Chrüter & Choller

The young successors in the management of the hotel have introduced new ideas and concepts to the traditional establishment. “Chrüter & Choller” is the refurbished hotel bar, and is quite the exciting attraction in Wildhaus with its Blues & Bourbon and bluesy live music.

In addition to the new scheme for the bar, the hotelier pair have developed a new design concept together with the architectural firm Bänziger Lutze from Berneck, St Gallen. This is how the once outmoded alpine charm is to make its grand comeback in the hotel. When the hotel bar suffered water damage in 2015, it was in urgent need of repair, presenting the perfect opportunity for implementing the new concept. The mixture of modern and rustic styles is particularly prevalent. In addition to using ample wood, the architects have created a cosy atmosphere through sober colours and subdued lighting. "Some hotels have gone over the top with the alpine charm, creating the "ultra-alpine charm" so to speak. We tried to find a modern middle ground way for incorporating the deer – so it is more like “Alpstein-chic”, says Björn Lutze from Bänziger Lutze. To create a modern element, the architects have installed retro furniture from the German manufacturer Zeitraum. It is made from solid wood and the different coloured upholstery adds fresh colour accents to the room making the whole atmosphere more relaxed.

"Trendpark Oak 35" from Bauwerk Parquet was installed on the bar floor. "Bauwerk is a regional manufacturer and the look of the floor is exactly what we were after," explains the architect. The brushed parquet has a top layer of natural oiled oak. The "35" in the product name indicates a stronger grain of wood, which accentuates the natural, alpine character. The value for money this parquet represents is also spot on: "We have already had very good experiences with this product in other projects. The floor still keeps looking great even years later,"adds Björn Lutze.

Michael Max Müller employed the services of a photographer friend to create an understandable image of the bar. A variety of blues musicians were photographed in the Toggenburg landscape and against a backdrop of traditional Swiss architecture while playing music. The project is proof of just how well new ideas fit together with old traditions.

The successful renovation of the Blues Bar “Chrüter & Choller” is testament to how perfectly the design fits in with the hotel and the Toggenburg region. The hotelier family Müller-Walt plans to renovate the public areas of Hotel Hirschen together with the architects at Bänziger Lutze based on the new design concept. "Trendpark Oak 35" will be used for the floors throughout the hotel.