Historic 1322 Wooden House in Steinen to Be Converted into Hotel

The former Adler inn in Steinen, located in the canton of Schwyz, is to be converted into a hotel following structural research that confirmed the building dates back to 1322. Property owner Beat Auf der Maur, who operates a timber construction business, initiated the conversion plan after experts identified key historic elements inside the structure.

During an architectural inspection, building researcher Ulrike Gollnick discovered a stone wall containing ash remains from the original construction period in 1322. Gollnick, who has evaluated roughly 500 historic properties, confirmed that documenting an intact medieval hearth from a building's initial construction phase is unprecedented, as heating areas are typically altered during subsequent renovations over the centuries. Canton Schwyz heritage conservator Monika Twerenbold noted that the surrounding Schwyz valley basin contains approximately 70 log structures built around 1300, making them some of the oldest surviving wooden residential buildings in Europe. Architect Jean-Jacques Auf der Maur stated that the structural integrity of the timber framing demonstrates exceptional 14th-century craftsmanship.

Adapting the medieval timber building for commercial accommodation requires individual technical solutions to meet current regulatory standards. Jean-Jacques Auf der Maur explained that applying standard modern building codes directly to the protected structure is not feasible. Engineers and preservationists must reconcile fire safety regulations with heritage requirements, such as maintaining 700-year-old wooden doors, while simultaneously addressing acoustic insulation and load-bearing requirements.

The project involves significant capital expenditure. Beat Auf der Maur has already spent approximately 1.2 million Swiss francs on initial structural stabilization to secure the building envelope. The subsequent renovation and hotel conversion are projected to cost an additional 3 to 4 million francs. As the property is classified as a protected historical site, the owner is eligible for financial contributions from both cantonal and federal authorities, and plans to apply for additional support from private foundations to complete the project financing.

Written by Thorben Thiede thorben.thiede@alpineweekly.com