Transformation of the Palace Hotel Scuol, a historic site in need of a new purpose and identity. Continued use as a 4-star hotel in its current form is not possible due to the difficult geographical location. Its location at the bottom of the valley is closely linked to the mineral springs on the other side of the river. The proximity to the springs, once an advantage, now leaves the complex isolated and without public transport. Instead, the site should be revitalised with a variety of uses. Central to the concept is the expansion of the art activities of the Fundaziun Nairs. Public spaces for exhibitions, conferences and seminars will be created in the garden and on the ground floor of the main hotel building. Another part will be converted into various types of apartments. The hotel rooms will remain on the top floor, supplemented by a communal kitchen. These rooms can be used for short stays at events lasting several days and as temporary accommodation for digital nomads. Semi-public spaces that are shared by the artists and residents will be created in the entire centre section. The mix of increased public use and housing for the local community, as well as temporary residences, should bring more life to the site all year round. 

T he intervention reduces the number of heated square metres, creating heated cells and zones of unheated intermediate climate. The thick stone masonry of the main building is complemented on the inside by a layer of insulation made from straw bales in a wooden frame construction. On the inside, the straw is plastered with a thick clay plaster and a heating system is integrated into the walls. The ceilings will remain in their current form and will only be opened up in the area of the insulation layer so that it can be continued between the ceiling beams. The existing windows will also be retained and a glazed door will be added on the inside, creating a climatic buffer in the space in between that can be utilised depending on the season. The plaster on the outside will be replaced with new off-white lime plaster. Wherever possible, existing interior walls, floors and wet rooms will be reused.