Haegi Wendls House
Basic information
Project Title
Haegi Wendls House
Full project title
Haegi Wendls House, collectively refurbished with regenerative materials, ready for new- and re- use
Category
Shaping a circular industrial ecosystem and supporting life-cycle thinking
Project Description
The BASEhabitat project Hägi Wendls is a co-design and construction-site experiment of pioneers in the field of sustainable construction. University, craftsmen, architects, experts, clients cooperate, bridging the gap between different disciplines. It’s based on a shared vision of sustainability, that gives value to the existing building, to its structures and memories, but at the same time demands a high-quality design and a new mix of natural building materials, to create a liveable ambience.
Geographical Scope
Regional
Project Region
Vorarlberg, Austria, Austria
Urban or rural issues
Mainly rural
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
Yes
Which funds
Other
Other Funds
ELER (LEADER project) 10/2020 - 10/2022
Description of the project
Summary
Haegi Wendls house in Vorarlberg, Austria, dating back to 1458, has already gone through several life cycles, has accommodated various inhabitants and commercial uses, has been remodelled and renovated over the centuries, but has nevertheless maintained its historic appearance.
When the new generation moved in, they felt the house was too big for them alone. The vision of an open house was born, a place to live combined with a cultural meeting place for the neighbourhood.
Instead of demolishing the old building made of wood and stone, it was to be refurbished and renovated. Only sustainable building materials should be used for the reconstruction, as was the case in the past. Structures and materials should be preserved as far as possible. The history of the building should be preserved, transferred to a modern standard, but remain simple.
The conventional building trade is not yet prepared for such an ambitious project of circular architecture, so the cooperation between different pioneers was born. The common vision was to show that circularity is possible and a house can be refurbished with regenerative materials.
Haegi Wendls is a co-design and collaborative building project in which pioneers in the field of sustainable construction work together intensively and bridge the gap between different disciplines and support each other.
Carpenters, clay builders, roofers, energy consultants, civil engineers and architects, together with the construction managers and the academic staff of BASEhabitat, Unversity of Arts Linz, have started to share their expertise and passion to develop and test new solutions and implement them together with the students on the construction site.
The project is based on a shared vision of sustainability that enhances the existing building, its structures and cultural heritage, but at the same time requires a high-quality design and a new mix of materials to create a liveable environment. Haegi Wendls is a ligthouse project.
When the new generation moved in, they felt the house was too big for them alone. The vision of an open house was born, a place to live combined with a cultural meeting place for the neighbourhood.
Instead of demolishing the old building made of wood and stone, it was to be refurbished and renovated. Only sustainable building materials should be used for the reconstruction, as was the case in the past. Structures and materials should be preserved as far as possible. The history of the building should be preserved, transferred to a modern standard, but remain simple.
The conventional building trade is not yet prepared for such an ambitious project of circular architecture, so the cooperation between different pioneers was born. The common vision was to show that circularity is possible and a house can be refurbished with regenerative materials.
Haegi Wendls is a co-design and collaborative building project in which pioneers in the field of sustainable construction work together intensively and bridge the gap between different disciplines and support each other.
Carpenters, clay builders, roofers, energy consultants, civil engineers and architects, together with the construction managers and the academic staff of BASEhabitat, Unversity of Arts Linz, have started to share their expertise and passion to develop and test new solutions and implement them together with the students on the construction site.
The project is based on a shared vision of sustainability that enhances the existing building, its structures and cultural heritage, but at the same time requires a high-quality design and a new mix of materials to create a liveable environment. Haegi Wendls is a ligthouse project.
Key objectives for sustainability
Haegi Wendls project is a pioneer in sustainability.
On the one hand the project is taking the question of reuse very seriously, in two aspects: by checking properly the potentials of the existing building for the future use and by making a clear statement about the reuse of existing components.
On the other hand, it was an overall objective to only build with regenerative materials that are locally available. The stakeholders involved were willing to develop and try out new solutions.
