Oberhofen im Inntal, Tyrol, Austria
In Oberhofen im Inntal, “village renewal“ is lived out in its most concrete form. Through the renovation of historically significant buildings and ensembles that shape the village‘s character, the municipality has created a new village center for social interaction while also setting the stage for new cultural activities.
As a growing community with a train station in the middle of the village (since 2005) and a half-hourly S-Bahn service to Innsbruck, 30 km away, the question of creating adequate and contemporary childcare facilities was at the forefront of a comprehensive participatory village development process that began in 2016. Based on a survey among residents and with alternative scenarios, a master plan was developed outlining the long-term development of the village center and optimal use of municipally owned properties. As a result, an exemplary inner-village development was implemented, with a far-reaching impact due to its holistic approach and the consistent exploitation of existing potentials. A barn was transformed into a much-frequented and atmospheric space for events and markets, and the vacant “Rimml“ inn was converted into a modern, barrier-free municipal office. The new educational campus, once completed, will provide more childcare places in line with the growing population, enable cooperation and synergies, and contribute significantly to a lively village with short distances.
At the same time, agriculture continues to shape the village. In particular, the cultivation of potatoes has a long tradition, as evidenced by the annual Potato Festival. Many farms engage in direct marketing through farm shops and even online platforms. The old farmhouses in the historic street village and the network of small pedestrian alleys have been lovingly restored and expanded through private initiatives with support from the municipality and the State of Tyrol.
The forward-thinking policies of previous generations, particularly regarding the railway connection and the walkable accessibility of all facilities, are being continued: in the careful use of resources, the minimal designation of new building land, the preservation of historic buildings rooted in the village culture, the creation of new inclusive meeting places for all generations, and sustainable solutions for construction, energy supply, and mobility.
To create more capacity in childcare while avoiding short-term individual solutions, the municipality of Oberhofen im Inntal launched a participatory village development process in 2018. This process, exemplary for Tyrol, focused on holistic and long-term village development, taking into account all municipally owned properties.
After thorough preliminary research and the development of scenarios by different architectural teams, a master plan was created with active citizen participation, professional moderation, and close support from experts in urban planning, architecture, and monument preservation. The revitalization of the historic village center, the integration of modern requirements, and the strengthening of the village‘s short distances and community were anchored in consensus. Based on the master plan, three flagship projects were subsequently implemented.
The “Planning Study in Dialogue“ became a pilot project for the new “Neighborhood Development“ program of Tyrol‘s village renewal initiative, serving as a model for other municipalities with its holistic approach and consistent exploitation of existing potential, even if these initially seemed hardly conceivable. The involvement of the citizens led to a deeper awareness of the village‘s history and its buildings, resulting in a strong identification with the initiatives. This is now evident in increased self-initiative for participation in the revitalized outdoor and indoor spaces.
The former Rimml guesthouse, which had been vacant for decades and was steadily deteriorating, was transformed into a modern municipal office with integrated barrier-free access up to the attic, as part of the reallocation of public facilities in the municipality of Oberhofen im Inntal. Along with the newly designed guest garden, including a historic outdoor bowling alley and pavilion, the building, which has shaped the village‘s appearance for centuries, once again serves as a lively meeting place for all generations. A vacancy has become a beacon, triggering further revitalization projects in the village center, including private initiatives, in a domino effect.
Compared to new construction, valuable building fabric and “grey energy“ were preserved as an important ecological factor, as well as “golden energy“ as a cultural contribution. Unique spatial experiences were created, such as the tea kitchen under the vaulted ceiling or the barrier-free restroom with uncovered wall paintings on concave walls. The renovation with ecological materials for insulation (cellulose, glass foam), the thermal upgrading of the old windows, the collection of all roof water in a drainage system, heating with biomass from the municipality‘s district heating, and open-pore flooring in the outdoor areas demonstrate the comprehensive efforts toward sustainability. Awards such as the nomination for the Austrian ZV-Bauherr Prize 2023, the 2023 Monument Protection Medal of the Republic of Austria, and the Tyrolean Renovation Prize 2024 honor the careful and forward-looking handling of old building fabric.
Perhaps the most convincing metamorphosis in the building stock of Oberhofen im Inntal, in terms of both means and impact, was experienced by the Rimml barn, formerly attached to the local inn, which was converted into a cultural barn as part of a village renewal project. This idea emerged from a participatory village development process, which is why the project generated significant interest from residents from the start.
Using the original wooden elements and adding a few carefully balanced contemporary components in steel and concrete for the staircase and sanitary core, the barn was transformed into an impressive event space. The former stables, located in the masonry base, are being converted into a future local history museum. The original character of the barn as a covered cold space was preserved, offering a frequently used space with a unique atmosphere created by the play of light through the facade boards and the massive beams. A wide variety of private and public events such as festivals, concerts, theater performances, and markets take place here. It is often chosen as an alternative venue for outdoor events in case of bad weather.
This project also demonstrates that “less“ can indeed be “more“: the decision was made not to heat the Rimml barn, both for ecological and financial reasons. As a result, it is now a “gifted“ cultural and meeting space, whose full usability and impact can still unfold, making the experience of weather a usable part of the concept. It would be desirable if this approach could lead to more restrained public space programs in other parts of the village in the future, to fully exploit resource efficiency on a larger scale. Overall, the project shows that a positive process, once set in motion, can develop a promising momentum. This is already evident in the founding of the “Kulturgröstl“ association by culture enthusiasts in the community, motivated by the mere presence of an adequate event venue. This association organizes cultural events for all age and target groups, publishes a digital event calendar, and thus enriches the cultural and socio-cultural life in Oberhofen im Inntal.
Evaluated: 2024
