Renovation of Hörnli restaurant, Baden

The project
Prior to awarding the architectural contract for the restoration of the medieval building “Zum Gelbhorn” in the spa district of Baden, the canton of Aargau ordered a thorough archaeological investigation of the building. This revealed that the building had a history stretching back over 400 years. Analysis of dendrochronological samples dated the oldest wooden beams to 1558. After several renovations, the building had to undergo a complete refurbishment. Many of the existing floor slabs and all of the installations had to be renewed or replaced.

The construction method
The building was constructed using the methods typical of the period, with walls made of quarry stone and floors supported by wooden beams. The attic, a horizontal truss, was constructed entirely of wood.

The challenge
All floor slabs showed significant defects due to repeated modifications and had to be reinforced, extended, or modified. A supporting structure that meets today's requirements had to be installed in the existing, winding building.