An important stimulus is provided to the craft culture by the “Craftsmanship + Design” competition which is held every three years. It took place again in 2018. Here is a collection of the prize-winning products. To see the high quality of all the entries for yourself, click here: www.handwerkundform.com

Craftsmanship and design from the Bregenzerwald
Craftsmanship and design from the Bregenzerwald
Recent examples of craftsmanship, design and architecture, presented by the director of the Werkraum craft cooperative, Thomas Geisler.

Folding furniture (Design: Stefan Prattes, 2018)
Mohr Joinery, Andelsbuch
This classic folding furniture in maple is surprising in its design and detail. The locking mechanism is based on the way a clothes peg works.

Day-bed, hay-bed! (Design: Georg Milde, 2018)
Mohr Upholstery and Mohr Joinery, Andelsbuch
The wooden construction of this couch in ash is reminiscent of the sleds that are used to bring the hay from the mid-elevation and high Alpine pastures down to the valley. Appropriately enough, the cushions are made of undyed linen filled with mountain hay.

Wood + rammed clay units (Design: Tobias Fritz, Thomas Mennel, 2018)
Fink Woodworkers, Au
These units made of wood and rammed clay help to stabilise and regulate room temperature and humidity. A step towards sustainability that is based on ancient knowledge of materials.

Stove (Design: Klemens Grund, 2018)
Beer Stoves, Schoppernau and Figer Decorative Ironwork, Bezau
The stove can be made taller, depending on the heat output required. The moulded concrete components are stacked in layers, supported on iron rods.

Desk tidy (Design: Klaus Hackl, 2018)
Bereuter Joinery, Lingenau and Elisabeth Klein Porcelain, Munich
This small box made of cherry or chestnut wood with a porcelain top is useful for storing office materials and writing implements, to keep your desk tidy.

Verve Air (Design: Georg Bechter Architecture+Design, 2018)
Georg Bechter Lighting, Langenegg
This combined air vent and light can be flush-fitted in plaster walls or ceilings, with no need to use any different materials. Making the useful beautiful and the technology invisible.

Clothes horse (Design: Thomas Mohr, 2018)
Mohr Joinery, Andelsbuch
A maple clothes horse that you don't need to hide away and which will give you pleasure while doing your household chores.