The Waldchalets Brandnertal exemplify the successful integration of modern timber construction with the natural landscape, providing a peaceful and sustainable retreat in the heart of the Brandnertal region. This project highlights the potential of timber as a versatile and low carbon emission building material, paving the way for future developments in sustainable architecture.

The Waldchalets Brandnertal project features five prefabricated cross-laminated timber chalets, offering a serene and sustainable retreat in the heart of the Brandnertal region

Project Overview

In the serene south of Vorarlberg, near the borders with Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the Durnwalder family embarked on an ambitious project to create the Waldchalets Brandnertal. Located in the municipality of Brand, these chalets offer a tranquil retreat while being centrally located and easily accessible. The project was designed by the Innsbruck office architekturhandwerk, led by Andreas Mikula, who had previously designed the Durnwalder family’s home.

Design and Construction

The vision for the Waldchalets was to create “chalets on the edge of the forest,” characterised by their hillside location. Timber construction was chosen for its high degree of prefabrication, which simplified the construction process. The solid wood prefabricated elements, supplied by Stora Enso, were erected on site, with the shell construction taking only seven to nine hours per house.

Structural Innovation

To meet the requirements of avalanche and torrent control and to minimise disruption to the natural terrain, point foundations with columns and a steel frame were used as the foundation for the timber construction.

Architectural Features

The five chalets are two-storey solid wood constructions with gable roofs and rear-ventilated wooden façades. The design avoids excessive snow loads by omitting rain gutters and snow poles on the rear-ventilated tin roofs. The chalets are strategically positioned along the forest edge to maximise views of the valley and mountains while ensuring privacy for each unit.

Interior Design

Inside, a simple steel staircase leads to the recessed terrace and the ground floor, which includes the kitchen, dining and living area, a toilet, bathroom, and bedroom. A wooden staircase ascends to the upper floor, featuring a gallery and two rooms. The chalets are heated by a clay wall heating system that extends from the kitchen to the living room in the gallery, with provisions for a future wood-burning stove.

Timber: The Building Material of the Future

Andreas Mikula, the architect, has observed a growing enthusiasm for timber construction. While this method has long been established in Austria, he notes an increasing interest in Tyrol. People are beginning to explore alternatives and embrace new methods, driven by a desire to build sustainably. Timber, is seen as a key building material for the future, particularly in alpine regions.

Environmental Considerations

One significant advantage of timber buildings, such as the chalets in Brandnertal, is their ease of dismantling and relocation. This flexibility is crucial in addressing ecological and climate concerns, as it allows for the sustainable management of resources and reduces the environmental footprint.