In the conversion and refurbishment process more parts had to be taken out than expected, but all the materials were stored and later reused in the building. In the timber construction only the rotten parts were exchanged, everything else stayed in place.
The wooden windows were carefully restored, the roof tiles were checked and cleaned and put back in place again. Some broken tiles ended up as a bar of the cultural venue.
The outer façade of the house basically stayed the same, lime plasters and traditional wooden shingles were renewed.
The walls were insulated with a mix of wooden chips and clay slurry, both low-cost materials from the region. Students of BASEhabitat have applied this technique together with an earth builder. The whole interior facades have been plastered with clay, in some parts even tests with cow-dung have been made, to improve the durability. Different pigments have been used to vary the color of the plasters.
The ground floors were made of rammed earth and trass-lime, including foam glass insulation. On the first floor earth tiles were integrated in the wooden floors.
The finished building proves it’s quality. Due to the approach of sustainability, the building is fit for future. All the materials used can be reused. Earth can go back to earth, fibres can rot and wood can be reused in the future as well, or end up as fire wood, acting meanwhile as a CO2 storage.
The simplicity in the design, structure and assembly makes future adaptions easy
On the one hand the project is taking the question of reuse very seriously, in two aspects: by checking properly the potentials of the existing building for the future use and by making a clear statement about the reuse of existing components.
On the other hand, it was an overall objective to only build with regenerative materials that are locally available. The stakeholders involved were willing to develop and try out new solutions.
In the conversion and refurbishment process more parts had to be taken out than expected, but all the materials were stored and later reused in the building. In the timber construction only the rotten parts were exchanged, everything else stayed in place.
The wooden windows were carefully restored, the roof tiles were checked and cleaned and put back in place again. Some broken tiles ended up as a bar of the cultural venue.
The outer façade of the house basically stayed the same, lime plasters and traditional wooden shingles were renewed.
The walls were insulated with a mix of wooden chips and clay slurry, both low-cost materials from the region. Students of BASEhabitat have applied this technique together with an earth builder. The whole interior facades have been plastered with clay, in some parts even tests with cow-dung have been made, to improve the durability. Different pigments have been used to vary the color of the plasters.
The ground floors were made of rammed earth and trass-lime, including foam glass insulation. On the first floor earth tiles were integrated in the wooden floors.
The finished building proves it’s quality. Due to the approach of sustainability, the building is fit for future. All the materials used can be reused. Earth can go back to earth, fibres can rot and wood can be reused in the future as well, or end up as fire wood, acting meanwhile as a CO2 storage.
The simplicity in the design, structure and assembly makes future adaptions easy
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
The project is a clear commitment to the appreciation of existing buildings, historical tradition and craftsmanship and transfers this into the present. We can learn a lot about sustainable architecture from the past.
Haegi Wendls is not a historic building, but a simple house built essentially from wood and stone, materials that were available to people in the past. Resource efficiency and the use of locally available materials is an attitude that is also necessary for a sustainable future.
By restoring and retaining the existing appearance as far as possible, the project enhances the historical building culture. The old wooden trusses, which had to be removed, were only lightly sanded and reinstalled. The entire façade on the east side was retained in the same wooden blanks. Old building elements can be found throughout the house. A new wooden shingle façade, typical of the region, was added to the façade of the residential building. Inside you find a clear modern line of architecture, that creates a special aesthetic due to the materials used and the combination of old and new.
Being an open cultural centre, where many people meet, these principles are made accessible to the public. Walls plastered with clay and cow dung radiate a special warmth, unplastered stone walls with lime mortar and walls made of wooden planks show that less can be more. In contrast, a wide steel staircase with wooden steps sits invitingly in the entrance area. A bar made from discarded roof shingles, designed and built by students from Linz, has a special charm.
The building is a total work of art made up of old and new elements that have been sensitively and skilfully combined, respecting the old and creating something new. This is immediately perceptible to all visitors.
