The Noxx Hotel in Marburg has opened its doors, blending history and modernity as it symbolises the transformation of an industrial monument into a vibrant hub.
With a history dating back to the 19th century, Marburg’s locomotive shed endured decades of decay until the site was acquired in 2017 by entrepreneur Gunter Schneider, with an aim to transform it into a meeting place that preserves the industrial past while also offering space for today’s needs.
Today, as part of the lifestyle district around the historic locomotive depot, the area includes not just the Noxx Hotel but also event venues, coworking spaces, restaurants and a startup hub.
Inspired by the ‘Genius Loci’ – the spirit of the place – the historic locomotive shed and its industrial past served as a major influence for Studio Aberja, who led the interior design. Warm tones from the brick walls, combined with the patina of aged steel elements, shaped the design and colour choices. A particularly striking feature is the semi-circular washbasin made of bent black steel, reminiscent of a locomotive boiler, visually linking the design to the building’s history.
Beyond the locomotive shed, design was also inspired by the technical mindset and deep-rooted passion for mechanical engineering of owner Schneider. His enthusiasm for innovative solutions is reflected in the impressive feat of constructing six additional floors atop the historic hall while carefully preserving the original masonry with an advanced support system.
Rather than being concealed, these structural supports are deliberately showcased, becoming an integral part of the design concept. Furniture elements, like the bench seating at the foot of the beds, echo the structural forms and reinterpret them in a new light.
In the lobby and breakfast area, the 24 round columns seamlessly merge with the space through integrated seating, tables, shelves and striking lighting elements, forming a sculptural centrepiece that pays tribute to industrial machines. The thoughtfully chosen colours and materials of the built-in furniture help temper the industrial aesthetic, achieving a harmonious level of abstraction.
This tribute to engineering is also reflected in the exclusive graphic series Studio Aberja created for Noxx – historical drawings of machines, recombined to form unique, standalone artworks. Particularly fascinating is the play with symmetry and the deliberate breaking of it in select areas.
Another fundamental aspect of their work was the role of lighting-its many nuances and how it balances the interplay between the historic and modern elements of the building, ultimately shaping the ambiance of the interior. As such, the Noxx Signature Light, designed by Studio Aberja and crafted by Schneider, was created, featuring a parametrically designed wave structure that merges with a precisely engineered light source, combining aesthetic elegance with innovative craftsmanship.
The 82-key hotel consists of a historic ground-floor building topped with six new floors – a technically challenging construction. The ground floor houses the lobby, restaurant, and several seminar rooms.
The first floor features a gym and six guestrooms, with the additional 76 guestrooms – spanning categories such as essential, comfort, loft and suite – contained on the second to fifth floors. The nine suites, equipped with small kitchenettes, are particularly suited for long-term guests. The sixth floor offers more seminar rooms, a hotel bar and a spacious rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Marburg and its castle.
Studio Aberja’s approach combines functionality with aesthetics, while considering both the architectural structure and the building’s historical identity. The hotel’s complex and diverse architectural structure resulted in a variety of different room layouts. Standardised, built-in furniture such as shelves and wardrobes creates a sense of uniformity across the guestrooms, while maintaining a high degree of individual character.
With sustainability playing a crucial role, the hotel meets the 55-EE standard, consuming 45% less energy than legally required for new buildings. This significant reduction is achieved through a combination of modern technologies, including high-efficiency heat pumps, a photovoltaic system, district heating and superior insulation.
In addition, an intelligent building management system continuously monitors and automatically adjusts temperature, ventilation and lighting based on real-time conditions, ensuring optimal energy use while maintaining a high level of comfort for guests.
