Kachelofen
2018-2020
Concept for a permanent public art installation
Commissioned by the municipality of Schwarzenberg
As an essential element in the typical Bregenzerwälder house, tile stoves have a long tradition and history in the region. Situated at the heart of the home, daily life takes place around the stove. For many centuries, the stove was crucial for surviving in an Alpine region like this.
The plan: A fully functional tile stove – surrounded by a stove bench – will be installed right on top of a hill in Schwarzenberg. The centre of the home becomes the centre of the village, turning the site into a meeting point, an open space of warmth, community, listening and story-telling.
The tile stove will be built in cooperation with stove mason Simon Voppichler. To ensure longevity, the tiles will be cast in concrete.
Why the concept was not realised? The project was unanimously approved by the municipal council. Unfortunately, the project had to be halted at a late stage due to disagreements between the municipality and the site‘s private owner.