Haegi Wendls is not a historic building, but a simple house built essentially from wood and stone, materials that were available to people in the past. Resource efficiency and the use of locally available materials is an attitude that is also necessary for a sustainable future.
By restoring and retaining the existing appearance as far as possible, the project enhances the historical building culture. The old wooden trusses, which had to be removed, were only lightly sanded and reinstalled. The entire façade on the east side was retained in the same wooden blanks. Old building elements can be found throughout the house. A new wooden shingle façade, typical of the region, was added to the façade of the residential building. Inside you find a clear modern line of architecture, that creates a special aesthetic due to the materials used and the combination of old and new.
Being an open cultural centre, where many people meet, these principles are made accessible to the public. Walls plastered with clay and cow dung radiate a special warmth, unplastered stone walls with lime mortar and walls made of wooden planks show that less can be more. In contrast, a wide steel staircase with wooden steps sits invitingly in the entrance area. A bar made from discarded roof shingles, designed and built by students from Linz, has a special charm.
The building is a total work of art made up of old and new elements that have been sensitively and skilfully combined, respecting the old and creating something new. This is immediately perceptible to all visitors.
Key objectives for inclusion
Circularity in architecture is only possible if people are willing to change their way of thinking, take a step back, leave behind entrenched images and are prepared to develop something new. This is a collective task; new solutions must be found together.
In this sense, Haegi Wendls project is an example of collective experimentation. The experts from various disciplines involved in the planning and construction of the building, craftsmen and students, had to be very open to the expertise of others, develop solutions together and make an effort to realise them. It was not a process that could be planned in a linear fashion, but rather a joint experiment.
The client, a young family, had the idea for this open cultural centre, but it would not have been possible without the support of many different stakeholders. They were supported by the municipality, the LEADER region, energy consultants, historians and dendrochronologists, university, neighbours, friends and experts. People who liked the idea were willing to contribute their knowledge and skills.
The courage and commitment of the client also inspired others to get involved in the project. In this sense, Haegi Wendls is a pioneering project that shows what is possible when the community is given the space to get involved in a project close to its heart.
The owners of Haegi Wendls house opened their doors, the project is a good example of activating a neighbourhood.
In this sense, Haegi Wendls project is an example of collective experimentation. The experts from various disciplines involved in the planning and construction of the building, craftsmen and students, had to be very open to the expertise of others, develop solutions together and make an effort to realise them. It was not a process that could be planned in a linear fashion, but rather a joint experiment.
The client, a young family, had the idea for this open cultural centre, but it would not have been possible without the support of many different stakeholders. They were supported by the municipality, the LEADER region, energy consultants, historians and dendrochronologists, university, neighbours, friends and experts. People who liked the idea were willing to contribute their knowledge and skills.
The courage and commitment of the client also inspired others to get involved in the project. In this sense, Haegi Wendls is a pioneering project that shows what is possible when the community is given the space to get involved in a project close to its heart.
The owners of Haegi Wendls house opened their doors, the project is a good example of activating a neighbourhood.
Results in relation to category
The cultural venue "Haegi Wendls" was opened in July 2022. Over the last 1.5 years it has become a much appreciated place in the neighbourhood. In 2023 alone, more than 1200 guests attended readings, concerts and workshops.
Neighbours and friends who were involved during the construction period, formed the basis for an active neighbourhood network.
The project was awarded the Vorarlberger Holzbaupreis 2023 in the special category "Social Relevance". This was due to the reuse of existing timber structures and the careful conversion. The house was made fit for a new life.
"In awarding the special prize, the jury recognised the client's desire to create added social value with the existing building. Thanks to the restrained and careful treatment of the existing structure, the former barn has been opened up to the community and transformed into a publicly accessible theatre hall, creating a meeting place for the neighbourhood and the city". Jury statement on the Haegi Wendls project.
The project was selected by the Vorarlberg Energy Institute as a best practice example in the category "Renovation of an old building". It is used to promote a growing network of craftsmen offering expertise in the renovation of historic/existing buildings.
