Appenzeller Huus

About the project

The Appenzellerhuus ensemble in Gonten is the largest building venture Appenzell Innerrhoden has ever seen: a resort and residential development of hotels and apartment houses, built as a modern interpretation of the traditional Appenzell Strickbau.

Twelve-centimetre solid-wood boards are joined with dovetail connections — without glue or metal — using around a thousand spruces from the surrounding forests. Prefabrication happens directly in the village, in a joint venture between the developer and the local timber builder, keeping transport to a minimum.

With solar roofs and geothermal heating throughout, the project anchors regional craft at spectacular scale — a landmark of solid-timber construction and a long-term carbon sink, certified under the Rainbow Standard.