Burgdorf Castle - A revitalized monument

Under the title "Dreierlei Wunderkammern" ("Three Chambers of Wonder"), the SIA journal TEC21 describes in its 11/2021 issue the transformation of Burgdorf Castle from administrative headquarters and prison to an inspiring meeting place for the population. At Grolimund+Partner AG, this project continued a series of extraordinary projects around well-known and protected castle buildings.

Burgdorf Castle is not only a historic building, but above all an important and impressive testimony to Bernese history. For more than 600 years it was the center of the Bernese regional administration. After a district reform, however, this ancestral use fell away in 2010. The mayor of Burgdorf then wanted to preserve the public availability and accessibility of the castle at all costs.

Schloss Burgdorf – Ein belebtes Denkmal Copyright photos: © menzfotografie.ch

The concept of an "open castle" by Atelier G+S from Burgdorf emerged from a competition. Under close supervision of the preservation of historical monuments, the complex was opened to all and with the interaction of museum, wedding room, youth hostel and gastronomy, a lively center of urban life was created.

When historic buildings are to be reconciled with modern requirements in the context of a conversion, special challenges often arise for building physics and sound insulation. Accordingly, Grolimund+Partner AG is proud of the results, including those in terms of room acoustics, which were achieved thanks to good cooperation in the planning team. We would like to thank the Burgdorf Castle Foundation as the client, the architectural staff and the rest of the planning team for this truly exceptional project.

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