Ötztal Local History and Open-Air Museum

Our task as architects on this project is to preserve the historical heritage of the Ötztaler Heimatmuseum (the Ötztal local history museum) while carrying out a careful refurbishment of the centuries-old farmhouses. Our focus is on the balance between preservation and careful modernisation. The aim is to retain the building structures and the authentic atmosphere of the buildings while ensuring that they meet today’s standards and future uses.

An essential aspect of our work is the detailed analysis of the structural condition of the buildings, in order to plan suitable refurbishment measures that respect the historic material while securing the longevity of the structures. We pay particular attention to traditional craft techniques and materials in order to preserve the authentic character, and carefully adapt modern solutions so as not to jeopardise the historic values.

One example is the Wastls-Haus, built at the end of the 17th century. Here we address specifically the particular structural demands that such an old building brings with it. Our task is to secure the historic fabric while enabling sustainable use of the house within the context of the museum complex. To this end we rely on tailor-made refurbishment concepts that respect the past while offering a functional and aesthetic solution for the future.