HAUS EGGEMOA
Surrounded by steep, forested slopes and the imposing mountain peaks of South Tyrol's Ahrntal valley, the "Eggemair" farmstead is situated on a gentle hillside in the mountain village of Mühlwald. At the former site of the old, no longer functioning mill with a farm workshop, the "Haus Eggemoa" was created as a new home for the young farming family, drawing on the typology of the previous structures.
Embedded in the landscape, the appearance of the building reflects a strong affinity with the simple, agricultural building typology of the valley’s mills. The characteristics of the historic mills, such as log construction on a solid natural stone base, are translated into a contemporary design. Key elements of the facade were reimagined in harmony with the existing structure and implemented in a clean, linear manner: a massive wooden structure sits on a sandblasted concrete base, with the ridge of the roof sloping gently towards the valley, blending harmoniously into the surrounding mountain landscape. The untreated larch wood facade is structured by vertical and horizontal wooden elements of varying depth. A defining feature is the south-facing, wood-framed balcony bay window. On the west side, running along the slope, a roof and the ground level below it complement the residential building in a simple manner. The choice of scale, materials, and natural integration into the terrain creates a frugal appearance befitting the location.
Naturalness as an expectation, locality as a prerequisite, and sustainability as the goal—these principles are reflected in the chosen construction method. The base is made of exposed concrete with local aggregates, and the wooden structure consists of thick, untreated wooden walls that eliminate the need for insulation. The timber used was sourced entirely from the farm's own forest and processed into solid wood panels with their own certification. All exterior finishes are crafted in larch wood. Simple metal railings and a roof covered in grey metal sheets subtly complement the building’s decoded facade.
Due to the challenging topography, access is provided from the north side, from the existing access road, via a short footbridge with parking and a covered area. From here, one enters the entrance level on the top floor. A small entrance area leads to an open, sunlit corridor with an adjoining internal staircase that connects all levels inside the building.
Flowing around this are the spacious living area with a stove, as well as the kitchen with a utility room, storage room, and a guest WC. The full opening of the living area towards the roof creates a generous sense of space. The centrally positioned wood stove serves as a simple dividing element, with the kitchen discreetly and openly arranged behind it. Large openings frame vigilant views of the surrounding mountain landscape. The private areas are located in the lower floor: three bedrooms with a bathroom are situated here. A direct and elegant passage connects the living areas with the outdoor green space on the same level. From the master bedroom, a hidden corridor with a dressing room leads to the weather-protected outdoor extension that is nestled into the hillside. A workshop with adjacent storage rooms completes the appropriate spatial offering on the second basement level. From here, a discreet path leads directly to the barn and the agricultural buildings below.
Inside, the prominent materiality fully reflects the chosen construction method. Floors, furniture, and walls are almost entirely made of solid larch wood or exposed concrete. The interior walls structure the rooms, just as the chosen furnishings do, adding a harmonious touch to the unified overall aesthetic.
