The Hinterhaus Restoration by Simon Moosbrugger Architekt: A Sensitive Dialogue Between Heritage and Contemporary Craft
A sensitive renovation blending historic Alpine architecture with a contemporary timber extension, using local materials and sustainable, glue-free construction techniques.
Location: Hirschau, Austria Architect: Simon Moosbrugger Architekt Project Type: Residential Renovation and Extension Area: 89 m² Year Completed: 2022 Photography: Simon Oberhofer
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Hirschau, Austria, The Hinterhaus Restoration by Simon Moosbrugger Architekt is a masterclass in architectural sensitivity, heritage preservation, and thoughtful extension. The project revives a traditional Bregenzerwald house, embracing its historical essence while seamlessly integrating a contemporary rear addition that enhances both spatial functionality and material clarity.
A Contemporary Dialogue with the Past
At the heart of this project lies a restorative architectural philosophy: respect for the past paired with contemporary needs. The original structure—characterized by its low ceilings (around 180cm), finely detailed wooden cassette paneling, and a traditional rural typology—remains largely untouched. The new extension, referred to as the Hinterhaus, gently unfolds at the rear of the residence, revealing itself as an understated architectural gesture from the exterior. The new façade is modest and reserved, echoing the simplicity of the front volume and allowing the historical character of the existing structure to remain dominant.
Upon entering through the original small front door, visitors are immersed in an immersive spatial journey—moving from the compact, introverted interiors of the old house into the expansive and expressive volumes of the new extension. Here, the architecture deliberately plays with contrast: darkness and light, introversion and openness, coarseness and refinement. This experiential transition is at the core of the design narrative.
Spatial Drama in the Rear Extension
While the front building retains its intimate spatial quality, the new rear extension surprises with dramatic room geometries and ceiling heights reaching up to 4.6 meters. Each room has been tailored to its specific function, with careful attention to spatial dynamics and material tactility.
The use of local silver fir, lime plaster, and terrazzo tiles ties the new spaces back to regional craftsmanship traditions. The bathroom, for instance, features a vaulted ceiling and terrazzo finishes that imbue it with a sense of calm grandeur. The toilet—tucked beneath a pink lime barrel vault—is equally poetic, transforming a utilitarian space into a serene architectural moment. A west-facing window fitted with a privacy screen of fixed wooden slats floods the shower area with soft natural light, enhancing the sensory quality of the interior.
Material Consciousness and Sustainable Craft
Simon Moosbrugger’s intervention reflects an ethos of sustainable architecture and material honesty. The entire rear extension is constructed using glue-free timber formwork, ensuring materials can be disassembled, reused, or recycled with ease. This circular approach to construction not only reduces environmental impact but also celebrates the economy and resourcefulness of historical alpine building methods.
The architect deliberately chose to work with a limited material palette—high-quality, locally sourced, and responsibly applied. This minimalist but rich approach underscores a belief in the long-term durability of good design and material authenticity.
Recognized for Excellence in Timber Architecture
The project has been honored with a recognition award at the Vorarlberg Timber Construction Prize, affirming its architectural and environmental significance. The jury commended the project for its respectful and sensitive treatment of the historic Bregenzerwald house, and for the careful distinction—and harmony—between the old and new structures.
