A Flax Hut Conversion In the Bavarian Alps

The thoughtful redesign, conversion and extension of a heritage-listed hut located in a charming village in the Bavarian Alps.

Alpine architecture at its best, this project completed by Max von Werz Arquitectos breathes new life into a traditional stone building while expanding it with thoughtfully designed, contemporary volumes. The clients tasked the studio with the restoration of a heritage-listed flax threshing hut located in Pfifferloh, in the Bavarian Alps, Germany, and with the creation of a comfortable country home. A beautiful example of vernacular architecture, the stone building dates back to the 18th century.

Working closely with local authorities, the architecture firm developed a strategy to preserve the original structure. Rather than altering the old barn, the team designed an extension and a connecting transversal volume. The cluster of smaller buildings not only separates programs and helps to minimize interventions in the original stone hut, but also references agricultural structures that come together as a unitary homestead.

Low-slung, timber-clad volumes that extend the living spaces without clashing with the traditional stone building.

To ensure the new volumes look natural in the rural context and alongside the original hut, the architects designed the extension and connecting passageway with low-slung profiles. Additionally, the extension boasts dark timber cladding that gives a nod to vernacular architecture. The low-pitched roof features wide eaves as well as copper siding that will gain a patina over time.

While largely closed off to the neighboring houses, the volumes feature glazing toward the south. Here, the windows and glass doors connect the living spaces to views of the village and the Alpine landscape. Furthermore, this strategic orientation optimizes natural light and the warmth of the afternoon sun. The team used a blend of eclectic furniture, lighting and decorative items throughout the property. Inside the old hut especially, this choice creates a striking dialogue with original elements like a traditional fireplace. On this project, Max von Werz Arquitectos has collaborated with Architekturbüro Stephan Wildgruber
 on construction design and Hubert Fischer Gartenbau
 on landscaping. Photography by Simone Bossi.