To build an architecturally sophisticated shell for a variety of energy systems that fits into the site at 1,000 metres above sea level above a mighty reservoir in the middle of the Montafon mountains was the task, we were asked for. Its location at a highly frequented hikers car park makes it a public site, which reflects in the visitors terrace on the valley side. It supplies sustainably generated heat and cold for the neighbouring 5* hotel and the surrounding scattered settlement.
In the case of the Latschau heating plant, building in the Alps means choosing materials and colours in such a way that the building blends into the landscape with the aim of reflecting the elegant monotony of the mountains. A solid concrete body structured by different surface textures and a single spot colour for all metal surfaces are picking up on the surrounding atmosphere and are carrying it forward. A dedicated ecological concept links the building with its surroundings: biomass from the surrounding area as an energy source to feed the local heating network, free cooling from the reservoir to provide cooling capacity for the hotel and the combination of a photovoltaic system and a green roof.
Bio Designing process as a dialog.
Producing an adequate project in dialogue with all affected persons means for us mutual involvement and appreciative communication of counterparts in all phases of the project. We realize, that communicating contributes the result also a lot to acceptance and identification of users. We believe, that architecture is about communication.
We feel connected to clients, which oblige to beauty and appreciation for design and we see our mission fulfilled, when an object fits very well into the landscape, when interiors spread atmosphere, when the users are satisfied.
Other prizes BIG SEE ARCHITECTURE AWARDS 2021, Winner in the Category Public Buildings for Fire station Hohenweiler. Architizer A+ Awards 2020, Special Mention for ‘Fire station Hohenweiler’in the category Government and Civic Building. Vorarlberger Holzbaupreis 2019, Category Public building, Mention for Depothalle Landesfeuerwehrmuseum Iconic Awards 2017 architecture, winner for Tom´s Hut AIT Award 2016, Special Mention for Tom´s Hut Best new architects 2016 in Gold for Tom´s Hut A+ Awards 2015, category Architecture and Small Living, Tom’s Hut as a Finalist A+Awards 2014, Special Mention for Munchkins Club Monaco and more
