Hauser Hof

The listed Hauser Hof is loacated on building plot no. 1 of its home village, at the entrance to "Rasen-Antholz", a side valley of the South Tyrolean "Pustertal". Its foundation walls date back to the 11th century! This makes it the oldest farm in the entire valley. In its long history, the building was also used as a court and dungeon. The magnificent "Oberstube" (dating from 1667) and the large cellar with its stone rooms are testimonials of those times. The Hauser Hof has also housed the local school for some time.

Since 1760, and thus for more than 260 years, the Wierer family has run their farm in an exemplary manner. The farm has been run with much love and enthusiasm throughout this long period, adapting to the times without denying or forgetting its roots. In 1985, the farm was honoured with the "Erbhof" seal, for farms that have been owned by the same family for more than 200 years.

Therefore, the concept for the complete renovation of the residential building was primarally based on awareness and appreciation of its history: creation of several residential units, redistribution of areas and functions and reorganisation of some rooms.

In dialogue with architect and clients, our task was to find contemporary yet respectful solutions for new elements in the house. We aimed a long-term concept in keeping with the location, that could be able to last for many years and made use of the materials already present on site: knot-free larch wood, stainless steel and velvety, monochrome grey are now new to the Hauser Hof. The materials are not about importance, but they rather serve the historical whole and yet are perceptable in context, as a contemporary sign, that is respectfully connected to its past, for many years to come.

Walking through the corridors and rooms in the knowledge of the more than 900-year history of this house is an extraordinary feeling. Putting your hand to it and making changes, makes you suddenly realise the responsibility that comes with it ... and yet you are only joining a long line of people who have been guests at Hauser Hof throughout this time, leaving their mark in one way or another.

What a beautiful place.

• Customer: Private
• Project: Gerhard Mahlknecht, Jochen Haidacher
• Place: Südtirol
• Photos: Gustav Willeit, Oliver Jaist