H'Otello
6. mars 2021
© O&O Baukunst Köln GmbH
The hotel is situated in a prime location. On the roof terrace you can feel the proximity to the cathedral. When the sliding windows are opened, small doorways are created that offer a view of historic Cologne, the WDR buildings, the Rudolf Schwarz buildings and the Cologne Opera House.
Location: Cologne city centre
Client: H’ Group Munich
Competition: Invited competition 2016
Project status: Completed competition
Function: Hotel, retail on the first floor
BGF: 3,500 m²
The new boutique hotel H’Otello was to be built in Cologne’s old town in the immediate vicinity of the cathedral. The design of the building is restrained and ties into the historical location, while at the same time being architecturally independent and asserting itself in the heterogeneous context.
For O&O Baukunst, the site-specific approach is of great relevance. The design of the offices is characterised by a reference to the architectural context and the history of the city. This is also the case in the new construction of the H’Otello hotel. The building takes up the colour patina of the historic façades of the old town, which are built with Weiberner Tuff. The lightness of the 1950s architecture is also reflected in the design. The defining element of the façade is the French windows, which are in gold and bronze tones and alternate with finely structured concrete panes. These floor-to-ceiling windows offer the hotel guests a direct visual connection with the city.
The building stands on slightly haunched supports that form an arcade-like forecourt. The hotel entrance is oriented towards Wallrafplatz. An illuminated forecourt with canopy leads to the hotel lobby.
