A prestigious state-level architectural award has been bestowed upon w30 Bauplanung und Innenarchitektur GmbH, an architecture firm based in Waidhofen an der Ybbs, for their exceptional renovation work on the Sonnentor Stadt-Lofts project in Zwettl. The firm received the Award for Exemplary Building in Lower Austria, recognizing their innovative approach to combining historical preservation with modern architectural interventions.
The award-winning project transformed a deteriorating 13th-century residential building that had been given protected monument status into five vacation apartments, along with a communal area and seminar space. The building, which had been left to decay over time, presented significant challenges that the w30 architecture team successfully addressed through their comprehensive renovation concept. The project stands as a testament to the possibility of breathing new life into historical structures while respecting their architectural heritage.
On Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the annual State Award for Exemplary Building in Lower Austria was presented to this year's winners. The renovation concept developed by w30 masterfully combines the building's historic architectural elements with carefully planned modern interventions, creating a harmonious blend of old and new. One of the project's most distinctive features is a walkway in the courtyard that provides access to the medieval city wall of Zwettl, offering guests a unique connection to the area's historical significance.
The selection process for this year's awards was rigorous, with a seven-member expert jury evaluating 52 submitted projects according to strict criteria. The winning projects represented diverse building types, including educational facilities, a private residential house, an accommodation business, a commercial building, and an event venue. The Sonnentor Stadt-Lofts project stood out among these varied submissions for its exceptional approach to historical preservation combined with functional modern design.
Since its establishment in 1955, the Award for Exemplary Building in Lower Austria has been recognizing innovative architectural projects that set new standards in the field. This year marked the 60th anniversary of the award program, a milestone that State Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner used to highlight the exemplary impact and long-standing tradition of the recognition. She particularly praised the commitment and engagement shown by the building owners who invest in such transformative projects.
Governor Mikl-Leitner emphasized the broader significance of such architectural achievements, stating that these projects encourage looking beyond conventional approaches and influence norms and values that extend far beyond their immediate function. She noted that through sustainable functionality and high-quality design of living spaces, these projects contribute to the continued development of society as a whole. The governor's remarks underscored the important role that thoughtful architecture plays in shaping communities and preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
