The significance of place and craftmanship

The Vorarlberg region and the Bregenzerwald characterise the identity of Dietrich Untertrifaller. Every project that we bring to life carries a piece of this identity within it. Craftsmanship plays a key role in this - not in the sense of skills and qualities, but in the sense of attitude and appreciation of the context, resources and cooperation. In this respect, Vorarlberg symbolises far more than just the beginning of our history. Vorarlberg is sort of our laboratory, where everyone is the product of his environment, where we mutually benefit from each other through respectful interaction, joint discussions and open dialogue at eye level. The underlying aspirations we demand from ourselves and others is a constant element in our architecture and our approach.

This development has historical reasons: as local building culture professionals joined forces, a cultural movement emerged. New ways of life, which find expression in timber construction and traditional shapes, were brought to the outside world through a public discourse. Vorarlberg has also proven itself in a global context: It has developed its own timber construction and architectural landscape and has set new architectural and craft standards. The transfer of knowledge and appreciation of craftsmanship and local resources is of immense importance for regional building culture and for us as its representatives, especially in times of a transition in the constructiion industry. With this development also comes the responsibility to respond to challenges in the region: promoting affordable housing and redensification and engaging with further building.

What exactly does our craftsmanship look like? A strong connection to the landscape and a passion for materials are paired with pragmatism that maintains the scale of dimensions and proportions, with all functions under one roof and with a high quality of use. On this basis, we have built a wealth of experience of over 35 years, which we can bring to other regions and realise on different scales. Therefore, the Festspielhaus follows the same principles as a residential neighbourhood in Freiburg or a school in France.