The listed Oberbuchfelder-Hof in Lajen is a typical Paarhof dating back to the first half of the 16th century. The aim of the project is to give the ensemble a contemporary use with five high-quality vacation apartments and communal areas - without changing the volume of the listed Paarhof. The focus is on the sensitive treatment of the building fabric: characteristic components such as the late Gothic parlor, the soot kitchen and the original roof truss have been preserved and carefully restored. New uses fit into the existing spatial structure without over-shaping it. The new architectural elements deliberately focus on restraint: clear lines, recessed window solutions, deliberately placed openings and materials that blend in with the existing structure.
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The old structure remains outwardly almost completely intact, and stands on the path just as it once was: the manufacturing tradition, the techniques of the time have been taken up and studied by the new artisan mind.
It is in this way that the building returns to dialogue with the landscape, consolidating the agricultural fabric and the appearance of the corner intended for it.
The function of it, fits inside the place senya invade the shapes and dimensions, connecting to the green space and acting as a new service to the community, which continues to transmit the qualities of the past.
The energy-efficient refurbishment is in keeping with the listed building: internal insulation in the wall area, insulation between the rafters in the roof and the replacement of windows in the historic format reduce the energy requirement while preserving the appearance. The existing building was also carefully structurally upgraded - with targeted reinforcement of the ceilings and roofs and, where necessary, timber composite solutions.
The old structure, the existing elements of tradition and the desire to dialogue with them have guided the project. The wish of the client was to integrate five new apartments in the farm, leaving its volume almost unchanged. On the first floor, an apartment starts the program of rooms, while the historical hall, a room and the kitchen of soot, remain as common living rooms. The top floor of the main house has been entirely converted into a holiday apartment. A new mezzanine window on the north side opens onto the landscape, providing light and creating small private outdoor spaces. The straw roof remains visible, the openings in the facade have been maintained and completed with wooden slats. The recessed terrace behind the open slats offers privacy and a view: a new element that blends discreetly.
A special focus was placed on the sustainable interior design: all of the furniture was made from solid wood using traditional craftsmanship. The designs are based on old models - benches and chairs take up the traditional realms, are simple and durable. Historically documented colors such as iron oxide red and pigeon blue were extracted through color research and incorporated into the new color concept as subtle accents - a sensitive combination of old and new. In terms of design, the existing building is not restaged, but rather taken further. The Gothic arch, integrated as a new design element, combines the existing with the new with a quiet simplicity.
The result is a finely balanced structure of old and new that does not museumize the courtyard but transforms it into a place of quiet vitality where history can be experienced in an atmospheric way. The Oberbuchfelder-Hof is an example of how cleverly placed interventions, respect for the existing and contemporary architecture can merge into a harmonious whole. An architectural structure that responds to the existing building with clear, timeless interventions, without over-shaping it.
Jürgen Prosch and Felix Kasseroler studied architecture at the University of Innsbruck. Even during their studies and in the years that followed, they each gained practical experience independently in various architecture firms.
In 2014, they founded the office raumdrei architekten together. Since then, they have worked on projects of various scales – from single-family homes to public buildings.
One of the firm’s core focuses has always been the treatment of historic and listed buildings. Through the renovation of several heritage-protected structures, the office has developed expertise in the centuries-old architectural culture of the Alpine region and strives to carry it forward by combining tradition with innovation.
With strong commitment and a keen sense of quality, they develop architectural solutions that are both timeless and sustainable. A sensitive approach to space, material, and context forms the foundation of their work.