The clients are willing to share their experience.
Local newspapers report on the project, many visitors pass by. The project encourages others to renovate their buildings rather than demolish them. It makes the quality of a building made from regenerative materials visible and tangible. The owners get a lot of positive feedback for their courage to realise this experiment.
The project has been presented at the Lisbon Architecture Triennale 2022 titeled "Terra", as a showcase for fit-for-future architecture.
For the BASEhabitat students the project has been a unique learning experience, that provides them with valuable know-how and skills as future architects, becoming builders of change.
Neighbours and friends who were involved during the construction period, formed the basis for an active neighbourhood network.
The project was awarded the Vorarlberger Holzbaupreis 2023 in the special category "Social Relevance". This was due to the reuse of existing timber structures and the careful conversion. The house was made fit for a new life.
"In awarding the special prize, the jury recognised the client's desire to create added social value with the existing building. Thanks to the restrained and careful treatment of the existing structure, the former barn has been opened up to the community and transformed into a publicly accessible theatre hall, creating a meeting place for the neighbourhood and the city". Jury statement on the Haegi Wendls project.
The project was selected by the Vorarlberg Energy Institute as a best practice example in the category "Renovation of an old building". It is used to promote a growing network of craftsmen offering expertise in the renovation of historic/existing buildings.
The clients are willing to share their experience.
Local newspapers report on the project, many visitors pass by. The project encourages others to renovate their buildings rather than demolish them. It makes the quality of a building made from regenerative materials visible and tangible. The owners get a lot of positive feedback for their courage to realise this experiment.
The project has been presented at the Lisbon Architecture Triennale 2022 titeled "Terra", as a showcase for fit-for-future architecture.
For the BASEhabitat students the project has been a unique learning experience, that provides them with valuable know-how and skills as future architects, becoming builders of change.
How Citizens benefit
People from various initiatives committed to sustainable architecture were able to use the Haegi Wendls project as an example to show how far circular architecture can go by maximising the reuse of existing structures and using only renewable building materials in the renovation. The Vorarlberg Energy Institute is a local institution that promotes sustainability across a very broad spectrum, from public transport to alternative heating systems. The Haegi Wendls project was used to precisely analyse various key indicators of energy consumption.
Primary energy consumption, heating energy consumption, CO2 emissions and overall energy efficiency were analysed and very positive results were found in all areas.
To be able to set up a strong network of experts in circular architecture, all companies involved need to increase their expertise. In this sense the Haegi Wendls project, being a collaborative design and construction site experiment, was an important contribution to strengthening and widening know-how. Important networks could be started. A benefit also for the whole society.
The doors of the Haegi Wendls house were always open during the construction phase. People passing by were curious to find out, what was going on at that unconventional construction site. They could find out why students were plastering with earth, where the wooden-chips insulation material came from and how a truss-lime floor is made. This was a great way of spreading the word about the possibilities of building with regenerative materials.
Primary energy consumption, heating energy consumption, CO2 emissions and overall energy efficiency were analysed and very positive results were found in all areas.
To be able to set up a strong network of experts in circular architecture, all companies involved need to increase their expertise. In this sense the Haegi Wendls project, being a collaborative design and construction site experiment, was an important contribution to strengthening and widening know-how. Important networks could be started. A benefit also for the whole society.
The doors of the Haegi Wendls house were always open during the construction phase. People passing by were curious to find out, what was going on at that unconventional construction site. They could find out why students were plastering with earth, where the wooden-chips insulation material came from and how a truss-lime floor is made. This was a great way of spreading the word about the possibilities of building with regenerative materials.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
In recent decades, architecture has focussed mainly on the construction of new buildings without thinking too much about the resources used and the waste produced. The grey energy of a building was not taken into account and at the end of its life, the building is destroyed and the materials end up as waste or landfill.
