The Essence of the Essential
Those approaching Tannerhof from a distance, if they know where to look, can spot it from afar. A simple structure, agricultural in appearance at first glance, nestles against the meadow slope. It blends in with the contours of the land without breaking or dominating them.
As you get closer, a light- and air-filled building reveals itself, elemental and graceful, crafted from a play of wood and glass. In front, the water in the long swimming pool sparkles, and sun umbrellas add splashes of color.
Harpfe, Slope, Harmony
For months, tucked behind the most beautiful construction fence in the world, it took shape: our Badeharpfe. Even if we didn't realize it back then, its story began in 2018 when Burgi and Roger kicked off the vision for Tannerhof 2.0. Together with architect Florian Nagler and his team, ambitious plans were drawn up: renovating and expanding the bathhouse and the Kammerl rooms, building a year-round heated outdoor pool complete with a wellness house, and adapting and upgrading the energy concept—with the clear goal of operating the pool entirely self-sufficiently and sustainably.
Architecture that intensifies the experience of nature and creates new perspectives
But world events had other plans. There were pandemics, lockdowns, existential questions, inflation, supply shortages, cost explosions, political crises, recession, and the realization that the surrounding mountains make PV-based self-sufficiency impossible in winter.
One could say the Badeharpfe is a compromise in the face of the difficulties of our time. We, however, believe it is the essence. And thus, it corresponds to the philosophy that defines Tannerhof: Man, become essential. Or better yet in this case: Man, build essentially.
This essentiality is reflected in the basic design of the Badeharpfe. An idea conceived by Roger and implemented in the truest sense by the Nagler office. "Harpfen" (hay racks) can be found throughout the Alpine region, in Carinthia, Tyrol, South Tyrol, and Slovenia. In their original form, they consist of roofed vertical beams and horizontal struts, used for drying hay and grain. A wonderfully simple structure designed to utilize the natural resources of light and air without much effort.
Giving up the superfluous creates the opportunity to feel what is essential
With this fundamental idea—to let the elements of light, air, wood, and water work as authentically as possible, only changing in situation and space—something truly special has been created:
- The Badeharpfe building: a two-story, long wooden structure with eye-catching, guiding timber framing. On the ground floor, there is a covered outdoor area for lying in the shade, for yoga, or simply for sitting and reflecting in a sheltered space.
- Parallel to this is a 25x5 meter stainless steel outdoor pool, naturally cleaned, located in one of the most beautiful and moving spots in the Bayrischzell valley with a sensational view. Heated from April to October. In winter, it's for "ice bathing" and cooling off after the sauna—for those who wish.
- If you climb one set of stairs, you will find a (!) Finnish sauna (approx. 85 degrees Celsius) with large panoramic windows facing the valley, offering views of the Wendelstein and the meadows.
- If you climb the other set of stairs, you are welcomed by a cozy, wood-scented relaxation room with Weißhäupl Maliha loungers and glass all around for simply watching and dreaming.
- Two fitness rooms built into the mountainside. One for strength training, equipped by the company Eleiko, the other for endurance training with Technogym equipment.
- Two showers and two toilets.
- For heating, there are approximately 130 photovoltaic modules on the roof and 4 heat pumps in the converted barn.
This list only begins to scratch the surface. In the words of Florian Nagler: "Essentially, it’s something small: a wall, a few rooms behind it, a wooden frame in front, and a swimming pool. Nothing huge or spectacular. But it creates and provides an incredible variety of situations."
Viewed from the outside, the Badeharpfe fits complementarily into the Tannerhof village, as if it had always been a part of it. The symmetrical lines of the wood are calming, the reflection of the Wendelstein dances in the water, and the umbrellas glow like the taste of summer ice cream. A sight like a deep breath.
Looking from the inside out, the wood of the Harpfe frames the surroundings and sharpens our perception of them. Burgi describes it beautifully and clearly: "Architecture that intensifies the experience of nature and creates new images." And that is surely the true art.
We are incredibly excited and look forward to getting to know our Badeharpfe better together with our guests over the coming seasons.
We already love it.
