---
title: "Get to the top sparingly"
url: "https://www.stylepark.com/en/news/schindler-aquaturm-sparingly-heights-designhotel"
language: "en"
type: "article"
description: "With the Schindler 5500 lift the guests of the design hotel \"AquaTurm\" reach the heights of the zero-energy skyscraper with up to three meters per second. More:"
published: "2017-10-02T00:00:00+02:00"
modified: "2026-09-24T05:44:26+02:00"
authors: ["Anna Moldenhauer"]
image: "https://www.stylepark.com/assets/transformations/articles/_1410xAUTO_fit_center-center_90_none/TS_QF_Schindler_170929_151042.jpg"
---

# Get to the top sparingly

The heights of the “AquaTurm” design hotel in Radolfzell can be effortlessly scaled by Schindler elevator.

10/2/2017

![The “AquaTurm Hotel plus Energie” produces electricity completely independently.](https://www.stylepark.com/assets/transformations/articles/_1410xAUTO_crop_center-center_82_none/Schindler-Aquaturm-Designhotel-Stylepark.2.jpg)

The “AquaTurm Hotel plus Energie” produces electricity completely independently. Photo: Schindler

The first zero-energy high-rise in the world stands on the shores of Lake Constance: In idyllic Radolfzell architect Norman Räffle has converted the former water tower into a design hotel. The "AquaTurm Hotel plus Energie" produces electricity completely independently. During the eight years required for the conversion, the project received support from the Federal Ministry of the Environment as a demonstration plant.

Guests reach the 20 rooms with their panorama view are reached using a Schindler 5500 elevator. The cabin design reflects the tower's techy outside appearance: It consists entirely of stainless steel, with futuristic ceilings and LEDs, emphasizing not only a sense of security but of aesthetic appeal, too. As regards efficiency and eco-awareness, the elevator is certainly a match for the building: The weight of the drives and suspension media has been reduced by 50 percent compared to customary plant using steel cables, thus minimizing the energy consumption. To this end, the elevator relies on energy recovery to transform braking energy into power. Thanks to this technology, it requires 30 percent less energy than conventional elevators. Yet at up to three meters a second, you get even to the 11th floor super-quickly. Where the terrace and lounge, open all day, give you a grand view out over nearby Lake Constance. (am)

- [Schindler](https://www.stylepark.com/en/manufacturer/schindler)

![The architect Norman Räffle transformed the former water tower into a design hotel in an eight-year construction phase.](https://www.stylepark.com/assets/transformations/articles/_1410xAUTO_crop_center-center_82_none/Schindler-Aquaturm-Designhotel-Stylepark.jpg)

The architect Norman Räffle transformed the former water tower into a design hotel in an eight-year construction phase. Photo: Schindler

![The Schindler 5500 generates power by energy recovery.](https://www.stylepark.com/assets/transformations/articles/_690xAUTO_crop_center-center_82_none/Aquaturm-Radolfzell-Designhotel-Stylepark.jpg)

The Schindler 5500 generates power by energy recovery. Photo: Schindler

![Aesthetic view: The interior of the elevator, which is held in stainless steel, is set in scene with a futuristic ceiling design and LED lighting.](https://www.stylepark.com/assets/transformations/articles/_690xAUTO_crop_center-center_82_none/Schindler-Aquaturm-Lift-Stylepark.jpg)

Aesthetic view: The interior of the elevator, which is held in stainless steel, is set in scene with a futuristic ceiling design and LED lighting. Photo: Schindler

![Easy to read: The Schindler 5500 displays are user-friendly.](https://www.stylepark.com/assets/transformations/articles/_690xAUTO_crop_center-center_82_none/Schindler-Designhotel-Stylepark.jpg)

Easy to read: The Schindler 5500 displays are user-friendly. Photo: Schindler

![Symbiosis: The stainless steel handrails provide an additional sense of security.](https://www.stylepark.com/assets/transformations/articles/_690xAUTO_crop_center-center_82_none/Schindler-Aquaturm-Aufzug-Designhotel.jpg)

Symbiosis: The stainless steel handrails provide an additional sense of security. Photo: Schindler