In Austria, an impressive amount of soil is sealed every day for construction activities in the housing, industrial and transport sectors. At the same time, there is a lot of vacant space and old existing buildings are no longer being used. Only recently have people begun to realise the negative effects on the climate, food production and even social cohesion.
The task of an architect was mainly limited to the design, which was then to be realised by someone else. The lack of co-operation between different actors in architecture leads to poor quality in construcion. If we want to change something and implement innovation, we have to work together on solutions and realise them together.
This is why Haegi Wendls' project is a pioneer of sustainability, because it is a practical approach, an experiment carried out on a real building site. Usually, if some innovative idea should be implemented, there are many arguments why this is not possible, against norms, or not feaseable. In this case, the people involved overcame these prejudices and proved that it is possible.
It is possible to build a great house, reusing an existing building. It is possible to build a contemporary house with a high living standard, using regenerative materials like earth and fibres. Innovation has to be implemented collaboratively.
In Austria, an impressive amount of soil is sealed every day for construction activities in the housing, industrial and transport sectors. At the same time, there is a lot of vacant space and old existing buildings are no longer being used. Only recently have people begun to realise the negative effects on the climate, food production and even social cohesion.
The task of an architect was mainly limited to the design, which was then to be realised by someone else. The lack of co-operation between different actors in architecture leads to poor quality in construcion. If we want to change something and implement innovation, we have to work together on solutions and realise them together.
This is why Haegi Wendls' project is a pioneer of sustainability, because it is a practical approach, an experiment carried out on a real building site. Usually, if some innovative idea should be implemented, there are many arguments why this is not possible, against norms, or not feaseable. In this case, the people involved overcame these prejudices and proved that it is possible.
It is possible to build a great house, reusing an existing building. It is possible to build a contemporary house with a high living standard, using regenerative materials like earth and fibres. Innovation has to be implemented collaboratively.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
The collaborative design and construction site experiment was necessary as many disciplines had to work together. Such a complex refurbishment cannot be carried out from a desk, the process is unpredictable and cannot be planned in detail in advance. This is a challenge for all refurbishment projects. It is therefore very pleasing that the collaboration worked so well in the Haegi Wendls project.
It was crucial to find companies that were willing and motivated to take part in this experiment. Construction companies and craftsmen from various disciplines were part of the project.
The wooden construction company Marte Holzbau was in important partner throughout the project, as well as the rammed earth pioneer Martin Rauch. Energy consultants, plumbers, historians of old buildings, carpenters, roofers and structural engineers were involved.
The construction-site experience of craftsmen, experts and students was an important interdisciplinary learning process for everyone. It was new for both the students and the craftsmen to work together on the construction site. A great experience for everyone involved.
The interdisciplinary approach was crucial for this refurbishment project and motivates the project partners for future collaborations. It is inspiring to make your own contribution and at the same time to see the solutions others come up with. The whole Haegi Wendls project was only possible through this collaborative approach, and the people involved are proud to be part of this story.
It was crucial to find companies that were willing and motivated to take part in this experiment. Construction companies and craftsmen from various disciplines were part of the project.
The wooden construction company Marte Holzbau was in important partner throughout the project, as well as the rammed earth pioneer Martin Rauch. Energy consultants, plumbers, historians of old buildings, carpenters, roofers and structural engineers were involved.
The construction-site experience of craftsmen, experts and students was an important interdisciplinary learning process for everyone. It was new for both the students and the craftsmen to work together on the construction site. A great experience for everyone involved.
The interdisciplinary approach was crucial for this refurbishment project and motivates the project partners for future collaborations. It is inspiring to make your own contribution and at the same time to see the solutions others come up with. The whole Haegi Wendls project was only possible through this collaborative approach, and the people involved are proud to be part of this story.
Methodology used
BASEhabitat is a studio at the Department of Architecture at the University of Art in Linz, Austria. We have been working in the field of sustainable architecture for almost 20 years. BASEhabitat offers different study programmes, including a master's degree in architecture, a postgraduate course and an international summer school. All three programmes explore the potential of renewable building materials such as earth, fibres and bamboo, and combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience in workshops and on international construction sites. BASEhabitat brings together people from different disciplines, social contexts and countries to create new visions and strategies for sustainable architecture.
