Ludescher and Lutz Architekten has designed Posthus, the new gateway to the Bregenzerwald in Austria.

The point-shaped structure of Posthus has a hipped roof, creating a new landmark in the centre of 'Egg in Austria', where the positioning of the building also makes the church part of the village square.

"At over five storeys high, the height is challenging, but its central location in the village and the fact that the church is significantly taller make the height seem appropriate," said Ludescher and Lutz Architekten.

The Posthus is a hybrid timber construction, with reinforced concrete ceilings that rest on steel columns and are reinforced by a concrete stairwell core.

The exterior walls are prefabricated wall panels in timber frame construction, inserted in two layers between the ceilings, while the basement area of the facility housed the central switching node for all fibre optic cables in the Bregenzerwald region.

Overall, the construction method promoted traditional craftsmanship and the longevity of the wooden components; the building's shell seeks a symbiosis of clear structure, sustainable construction and regional building tradition.

This project has been longlisted in the mixed use project category of Dezeen Awards 2025.

Studio: Ludescher and Lutz Architekten
Project: Posthus
Credits: Elmar Ludescher and Philip Lutz