Situated in the Bregenzerwald region of Vorarlberg, Austria, a financial institution has undergone a complete renovation and reorganisation. Following the bank merger, the decision was made to strengthen and secure the long-term presence of the Au branch. The project, designed by firm Architekten, involved a comprehensive upgrade and a functional adaptation of the spatial layout, establishing the building as a contemporary facility tailored to evolving customer needs.
Facade strategy with milled spruce and fir shingle cladding
The building is centrally situated in the village of Au, specifically at the junction with Faschina Street. The renovation reoriented the main entrance to face the street directly, thereby enhancing the building's visibility to the public. The exterior design draws directly on the region’s strong tradition of timber construction and material use. The base features a vertical screen of spruce with a distinctive milled ornamental pattern, providing a visual anchor. On the upper floors, the façade is clad in round fir wood shingles. The exterior renovation included renewing the facade insulation and installing new windows to improve the building's thermal performance. This careful choice of local wood species highlights the building's public function while firmly anchoring it within the architectural landscape of the Bregenzerwald.
Thermal and Energy Integration
Beyond the new facade insulation and windows, internal comfort is maintained through the installation of cooling ceilings to control internal thermal loads. Power generation is incorporated into the structure with a new photovoltaic system to produce on-site electricity. These technical measures collectively modernise the building to meet current performance standards, focusing on high-performance envelope regulation and system efficiency.
Internal organisation and materiality
The interior is characterised by openness and transparency, contrasting with the solidity of the exterior. The layout is designed to facilitate various levels of customer interaction. The ground floor, accessible through a vestibule with an initial service zone, opens into the main entrance hall. This area features two contact points: a high-privacy service counter and a reception desk for registration.
Upstairs, offices are dedicated to customer consulting, fronted by a unified waiting and lounge area. The selection of interior materials establishes a clear design language. The ground floor is distinguished by a durable natural stone floor. Walls are finished with natural pine panelling, while a white glazed acoustic slatted ceiling, also made of pine wood, manages sound whilst maintaining a bright atmosphere.
The project by firm Architekten transforms the Raiffeisenbank branch into a facility that balances regional architectural character with modern functional requirements. By applying high-quality, locally appropriate materials and integrating effective performance, the building serves as a contemporary model for financial institutions operating within the specific cultural and material landscape of the Bregenzerwald.