Many of our design and construction projects have been outside Europe, but we are trying to implement more projects in Austria and Europe. The Haegi Wendls project was the first big scale project in Austria and we hope for more projects to follow.
We believe that it is crucial for students to gain practical experience during their studies, so that they understand the whole process of architecture, from research and understanding of needs to the completion of a project. This is the basis for a truly circular architecture, which starts long before the design, by looking at existing buildings and questioning the need, and goes far beyond the short term use of a specific client.
It is a big challenge to fill the missing link between the different players in architecture. This is why our students spend a semester on a building site to apply what they have learnt and gain a wide range of experience. Collaboration can only be learned in practice, and all partners can benefit.
Many of our design and construction projects have been outside Europe, but we are trying to implement more projects in Austria and Europe. The Haegi Wendls project was the first big scale project in Austria and we hope for more projects to follow.
We believe that it is crucial for students to gain practical experience during their studies, so that they understand the whole process of architecture, from research and understanding of needs to the completion of a project. This is the basis for a truly circular architecture, which starts long before the design, by looking at existing buildings and questioning the need, and goes far beyond the short term use of a specific client.
It is a big challenge to fill the missing link between the different players in architecture. This is why our students spend a semester on a building site to apply what they have learnt and gain a wide range of experience. Collaboration can only be learned in practice, and all partners can benefit.
How stakeholders are engaged
The house owners wanted to make more of their building than just a private home. However, the realisation of such an idea was completely unclear to them. There was insufficient funding and no idea of how to realise it.
In initial discussions with the architect and earth builders from the region, the University of Arts Linz came into play. BASEhabitat had been looking for a building site in Austria for some time, where students could gain practical experience and apply their knowledge of earth building. In the past, such construction site projects had taken place abroad.
The collaboration started in July 2020. The project was managed by architect Martin Mackowitz and Dominik Abbrederis, site manager and earth builder at BASEhabitat.
Students from Linz have been on site in various phases between October 2020 and February 2022. They could gain a lot of hands-on experience on a real construction site, applying and widening their know-how in the use of sustainable materials as earth and fibres. This is a core topic of the study programmes of BASEhabitat at the University of Arts in Linz. We consider it extremely important to bridge the gap between theory and practise in sustainable architecture. The Haegi Wendls project was a great opportunity to apply this experience on a construction site in Austria.
The design and decisions about next steps, very often had to be taken on site, reacting to new challenges popping up. It was impressive how the players involved were willing to take part in this collaborative design.
Funding for the cultural venue was provided by the LEADER Region Vorderland-Walgau-Bludenz. The added value of the open cultural building for the community was also recognised by the municipality, they were very supportive, especially in critical moments throughout the process.
In initial discussions with the architect and earth builders from the region, the University of Arts Linz came into play. BASEhabitat had been looking for a building site in Austria for some time, where students could gain practical experience and apply their knowledge of earth building. In the past, such construction site projects had taken place abroad.
The collaboration started in July 2020. The project was managed by architect Martin Mackowitz and Dominik Abbrederis, site manager and earth builder at BASEhabitat.
Students from Linz have been on site in various phases between October 2020 and February 2022. They could gain a lot of hands-on experience on a real construction site, applying and widening their know-how in the use of sustainable materials as earth and fibres. This is a core topic of the study programmes of BASEhabitat at the University of Arts in Linz. We consider it extremely important to bridge the gap between theory and practise in sustainable architecture. The Haegi Wendls project was a great opportunity to apply this experience on a construction site in Austria.
The design and decisions about next steps, very often had to be taken on site, reacting to new challenges popping up. It was impressive how the players involved were willing to take part in this collaborative design.
