen House New life for an old church

Anke Nuxoll-Oster is a DIY enthusiast. She stumbled on her first house by chance, before devoting herself passionately to rescuing old buildings and letting them to guests. ...

⟶

More from Ulrich Stefan Knoll