In the heart of Bozen the Hotel Jarolim, a symbol of hospitality and history since 1891, is reinventing itself without forgetting its roots. In a groundbreaking project signed by Studio AbrahamBonora, the historic building has seen its iconic structure restored with a renovation that combines the past and the future. The roof restoration, carried out in collaboration with PREFA, introduces an innovative, perfectly integrated photovoltaic system that respects the hotel’s original aesthetics and strict conservation guidelines, confirming how technology and artistic heritage can coexist harmoniously.

Hospitality from 1891 to today. With a history that dates back to 1891, Hotel Jarolim is an icon of hospitality in the heart of the South Tyrolean resort of Bressanone. Strategically located near the Brenner railway station, the hotel has witnessed the region’s turbulent history, passing through key historical moments and transformations that have forged its identity. Today, the hotel continues its tradition of excellence with a roof renovation project in perfect harmony with the historic aesthetics of the building, thanks to PREFA’s advanced and sustainable solutions.

Hotel Jarolim, originally called Hotel Bahnhof, was built thanks to the vision of Johann Jarolim and his wife Genoveva Amegg, who decided to build a hotel to accommodate travellers along the Brenner railway line. Genoveva’s cuisine became famous and attracted more and more guests, so the hotel was extended in 1905 and in 1912 an additional floor was added to meet the growing demand. Since then, the building has retained much of its original charm and has become a symbol of continuity and hospitality.

During the First World War the hotel housed officers of the Austro-Hungarian army, while during the Second World War it was occupied first by German and then by American troops. Despite difficult times, including occupation by a special Italian police unit in the 1960s, Hotel Jarolim has always found the strength to rise again, driven by the resilience of the Jarolim family.

Today the hotel is in the hands of Vera Jarolim and her sister Jana, representing the fourth generation of the family. Their management continues to innovate without ever losing sight of the family tradition. An example of this ability to combine past and future is the recent complete renovation of the building, which was completed in 2024, not only revitalising the structure but also expanding it to meet the needs of modern hospitality.

Historic preservation and sustainable renovation. The restoration project, entrusted to AbrahamBonora Studio, involved a comprehensive renovation with a focus on preserving the historic façade and roof. Although the project was comprehensive, it was divided into several phases. The first phase involved the restoration of the historic bar, which was extended to meet contemporary needs while retaining its original character, designed by architect Claudia Unterhauser of Studio CU, while the terrace was rethought and raised to provide barrier-free access and an enhanced experience.

The second phase involved the roof, which was transformed to create two elegant lofts with panoramic pocket terraces offering spectacular views. While retaining much of the original structure, the configuration was updated to meet technical requirements. With the 2024 renovation, the iconic tower was redesigned within the legal limits, maintaining a height of 2.5 metres, and equipped with an integrated photovoltaic system.

The intervention, carried out in compliance with strict provincial guidelines for the protection of artistic heritage, respected the typical stylistic features of early 20th century architecture, preserving every architectural detail.

The choice of the PREFA system proved to be perfect, combining refined aesthetics, robustness and durability without compromise. “A key objective of the client was to integrate a photovoltaic system harmoniously into the roof landscape. By using the PREFA Photovoltaic Tile with integrated photovoltaic panels, a complete and aesthetically pleasing solution was created that blends seamlessly into the roof plane. This innovative design not only preserves the historic character of the building, but also makes a significant contribution to sustainable energy production,” says architect Ivan Bonora. The chosen roofing system is a true ‘all-in-one roof’, an integrated photovoltaic system that is invisible from the outside and capable of generating renewable energy without compromising the historic appearance of the building.

R.16 tiles and PREFA Photovoltaic Tiles in the colour P.10 black were used for the roof renovation of the Hotel Jarolim, providing a perfect combination of aesthetics and functionality. The integration of the 178-square-metre photovoltaic system, with a nominal output of 26 kWp, did not affect the historic appearance of the building, which is under “ensemble protection”. The architect responsible, from the studio AbrahamBonora, stressed the importance of the complete PREFA system: “The integrated photovoltaic solution is perfect for renovations like this, offering high aesthetic and functional quality. The end result was flawless“. The choice of PREFA roof tiles was no coincidence: light, durable and high-performance, they allowed the photovoltaic system to be perfectly integrated.

The success of this project would not have been possible without the constant and highly skilled support of PREFA’s technical team. Throughout all phases of the renovation, from design to installation on site, the team worked side by side with the designer and the other teams involved in the work, ensuring that every technical detail was addressed with precision and expertise. This was not just a supply of materials, but a true partnership that enabled the challenges of such a complex historic roof to be overcome. “After careful evaluation, the complete package of services and benefits offered by PREFA proved to be the best choice.” says Abraham-Bonora.

The installation of the PREFA photovoltaic roof tiles, carried out by Bertignoll Sheet Metal Works, was completed in just two weeks, demonstrating the efficiency of PREFA products and the ease with which they can be installed, even in complicated situations such as this. PREFA’s ability to provide integrated support beyond the sale of materials is its real strength. The collaborative and technical approach made it possible to preserve both the historical value and the modern performance of the project.

Today, Hotel Jarolim remains a symbol of hospitality and tradition in Bressanone/Brixen, combining a rich and fascinating history with a commitment to a sustainable future. Vera Jarolim and Jana, the current owners, are proud of the result: “The combination of the roof and the photovoltaic system not only preserves the historical value of our building, but also allows us to contribute to environmental protection. We are very happy with the result and the cooperation with PREFA“.

The renovation of the roof of the Jarolim Hotel is an excellent example of how tradition, innovation and sustainability can coexist in a high-end architectural project.

About AbrahamBonora Architects

The firm’s work is characterized by a deep dialog with the context into which each building fits. Structures emerge from a close relationship with their surroundings and are carefully designed to best meet the needs of the inhabitants or users, creating a unique identity. The firm avoids repetitive formalism, preferring innovative solutions capable of adapting dynamically to specific conditions and needs. Great attention is paid to the interaction between the interior and exterior spaces, with special care given to the design of the spaces in between, which represent the transition from the patterned interior to the natural exterior. The careful selection and use of materials play a central role. The studio favors raw and local materials, used with a creative approach and experimental craftsmanship, giving each project, regardless of its scale, a distinctive and recognizable identity.

Project Name: Jarolim Hotel

Year of installation: 2024

Location: Bozen (BZ)

Completion: 2 weeks (laying the roofing membrane)

Installer: Plumbing Bertignoll

Architects: AbrahamBonora Architects

Photo credits: PREFA / Giacomo Podetti

Material Type:

Roofing Product: R.16 tiles for the roof covering, PREFALZ for the dormer cladding

Photovoltaic Product: PREFA photovoltaic tiles – color P.10 black

PREFA Accessories: Snow Stop System

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