Funding for the cultural venue was provided by the LEADER Region Vorderland-Walgau-Bludenz. The added value of the open cultural building for the community was also recognised by the municipality, they were very supportive, especially in critical moments throughout the process.
Global challenges
The high energy consumption and CO2 emissions of the global construction industry are impressive. A new type of architecture needs to be created that thinks in terms of the life cycle of a building, where reuse is the first choice rather than building something new. We need to think very carefully about what we build, where we build it and what materials we use.
There is a huge potential in regenerative building materials, but there is also a lot of prejudice against them. They are associated with poor quality, non-durability, temporary shelter. Many institutions are working to research and promote these materials. BASEhabitat is a member of the UNESCO Chair on Earthen Architecture, Building Cultures and Sustainable Development, a global network that develops research and implements projects using earth and other renewable materials.
As a university that trains architects, we see it as our responsibility to develop innovative solutions and encourage students to take sustainability seriously and find ways to address the global challenges reflected in the built environment. Our students come from all over the world and share a passion for sustainability.
In 2022, another small project took place in Austria. 10 students from countries such as Peru, India and Poland worked on a pavilion for the Haberkorn company, learning how to build with rammed earth. Since 2018, students have been working in the north of Thailand on a project using bamboo and earth as the main building materials.
The Haegi Wendls project is one of our many projects to test and promote sustainable materials as part of our national and international study programmes. We are developing many innovative local solutions that have the potential to grow.
There is a huge potential in regenerative building materials, but there is also a lot of prejudice against them. They are associated with poor quality, non-durability, temporary shelter. Many institutions are working to research and promote these materials. BASEhabitat is a member of the UNESCO Chair on Earthen Architecture, Building Cultures and Sustainable Development, a global network that develops research and implements projects using earth and other renewable materials.
As a university that trains architects, we see it as our responsibility to develop innovative solutions and encourage students to take sustainability seriously and find ways to address the global challenges reflected in the built environment. Our students come from all over the world and share a passion for sustainability.
In 2022, another small project took place in Austria. 10 students from countries such as Peru, India and Poland worked on a pavilion for the Haberkorn company, learning how to build with rammed earth. Since 2018, students have been working in the north of Thailand on a project using bamboo and earth as the main building materials.
The Haegi Wendls project is one of our many projects to test and promote sustainable materials as part of our national and international study programmes. We are developing many innovative local solutions that have the potential to grow.
Learning transferred to other parties
Haegi Wendls project was launched as a pioneering project that can be replicated and transferred. One of the main aims was to prove the possibilities of reuse and regenerative materials to motivate others to do the same.
It is important to work on lighthouse projects and implement ideas of sustainable architecture. This is the most important contribution to spreading a vision.
The Vorarlberg Energy Institute has selected Haegi Wendls as a showcase project for the conversion and refurbishment of an old building and has certified the house as having good energy values.
Companies that work with renewable raw materials and are pioneers in one way or another need to be strengthened. The growing network of experts created by the project motivates further projects of this kind.
Projects like this can also help new products to be established in the market. E.g. once the insultion with wooden chips and clay could be tested and measured in the Haegi Wendls project, it can be used in other buildings too.
The repeated experiment will lead to a new standard.
It is important to work on lighthouse projects and implement ideas of sustainable architecture. This is the most important contribution to spreading a vision.
The Vorarlberg Energy Institute has selected Haegi Wendls as a showcase project for the conversion and refurbishment of an old building and has certified the house as having good energy values.
Companies that work with renewable raw materials and are pioneers in one way or another need to be strengthened. The growing network of experts created by the project motivates further projects of this kind.
Projects like this can also help new products to be established in the market. E.g. once the insultion with wooden chips and clay could be tested and measured in the Haegi Wendls project, it can be used in other buildings too.
The repeated experiment will lead to a new standard.
Keywords
Rethinking and reusing existing structures
Co-creation on a construction site
Regenerative building materials
Earth construction
Establishing a shared cultural venue
