At the end of November, our office set off for Vorarlberg for two days. Between Schlins, St. Gerold, Mellau, Lustenau and Bregenz, we visited places where the central themes of our work come together: responsible use of existing resources, resource-saving materials and the principles of simple construction.

In Schlins, we visited the Erden-Werkhalle of Lehm Ton Erde Baukunst. Under the guidance of Ms Grasmück, we gained insights into the industrial production of prefabricated components for rammed earth walls – truly pioneering work. During a tour of the surrounding area, we were able to see rammed earth buildings such as the Haus Rauch residential building. The new office building was particularly impressive: clay and wood create a calm, soothing atmosphere inside.

In the afternoon, the route took us to St. Gerold Abbey near Bludenz, where we also spent the night. The historic ensemble, renovated and expanded by Hermann Kaufmann + Partner Architects until 2003, demonstrates how renovation culture can succeed as careful extension of existing structures – with respect for history and what already exists. We were impressed by the special atmosphere and tranquillity of this place, which will remain in our memories.

On the second day, we visited the ‘Haus 2226’ office building in Lustenau, designed by Baumschlager Eberle Architekten. A building services engineer explained how the six-storey building functions without heating, cooling and mechanical ventilation – a clear statement in favour of simple construction and against the increasing use of technology in building.

Further stops took us to Mellau and Bregenz, where we were able to experience different typologies – from social infrastructure buildings to cultural institutions – in architecture and urban space.

In the evening, we returned to Munich by train: brimming with new impressions and the joy of having grown closer together as a team.

Hand sketches from the Provostry of St. Gerold by Maria Ladygina