Project Information
16_44
DI Christoph Dünser
DI Stefan Hiebeler
Benjamin Gabler M.Sc.
Saskia Weber M.A.
Arch. DI Roland Wehinger
Saskia Weber M.A.
Jörg Braun
Builder-Owner
Kloster Einsiedeln / Propstei St.Gerold
Location
St. Gerold
Completition
2023
Project facts
n.b.ar. 1602,4 m²
Project Phases
Riding Hall
Hostel
Provost Residence St. Gerold, riding hall – renovation project, St. Gerold
Propstei St. Gerold – main building renovation St. Gerold
Rights
Photo HK Architekten, Roland Wehinger
Text HK Architekten
- Bau KG
Gau Kurt Planungs- und Baukoordination - Electronics Planning
Norbert Steiner - Heating Ventilation and Sanitary Planning
E-Plus Planungsteam GmbH
Merz Kley Partner GmbH- Building Physics
WSS - Wärme und Schallschutztechnik Schwarz - Drainage Planning
M+G Ingenieure - Geotechnical Engineering
Geotechnik Dönz - Survey
AVD Vermessung - Archäologie
Context KG - Fire Protection Planning
IBS-Technisches Büro GmbH
Propstei St. Gerold – main building renovation St. Gerold
The Propstei, a listed hotel and seminar building, has been undergoing renovation since September 1, 2021. HK Architects were commissioned to preserve the building’s history while meeting modern requirements. The renovation focused on ensuring the Propstei’s preservation for at least another century. Despite challenges such as missing electrical wiring and inadequate fire protection, the Propstei’s philosophy was emphasized, creating a monastic atmosphere. Restoration work included reinstating historical features such as Romanesque arch windows and Baroque-style stucco ceilings. Modern design was combined with traditional materials and construction techniques to improve energy efficiency while preserving the building’s character. The Propstei now offers an inviting environment for guests and seminar participants, remaining a place of hope and encounter amidst nature.
Following the recent restoration and renovation works at Propstei St. Gerold, we had the opportunity to speak with Pater Martin Werlen and Christoph Dünser about the project, the process, and the incredible results they achieved together.
The interview is only in German available Link
Projektbilder
Projektpläne
Baublog
Abstand 4
Covering for the radiators
Ultra-modern manufacturing meets traditional carpentry
mehr
Cover of the floor convector
From prototyp to production
video credits: Palzenberger
For a renaissance room, in the main building of the Propstei St. Gerold, the team – consisting of Christoph Dünser, Saskia Weber and Dominic Wild – is working on a new covering for the radiators. Using the in-house laser cutter, the first prototypes have already been produced from wood.
The manufacturing is done by Markus Palzenberger. His innovative laser cutters are able to create a precise design by selectively burning into the surface of the 20mm thick panels exactly.
Afterwards, restorer Edgar Waldner will apply a suitable varnish to the panelling and expertly install it to ensure a perfect match with the existing building.
The panel
3-layer panel in solid ash with a thickness of 20 mm
Frick Burtscher Holz mit Technik GmbH, Dornbirn
By using specially selected ash with a fine grain and rift/semi rift annual rings, the 3-layer panel is produced with increased gluing accuracy. After laser cutting, the panel is finished with a head sanding process to remove the singed surface and slightly frayed edges.
Manufacturing
The craftsman
See his work in St. Gerold on Instagram
Wainscoting around J. 1590
Wood carvings, perfect-imperfect
Wood restoration
Prototyp | Hausinterner Lasercutter- Prototyp | Kanten brechen
Interior update
Phase 4 – raising the glass roof
steel beams
An elevated structure with a gable-like shape, which also serves as a steel beam, embodies
the harmonious fusion of architecture and engineering.
Abstand 3
Phase 3 – new East roof
Interior update
Abstand 2
railing for the stairs
installation: Schlosserei Kalb
material: steel rough, oiled
Abstand
Phase 2 – renovating the west roof
Ancient timber still stands proud.
The restoration work continues with great care and skill at Propstei St. Gerold in the main building.
Now, it’s the time for more of the many roofs to be erected and made sound. The west roof has come to life piece by piece. The new timber system has been carefully put into place while elegant dormer windows with copper cladding stand out.
The original beams, with their ancient, hand made markings stand in their exact place as they have done for centuries. They note the time passed and the care taken to select, craft and install them.
The preservation of these old beam timbers marks the coming and going of time as they are now encased in the new timber structure, held in place to support the new roof via a sturdy steel support system. The ancient and the new sit together here as they do throughout this project.
Another page in the history book of St Gerold is complete, and the next page and chapters are ready to begin. Next it is the roof of the east wing.
Phase 1 – renovating the south roof
A Provostry has stood here in St Gerold since the 13th century.
It has seen the world change and develop around it.
Today we are honoured to be part of the next step in the evolution of this pillar of the community it serves.
This is the first phase, the reconstruction of the roof trusses. We are using the latest Cross Laminate timber materials to give this building a new future.
Watch phase 1 unfold in this short film. This is just the initial works, many more phases will also be documented for you to enjoy.
- video 1, Abbruch Dach
- video 2, Abbruch Dach
- video 3, Aufbau Dach
- video 4, Aufbau Dach
- video 5, Aufbau Dach
- video 6, Aufbau Dach
Baublog 14
Baublog 13
Baublog 12
Baublog 11
Baublog 10
Baublog 9
Baublog 8
Baublog 7
Baublog 6
Baublog 5
Baublog 4
Baublog 3
Baublog 2
Baublog 1
