Erlenbad Resort, Sasbach | Germany

On the outskirts of Sasbach in the Black Forest, a former monastery was transformed into an extraordinary resort with luxurious residential and hotel accommodation. Today, the historic, four-sided building complex hosts an exclusive retirement home with more than 40 high-quality apartments as well as further residential and overnight accommodation options. The ensemble is supplemented by a newly designed restaurant in the inner courtyard. The aim of the redesign was to retain the character of a site that is steeped in tradition while simultaneously meeting modern requirements for comfort, functionality and design.

The two historic main buildings of the resort warrant special attention: the Palais Erlenbad, the former monastery for Franciscan Sisters as well as the Villa Erlenbad, which emerged from the former nursing home. Both buildings were comprehensively renovated under consideration of historic preservation principles and carefully adapted to their new usage. Generous room heights, restored stucco ceilings and classic proportions meet modern materials, high-quality surfaces and high-end technical equipment. There is thus a harmonious interplay of historic architecture and contemporary living concepts.

The design developed by Grossmann Architekten and Grossmann Interiors relies on a sensitive dialogue between the old and the new. While the historic areas retain their original elegance, clearly designed fittings, modern kitchen and bathroom solutions as well as carefully selected furniture ensure a contemporary atmosphere. This is particularly impressive in the spacious communal areas as well as the individually designed themed suites. The theatre and music suites cover an area of approx. 270 square metres and interpret the history of the house in an independent way, giving the resort an unmistakable identity.

The details have special significance in a former monastery whose history can still be felt to this today. With the switch range LS 990 in classic brass , the planners have consciously picked a material which has stood for intrinsic value, sustainability and handcrafted quality for centuries. The warm, gleaming surface harmonises ideally with the historic stucco work and high-quality wooden floors. This creates accents which have neither a historic nor deliberately contrasting effect but continue the dialogue between architectural heritage and contemporary living in an elegant way.

The Erlenbad Resort presents itself nowadays as a unique place situated between historic preservation and the present - an ensemble which makes history come to life and also meets the highest requirements for quality of life and well-being.