Preserving a Village Landmark

Where villagers once gathered to view new photographs, the Kriechere 70 Studio in Bezau now continues its quiet cultural legacy. Originally built by Leopold Kaufmann and home to the Hiller family’s photography business for decades, the studio was a well-known spot along the Bezauer Dorfstraße. After years of disuse, the structure found new life when architects Innauer Matt took over the lease in 2012.

A Careful Architectural Response

By 2021, it became clear the original Bregenzerwald house had deteriorated too far to save. While the former front building was lost, the core of the property—the historic photo studio—remained intact. The new design prioritizes this space, treating it as a central artifact around which the rest of the building was thoughtfully constructed.

Echoing Local Traditions

The newly built structure subtly mirrors the local architectural idiom, embracing the typical forms and materials of the Bregenzerwald region without mimicking them outright. Wooden elements, simple volumes, and restrained detailing tie the building back into its Alpine surroundings while maintaining a contemporary voice.

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