The essence of the essential
If you approach the Tannerhof from a distance and know where to look, you will see it from afar. A simple building, at first glance agricultural in appearance, nestles against the meadow slope. It blends in with the contour lines without breaking through or dominating.
As you approach, a building flooded with light and air opens up, elementary and graceful, made of wood and glass in play. In front of it, the water sparkles in the elongated swimming pool and parasols add splashes of color.
Harpfe, Slope, Harmony
It has been growing for months behind the most beautiful construction fence in the world: our Badeharpfe. Even if we didn't realize it at the time, it was born in 2018 when Burgi and Roger started planning a Tannerhof 2.0. Together with architect Florian Nagler and his team, great things were planned: Renovation and extension of the bathhouse and the Kammerl, the construction of a year-round heated outdoor pool with wellness house including adaptation and expansion of an energy concept with the aim of being able to operate the outdoor pool self-sufficiently and sustainably. In keeping with the reputation of its name, the pool restaurant was to be given more space in the drained indoor pool.
Architecture that intensifies the experience of nature and creates new images
But world events had other plans. There was a pandemic, lockdowns, existential issues, inflation, supply bottlenecks, cost explosions, political crises, recession and the realization that the surrounding mountains make self-sufficiency based on PV impossible in winter.
You could say that the Badeharpfe is the compromise in the face of the difficulties of our time. But we think it is the essence. And thus corresponds to the idea that defines the Tannerhof: human, become essential. Or rather, in this case: build essential.
This essentiality is reflected in the basic design of the bathing harp. An idea that originated with Roger and was implemented by the Nagler office in the truest sense of the word. Harpfes can be found in the Alpine region, in Carinthia, Tyrol, South Tyrol and Slovenia. In their original form, they consist of roofed vertical beams and horizontal struts and are used to dry hay and grain. A wonderfully simple construction, designed to use the natural resources of light and air without much effort. How beautiful is that?
Dispensing with the superfluous creates the opportunity to feel the essentials
With this basic idea of allowing the elements of light, air, wood and water to have their effect as unadulterated as possible, only in the change of situation and space, something truly special has been created:
- The Badeharpfe building: a two-storey long wooden structure with beams that catch and guide the eye. At ground level there is a covered outdoor area for lying in the shade, doing yoga or simply sitting and contemplating in a sheltered spot.
- Parallel to this is a 25x5 m stainless steel outdoor pool, naturally purified, in one of the most beautiful and touching places in the Bayrischzell valley with sensational views. Heated from April to October. In winter for "ice bathing" and cooling off after the sauna - if you like.
- If you climb one flight of stairs, there is a (!) Finnish sauna (approx. 85 degrees) with large panoramic windows facing the valley, views of the Wendelstein and the meadows. In front of it is an outdoor area with benches, wooden shutters to keep out the cool mountain wind and loungers.
- If you climb the other staircase, you are welcomed by a cozy, wood-scented relaxation room with Weißhäupl Maliha loungers, glass all around for simply looking and dreaming.
- Two fitness rooms built into the mountainside. One for strength training, equipped by Eleiko, the other for endurance training with Tecnogym equipment.
- Two showers and two WCs.
- There are approx. 130 photovoltaic modules on the roof for heating and 4 heat pumps in the converted barn.
This list only comes close to reality. In the words of Florian Nagler: "Basically, 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 gives rise to an incredible number of different situations."
Seen from the outside, the Badeharpfe blends in perfectly with 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, the umbrellas glow like the taste of summer ice cream. A sight like taking a deep breath.
If you look from the inside to the outside, the wood of the Harpfe frames the surroundings and sharpens your perception of them. Burgi describes it beautifully and clearly: "Architecture that intensifies the experience of nature and creates new images". And that is probably the true art.
We are really looking forward to getting to know our Badeharpfe better together with our guests over the coming seasons.
We already love it.
