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I n the heart of the Bregenz Forest, the Fuchsegg Eco Lodge captivates with its tranquil location
away from tourist crowds while being close to Lake Constance and the mountains. Situated in
Schetteregg on an over 9000-square-metre site amidst meadows, forests and mountains, the group
of buildings seamlessly integrates into the surroundings. The design, guided by the principles of
sustainability and clear localisation, was developed by the architectural firm Ludescher + Lutz from
Bregenz. It was important to them that the new buildings recede, allowing the landscape and the
sky to take centre stage. They considered it a special privilege to develop an ensemble of buildings
in the untouched landscape, drawing inspiration from traditional structures of the region and rein-
terpreting them to meet the requirements of a hotel. Architecture, according to Elmar Ludescher and
Philip Lutz, has to make a cultural contribution. After the decision to divide the room schedule into
individual houses, they developed the role and complete floor plans of all the buildings, including
the concept for gastronomy, seminar areas, library and sauna house. The exterior appearance was
of particular concern to them, so they designed a façade system in wood that makes the structures
become part of the landscape with a serene naturalness. Thirty residential units are spread across Foto: Günter Standl
three buildings. There is also a sauna house, a relaxation and wellness area with a year-round out-
door pool; the inn with restaurant, fireplace bar, wine cellar, library, lounge as well as yoga rooms Vorbild Vorsäß-Hütten: sechs einzelne, schlichte Volumina • Six individual volumes
and the Tenn, a barn with Simplon e-bike rental and play area for the little visitors. The designs
were further developed and implemented by local craftsmen, mostly members of the Werkraum Abstand: Zwischen den Häusern Natur erleben. • Experiencing nature between the houses
Bregenzerwald, under the direction of planDREI in Andelsbuch. The construction timber is sourced
from local spruce, while elm, ash, maple and especially silver fir were used for the interior fittings
and façade. Traditional construction methods are consistently combined with new elements. For
example, the height of the parapets is traditional, but reinterpreted as a continuous motif with a
sunshade made of rotating slats. Another important aspect in the concept conceived for the Fuch-
segg Eco Lodge was the clear separation of the buildings and their functions, avoiding a direct con-
nection between the houses: with each transition, guests should rediscover and feel the closeness to
nature anew. The entire furnishing with many natural materials was selected with a focus on eco-
logy and indoor air quality. Air heat pumps and water-saving fixtures further reduce consumption.

Materiality and technology for ecology and healthy living
Foto: Günter Standl
True to the motto of “time together”, the Fuchsegg Eco Lodge appeals to different target groups of
all ages, from couples and families to groups of friends, and offers five room types with the right
layout for everyone. All are furnished with many natural materials. In addition to local woods,
stone and wool felt, a completely degradable clay-milk-white mixture with carnauba wax was Lageplan mit Erdgeschoss-Grundrissen • Site view with ground floor plans
chosen for the floor. The furniture was also made by regional carpenters in the spirit of Vorarlberg
wood craftsmanship. The different floor plan types have been designed in an unusually varied way.
The centrepiece of the Fuchsegg Eco Lodge is the restaurant. Here, lodge guests meet day visitors
and locals in a deliberately relaxed atmosphere – two dining rooms, terrace, fireplace bar and
lounge, hotel shop and wine cellar provide ample opportunity for this. The upper floor with lounge,
library and multifunctional event rooms is reserved for hotel guests only. A four metre long oak
tree trunk serves as a table and is the preferred place for wine and cheese tastings or baking bread
together. The eye-catcher in the restaurant is the centrally positioned wood-burning stove with
custom-made tiles from a manufacturer in Bludenz. The colour scheme is based on the blueberry.
The skin of the fruit is blue with a high proportion of black, and the pulp has a reddish tone. The
two vibrant colours provide a suitable contrast to the local silver fir wood and continue the colours Zeichnung: Ludescher + Lutz Architekten
of the green surroundings inside. A warm brown shade was added, referencing the colour of the
porcini mushrooms growing in the forests around the lodge. Located in the middle of the property,
surrounded by meadows, is the sauna house. A highlight of the wellness area is the outdoor space
with a covered porch, spacious lounging area and a 15-metre-long pool. On the ground floor, there Querschnitt Haupthaus • Transversal section mainhouse
are two treatment rooms for massage and cosmetic treatments, as well as the panoramic relaxation
room, lined with silver fir and featuring an oak floor. In the basement, with saunas and steam bath,
large floor-to-ceiling windows provide plenty of light and views of nature. Movement and sports
rooms, as well as an open-air yoga platform near the edge of the forest, complete the sauna house
offering. The equipment mainly consists of healthy materials such as various woods and silver
quartzite stone with antibacterial properties. Individual black lime walls made of Kanisfluh rock – a
mountain in the Bregenz Forest – give the rooms character and strength. The furniture is crafted by
local artisans and adorned with cork fronts. Three multifunctional conference and movement rooms
equipped with state-of-the-art technology and hardware are available for businesses and organi-
sations. Regional wood and healthy materials create a soothing atmosphere. The library with an
open fireplace and book gallery complements the offering. All spaces benefit from ample daylight Zeichnung: Ludescher + Lutz Architekten
and views of the surrounding landscape through large windows. The added value of Fuchsegg lies
in the perfect combination of indoor and outdoor spaces. Creative exchange takes place during
breaks in the outdoor environment, and team building while baking bread or during wine tastings.

AIT 6.2024 • 113