Conference Hotel

From Renaissance to modern hospitality

Power, Decay, and Reconstruction

The history of Raesfeld Castle dates back to the early 12th century. It was owned by the Lords of Raesfeld and came into the possession of those of Velen at the end of the 16th century.
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1643-1658, the Imperial Count Alexander II of Velen, the “Westphalian Wallenstein”, let the castle become a residential palace in Renaissance style expand. In the first half of the 18th century, the von Velen zu Raesfeld family died out. The castle was only inhabited irregularly and gradually fell into disrepair.

At the beginning of the 19th century, parts of the complex were demolished or used as an agricultural estate until the 20th century. Of the former four wings of the castle, only the west wing with the distinctive stepped tower and the adjacent old building to the north with a rebuilt round tower remain.
After the Second World War, the Chambers of Crafts in the State of North Rhine-Westphalia had the remains restored as new owners. Today, the castle is the seat of the continuing education facility of the Chambers of Crafts and is used for cultural events and as a restaurant.

from: Münsterland. The good life. Tourism: Raesfeld Castle

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This project involved a feasibility study with the aim of further strengthening the profile of Raesfeld Castle.

In addition to a variety of culinary offerings, shops and series of events, the concept of a new hotel location in relation to the historic backdrop was intended to further expand the potential of the complex.

In particular, the continuing education and training facilities of the Chambers of Crafts should benefit from this.

The geometry of the building is clearly structured. The three-story structure is cleverly concealed by sinking the lower floor. Only a two-storey building can be seen from afar. The glass joint gives the building a lightness, which is particularly accentuated in the evenings with accent lighting.

The 40 hotel rooms are located on the two floors above ground. The basement houses the training and seminar rooms with the necessary accompanying rooms.

The concept idea deliberately omitted a breakfast and dining room in order to include the surrounding restaurants in the planning.

The building takes on the orientation of the main castle. If the clear building language deliberately stands out from the residential palace in Renaissance style, the different buildings find unity through the choice of materials and color.