About the building

Typology: Exhibition and meeting site with administration, shop and cafeteria
Construction time: February 2012 – July 2013
Architecture: Atelier Peter Zumthor and Partner, Haldenstein
Project management: Rosário Gonçalves
Floor space: Ground floor 764 m², cellar 786 m²
Construction: Concrete columns, glass front, wooden roof
Building costs: 3,8 Millionen Euro
Awards: BTV Bauherrenpreis 2013
ZV Bauherrenpreis 2014
7. Vorarlberger Hypo-Bauherrenpreis 2015

The building designed by Peter Zumthor, the internationally renowned swiss architect with an outstanding affiliation with craftsmanship, was opened in 2013. His visionary design for the Werkraumhaus is based on two basic ideas: on the one hand, the building serves as a meeting place. On the other hand, it is a large showcase for the culture of craftsmanship in the Bregenzerwald. This idea finds expression in a protruding roof made from wood and a façade made from glass. There is no distinction between inside and outside – the landscape flows through the building.

The Werkraumhaus was built by the Werkraum members. Peter Zumthor met the craftsmen from the Bregenzerwald during the construction of the Kunsthaus Bregenz (1990–1996). Since then, he has been working closely with companies in the valley. In 2006 he was chairman of the jury of Handwerk+Form.

The Werkraum exhibition in winter and spring presents work from the Werkraum workshops. Throughout the year, developers, architects and those interested in building and living environments can see and learn personally about the range of services offered by the craftspeople networked in the Werkraum. An open and flexible hall of 700 m² offers room for exhibitions, events, a shop and a restaurant.