Tradition, Copper, Sheep
The Montafon Comes Together at AMRAI's House
AMRAI has an eye for detail, a sure sense of style, and a deep connection to her homeland. She embraces casual elegance and weaves her tasteful touch throughout her entire home. This is reflected in both the big picture and the smallest details. No matter where you look, materials, elements, and shapes represent the Montafon in all its splendor. Elegant copper mugs, cozy woolen accessories, delicate blossoms, and vines are just a few examples. Read on to discover what AMRAI loves so dearly and what she believes everyone deserves a piece of.
AMRAI's Architecture
A Sea of Flowers on AMRAI's Wooden Facade
Floral ornaments adorn the wooden facade. This artistic design references both the traditional Montafon folk costume and a distinctive feature of the Montafon region: Traditionally, the upper third of wooden barns has featured an open element—often in the shape of a flower—that serves as ventilation. When working with wood, the architects made it a priority to complement traditional craftsmanship, such as woodcarving, with contemporary methods. CNC milling proved to be an enriching technique for this purpose. AMRAI can’t get enough of the facade and is waiting for the flowers to keep growing all the way up to the sky.
Elements of the traditional costume and the fine fabrics she loves so much
AMRAI cherishes the Montafon traditional costume, whose floral vine is an essential element of Montafon tradition. Every family in the Montafon has its own ornament and passes it down from generation to generation. Because of AMRAI’s mother’s fondness for daisies, this motif not only adorns AMRAI’s traditional costume but also continues to flourish in our architecture and interior design.
AMRAI’s seating has been upholstered with fine, exquisite fabrics. Here, too, AMRAI’s colorful vine from the Montafon traditional costume grows and flourishes. As a central element throughout the house, it can be found on various furnishings, such as furniture and upholstery. Sometimes AMRAI doesn’t even want to sit in the vine-adorned armchairs, for fear of crushing the beautiful vine.
The Maisäß, AMRAI's Magical Childhood Memory
The Maisäß is characteristic of the Montafon and serves as a sort of midway stop on the way to the Hochalpe. It was used in the spring as a pre-Alp until the Hochalpe was free of snow.
For AMRAI, the Maisäß is not just a temporary home, but her true home. After all, her Ahna (grandmother) spent every summer at the Maisäß. During her visits, AMRAI internalized the Maisäß tradition and has since associated this magical place with time to pause, reflect, and recharge.
AMRAI’s architecture therefore dedicates an entire section of the building to this special place, featuring rooms, suites, and a spa area designed in a unique architectural style characterized by abundant light, light-colored spruce wood, and an airy atmosphere.
Hospitality Carved in Wood and Stone
AMRAI loves the cozy atmosphere of the Montafon. It favors authentic materials like wood and stone from the region, as they exude the comfort and sense of security that AMRAI values so much.
Right at the front desk, AMRAI’s reception team welcomes you from behind a gray monolith—this is where we really get things rolling for you, ensuring your vacation at AMRAI becomes an unforgettable highlight. The open-kitchen area, the Stólla, and the drinking fountain—also featuring stone elements—convey a touch of the high-alpine mountains of the Montafon. The only thing missing is AMRAI’s sheep, leaping over hill and dale day in and day out. As you walk across the untreated larch and ash wood floors, you can feel the natural essence of the Montafon forests and breathe in the fresh, woody scent of the trees. Completely free of woodworm.
Copper as a Tribute to Mining
AMRAI’s architecture is deeply rooted in the Montafon mountains. For centuries, mining took place here; miners dug deep into the tunnels, extracting iron and silver, but above all, copper. A material that had a profound impact on the valley and its economy and lives on today as a central design element in many areas of the building.
Numerous details reflect this heritage and are waiting to be discovered: Lamps, fixtures, and subtle design elements tell the story of that time underground with their warm glow. Copper was used generously—and makes a particularly striking impression—in the Stólla, AMRAI’s underground wellness world. The reddish-golden sheen radiates a cozy warmth and creates an atmosphere that is both powerful and inviting. In this way, Montafon mining finds an impressive place in the here and now through AMRAI.
Wool-Themed Accessories
AMRAI is only available in a pair—or rather, in a flock. Whenever you meet her, her best friends, the Montafon "Steinschafe", are never far away.
So when it comes to wool—the material AMRAI loves to snuggle up in and which their own stone sheep provide—it’s an absolute must. Their high-quality wool has been spun and woven into fine fabrics, which you’ll find in numerous AMRAI accessories—such as sheep’s wool rugs, coasters, seat cushions in the Holzstube, and even on the upholstered wall in the foyer. Feel free to reach in and touch the soft "Steinschaf" wool. For more information on high-quality wool products made from Montafon "Steinschaf" wool, visit AMRAI’s friends at Montafoner-Steinschaf.
AMRAI's Architects
Approach
Architects Lukas Schädler and Florian Häusler drew their inspiration for the AMRAI project primarily from the magnificent natural landscape of the Montafon mountains. Initial flashes of inspiration gave rise to ideas, and over time—after many rounds of discussion with the team and several design approaches—a concept emerged that ultimately shaped AMRAI’s architecture. In keeping with this vision, Lukas Schädler and Florian Häusler developed the interior architecture and product design. The result is a cohesive and unique design language that is architecturally harmonious and, we hope, provides guests with an unforgettable experience at AMRAI. Not to mention the Montafon stone sheep, which appears everywhere, curiously holding its sheep’s nose up to the wind.
Tradition Meets Design
From the very beginning, the architects sought to combine the traditions and values of the Montafon with impressions of the surrounding landscape and interpret them in a contemporary way. To achieve this, Lukas Schädler and Florian Häusler worked with local materials—glass, wood, and copper, inspired by the Montafon’s mining heritage—to lend the complex a sense of authenticity. They also incorporated AMRAI’s traditional vine-patterned ornamentation, which characterizes the fabric upholstery and furniture. Generous window areas create a sense of gentle spaciousness and a light-filled atmosphere with views of the mountains. AMRAI blends harmoniously into the landscape, nestled between Litzdamm and Montjola. Overall, the minimalist architecture impresses with its modern take on tradition—all without any Alpine kitsch.
Added Value for Guests
AMRAI’s architects have worked hard to offer their guests a unique getaway in a special retreat. Every conceivable design possibility was explored, and AMRAI’s feminine aspect plays a central role in the design. Guests are meant to find comfort and tranquility. Ideally, the stresses of everyday life quickly fade away, and guests immerse themselves completely in AMRAI’s architecture, which can be experienced throughout the entire building. The motto now is to slow down and recharge.
Lukas Schädler
Florian Häußler
