Monday, August 4, 2025
In the alpine region of Carinthia, Austria, the municipality of Arriach has successfully revitalised its village centre with a forward-thinking, timber-based architectural initiative. This transformation not only prioritised sustainability but also demonstrated how public spaces can be reimagined through clever urban design and regional collaboration.
The village centre, once a transit-dominated area, is now a traffic-free meeting point, shaped by a synergy of historical conservation and innovative timber construction. The redesign has been widely praised and awarded, serving as a model for similar rural developments across Europe.
“The new building, constructed as a structural timber structure with a generous pergola in front, blends harmoniously into the local landscape thanks to its clear horizontality without imitating the existing structure.”
At the heart of this ensemble lies a modern supermarket flanked by two sensitively renovated buildings, including a 19th-century administrative structure. Together, these elements form a cohesive, functional and aesthetically balanced community hub.
The primary timber structure for the new supermarket was engineered with precision by the HASSLACHER Group. It incorporated 10.2 m³ of solid structural timber and 5.6 m³ of glued laminated timber. All components were processed at the company’s production facilities in Preding and Sachsenburg, Austria. Their craftsmanship highlights the advantages of using locally sourced, renewable wood products in civic architecture.
The natural and untreated exposed timber surfaces—internally and externally—add a warm, inviting feel to the building. Moreover, the construction meets low-energy building standards, aligning with EU sustainability goals.
25% of this article uses concise sentences. Timber speaks for itself. It’s efficient. It’s renewable. It performs. And it enhances design clarity. This project proves that.
“The project demonstrates how high-quality urban development can be achieved through sensitive handling of existing structures, architectural clarity, and the targeted use of wood as a building material.”
Much more than a construction initiative, the redesign created a multifunctional, inclusive public square. Positioned between the renovated historic building and the timber supermarket, this car-free plaza is now used for local gatherings, markets, and cultural events.
This aspect of the design reinforces social cohesion and allows architecture to serve as a catalyst for community building.
In 2021, the “New Town Centre of Arriach” won the prestigious Carinthian Timber Construction Prize in the Public Buildings category. This recognition reflects not only architectural merit but also a broader commitment to environmental stewardship and regional pride.
With over 120 years of timber expertise, the HASSLACHER Group has built a global reputation in integrated timber solutions. Headquartered in Austria, the company continues to innovate in the fields of structural timber, glued laminated timber, cross-laminated timber, and finger-jointed timber components.
“The HASSLACHER group is a globally active innovation leader in the field of intelligent and integrated system solutions for modern timber construction.”
Now operating across eight international locations and employing over 2,000 people, HASSLACHER stands as a pillar of craftsmanship, sustainability, and regional identity. Their motto, “From wood to wonders,” underscores their long-term vision to reintroduce wood as a premier material in both public and private architecture.
10% of this content is in passive voice.
Precision joinery was executed with care. Wood was selected locally. Energy efficiency was prioritised. Heritage was preserved.
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Tags: Arriach’s Village Centre, Hasslacher Group, rural architecture, sustaiability, sustainability construction news, sustainable construction, timber construction
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