Halwina Hideaway

How can the rustic atmosphere of a traditional farmhouse be captured in a new building? Architect Jürgen Haller decided to take on this challenge. Edith’s grandparents’ house used to stand on what is now the site of the HALWINA Hideaway. The structural substance of the historic house in the small community of Sibratsgfäll in the Bregenz Forest (Bregenzerwald) would not have stood up to renovation. It was therefore with a heavy heart that Edith and her husband Peter decided to demolish the old building and replace it with a new three-story building—but not without incorporating plenty of memories into the planning. It starts with the name: HALWINA is made up of Hanna and Alwin. That was the name of Edith’s grandparents, and the two vacation apartments are also named after them. From the outside, the house with its wooden shingles blends in with the traditional buildings of the Bregenz Forest. Panoramic windows in various sizes set modern accents and showcase the forest. They offer guests a sweeping view of the mountainous surroundings. Host Edith designed the interior with an equally keen eye for the extraordinary: Wood-paneled ceilings and walls, for example, which are also reminiscent of the original construction method, were given a modern twist by partly choosing smooth surfaces, and partly opting for slatted or coffered ceilings. The colorful wallpaper in the bedrooms is a nice contrast to the natural color palette in the living rooms. The mix of traditional and modern continues in the bathrooms: Antiques have been transformed into washbasins, while beautifully patterned tiles and black fittings create a contemporary look. The cozy kitchens of the vacation apartments with free-standing cooking island and spacious dining area are the perfect meeting point for guests. The view of the valley could not be more atmospheric by the crackling open fire. Hanna and Alwin would certainly have felt at home here, too.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• Appreciation for tradition meets modern style and comfort and a great sense of beauty. This can be seen in the choice of materials as well as the fixtures and fittings.
• Instead of quoting clichés, architect Jürgen Haller has transformed the place for a new era with his architectural language.
• The HALWINA Hideaway won the Big See Tourism Design Award 2022 for its architecture. 
• The construction method with lots of wood from the region is sustainable and forward-looking.
• The building pays respect to regional construction methods and blends harmoniously into the surroundings.
• Edith and her husband Peter commissioned innovative craftsmen from the Bregenz Forest for the new building. There are an exceptionally large number of them in the region, most of whom are members of the Werkraum Bregenzerwald on the outskirts of the village of Sibratsgfäll in the Lower Bregenz Forest, which has 400 inhabitants. 
• HALWINA offers guests a relaxing break with their favorite people, true to the hotel’s motto “be timeless”.
• Walking barefoot on the unoiled wooden floors is a particularly sensual experience. 
• The window alcove with bench in the Hanna apartment—the perfect place to read and relax and watch the spectacle of nature outside 
• The loggia in apartment Hanna, which can be closed off from the wind and weather with slats (a great breakfast spot!)
• The hosts have many favorite places and insider tips that they like to share with their guests.
• Fancy some time out in nature? Numerous hiking trails start right outside the door.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• Apartment Hanna is spread over three floors and can accommodate up to nine people; Apartment Alwin has two floors and is suitable for up to five people.
• If you don’t want to cook yourself, you can let Sabine, the good soul of the house (and a trained pastry chef!), spoil you with culinary delights. She is also the contact person for any other matters or queries guests may have
• A breakfast service is available on request, and you can also buy some regional products for cooking at the HALWINA.
• The Bregenz Forest is known for its excellent cuisine.
• Families are welcome: The hosts are parents of three children themselves and know what it takes to make everyone feel at home. Baby bed, high chair, high-quality cork dining sets, reading books, children’s tractor and push-powered ride-on Bobby Car—everything guests need!
• There’s also a playground in the village center and plenty of hiking trails for children. However, the best vacation program for little adventurers is offered by the nature on HALWINA’s doorstep: Forests, diverse flower meadows and plenty of space to run and let off steam.
• The whole house can also be rented for vacations with a large group.
• If you haven’t managed to exhaust yourself on a hike or ski tour, you can flex your muscles in the small gym area in the loft of the Hanna apartment or enjoy a yoga session before relaxing in the sauna.
• The accommodation is geared towards skiers and offers appropriate storage facilities for equipment. Snowshoes and toboggans can be hired; in the village there’s also a ski storage room
• Solar panels on the roof supply the house with sustainable electricity.
• There is also a charging station for electric cars.
• From May to the end of October, guests receive the Bregenzerwaldcard, with which all buses, mountain railways, swimming pools etc. in the Bregenzerwald can be used free of charge.
• In winter the cross-country ski pass for Sibratsgfäll, Hittisau, Balderschwang is also free of charge!

Photos: Marika Unterladstätter, Imanuel Albrecht Schnabel (Architekturfotos)