A golden stag in a china shop: Villeroy & Boch

Increasingly, it is the smaller luxury hotel being sought out by the design-loving traveller. One such, is the Hotel Goldener Hirsch in Salzburg’s famous Getreidegasse, an architectural gem that, with its newly renovated interior, sets the highest of standards both outside and in. Upgrades include modern, beautifully designed bathrooms, which impress with features such as the ViClean-I 100 shower-toilet from Villeroy & Boch – a bathroom fixture with much more to it than meets the eye.


A brilliant sheen

In recent months, this both historic as well as protected building has received a polish – the final details of which were put in place just in time for the reopening of its doors before festival season. This luxury hotel, steeped in tradition, has always accommodated illustrious guests, but even a respectable old lady may at some point come to need a little facelift. The proprietor, Hans-Peter Wild, initially planned to undertake just a minor renovation, but then ultimately decided to make a more comprehensive job of it. A modest construction project became a mammoth task, one only compounded by an archaeological find, unearthed during excavation work in the cellar. But all the efforts made were worth it in every respect: the Goldener Hirsch now shines in all its old, new splendour.

Complete reset

This melding of past and future has been a real success. Craftsmanship was accorded the highest priority, as the key aim of the project was to maintain the original character of the building. This is ensured in part by the 120 restored items of furniture, which are complemented by 1,500 newly purchased pieces, that in turn provide a modern touch. One look confirms that no expense has been spared – for the guests of this hotel, nothing but the best will do. The new facilities also encompass the bathrooms of the 64 rooms and six suites which, freshly refurbished, hold any number of amenities in store for the guests.

It was in this splendid context, that the happy collaboration with Villeroy & Boch unfolded, resulting in a unique co-branding project. For example, in the hotel’s restaurant, meals are served exclusively on Villeroy & Boch porcelain, and what’s more, on plates created especially for this one-of-a-kind hotel: the distinctive stag gracing the premium bone china Stella Vogue and Stella Hotel collections immediately catches the eye.

Revolootion

Among the features of the newly designed bathrooms are the curved, oval-shaped undercounter washbasins from the Evana collection, set in washstand tops made of red Adnet marble. An essential element is the ViClean-I 100 shower-toilet from Villeroy & Boch, which is much more than just a visual highlight. The shower-toilet isn’t recognisable from the outside as such, as its technical workings are elegantly integrated within the ceramic. What meets the eye is clear, crisp geometry that is absolutely striking, and which blends perfectly with the bathroom’s purist spatial aesthetic. The unparalleled elegance and discretion of the ViClean-I 100 set it clearly apart from other shower-toilet models.

The inconspicuous nozzle, almost invisible, hides under the seat and provides a pleasant feeling of freshness and cleanliness every time the toilet is used. And the ViClean-I 100 is a particular eye-catcher when closed: as part of its co-branding venture, Villeroy & Boch created a special, ultra-flat design for the lid, complete with understated hotel logo.

Cleaning is done with fresh water directly from the nozzle. Its HarmonicWave shower jet incorporates lateral wave motions which, in combination with the gentle forward and backward movement of the nozzle, make for perfect cleansing. The ViClean-I 100 also has a five-step temperature scale and various individually adjustable settings for the type, strength and position of the water jet. And naturally, the water is immediately supplied at the desired temperature. In this way, the act of washing becomes a moment of refreshing enjoyment.

All well in hand

The comfort of the ViClean-I 100 isn’t limited to sitting and washing, but also extends to its operation and control, which are extremely intuitive and user-friendly. The clearly conceived remote control with its self-explanatory design, delivers freshness at the push of a button. One touch is all it takes to begin the cleansing process. Cleaning the ViClean-I 100 is also especially easy, thanks to the quick-release mechanism of the seat, smooth surfaces, rimless DirectFlush and stain-resistant CeramicPlus coating. After use, the nozzle retracts into its ceramic housing, where it rests, flush with the surface, protected from any outward soiling. In addition, It self-cleans after each use.

The ViClean-I 100 is a thoroughly sustainable product: all of its individual parts are developed and manufactured in Europe. It is also available in the Black Edition, fully in step with the current trend towards the use of black ceramic.

© Architonic