HISTORY AND PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Losensteinleiten castle complex dates back to a former moated castle, which was extended and converted into a Renaissance castle in the 16th century. The complex remained in private ownership until the 20th century. Following the destruction during World War II, the complex was adapted for various public uses. A private grammar school with a boarding house, an agricultural college for girls, a retreat and educational centre, and its use as a nursing home characterised the structural changes of the 20th century. In recent years, the castle has been carefully restored and its appearance gradually returned to its historical state. From 2026, the complex will be available for new public and residential uses.

The Ergomax occupational therapy practice brings new life to the former stables in the north-eastern ground-floor wing. These were converted into a chapel and a gymnasium in the 20th century. Today, five therapy rooms offer children and young people a place where they can learn and develop their skills through targeted play and movement activities.

CONCEPT - Adventure Castle

The focus is on the child and their perception. The vaulted ceiling of the former stables spans the entire practice unit like a protective tent-like structure. Within it, the individual therapy rooms are arranged as self-contained wooden cubes, creating a child-friendly scale and providing a sheltered setting for focused therapeutic work. The former gymnasium retains its character and offers a wide range of opportunities for movement and play. .

IMPLEMENTATION

The historic premises have been extensively renovated and restored. Individual existing features have been preserved in accordance with conservation principles. Recent additions have been removed, allowing the former stables to regain their original size and spatial impact.

Light-coloured concrete floors and whitewashed walls provide a calm and understated backdrop for the freestanding spruce cubes constructed using timber-frame building techniques. The interiors of these cubes are clad in wood on five sides, creating a familiar, cosy atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling partition walls are complemented by mirrors at ceiling level, which visually extend the historic vault and enhance its trompe-l’œil effect throughout the entire space.

The staff area also follows the ‘room within a room’ principle. The carefully exposed barrel vault remains as a defining feature, whilst a compact functional unit with a kitchenette and adjoining toilet is positioned in the room as a separate structure. Energy is supplied via a central air-source heat pump system in combination with a shared photovoltaic system.