Timber and loam

... from the Rheintal valley and Walgau to the Grosses Walsertal valley.

In Vorarlberg, timber construction and architecture are inextricably linked. Painstakingly developed structures, wood panelling in interiors, sophisticated shingled facades, slats and planking are all hallmarks of master craftsmanship. This affinity for the logic and beauty of the material is further reflected in combination with other building materials such as loam, an old favourite that has been rediscovered in recent years.

Vorarlberg’s commitment to contemporary architecture has had a number of positive effects, breathing new life into craftsmanship and timber construction in particular. Planners boasting high standards and technical expertise have combined with an innovative craft culture to boost the quality of details and materials alike, gradually inspiring the spread of the now-popular aesthetic featuring clear structures, subtle forms and untreated material surfaces. In blending the old and the new, it represents a remarkable continuation of the legacy of historical timber buildings. Exposed timber structures unite an economical approach with a celebration of craftsmanship that demands high-precision planning. This has led to other types of structure also adopting the culture of logical construction and conceptual clarity so typical of Vorarlberg building culture. On a smaller scale yet still commanding international recognition, loam construction has enjoyed a mini-Renaissance in Vorarlberg over recent years and decades. Many such buildings are associated with Vorarlberg loam construction artist Martin Rauch, who has worked on numerous packed loam projects in his home state. There has also been a boom in the use of simpler techniques such as loam rendering, which plays a key role in the atrium of the Vorarlberg Museum.

Author: Array