Steirereck am Pogusch: Alpine Gastronomy Redefined by PPAG Architects

Nestled amidst the breathtaking Austrian Alps, Steirereck am Pogusch, the brainchild of PPAG architects, emerges as a remarkable offshoot of the renowned Viennese restaurant “Steirereck.” This culinary gem has long been recognized as one of the world’s finest gastronomic establishments. Now, with Steirereck am Pogusch, gourmet chef Heinz Reitbauer and his wife Birgit present an innovative and sustainable vision of a gastronomic business, showcasing the harmonious fusion of nature and contemporary design.

Perched atop the majestic pass of Pogusch, standing at an elevation of 1059m, Steirereck am Pogusch is enveloped by its own picturesque farmland. The challenge for PPAG architects was to seamlessly blend the existing natural landscape with a sophisticated catering business, creating a village ensemble that embraces the surrounding mountain terrain.

Intriguingly, the striking new buildings have been thoughtfully integrated into the hillside, harmoniously coexisting with nature and the traditional built environment. To enhance the existing structures, including the kitchen, lodging, stone house, wooden house, and agriculture facilities, PPAG architects have introduced a range of new buildings. These additions encompass expansive catering areas such as the exquisite “Salettl” for fine dining, the fire kitchen featuring a bar, grill, steam counter, farm store, and a regulars’ table. Moreover, the distillery, state-of-the-art kitchens with extensive preparation and staff areas, a small glass house kitchen garden, special staff and guest accommodations, and an extension of both visible and invisible infrastructure have been seamlessly incorporated.

The architectural marvel of Steirereck am Pogusch reaches its zenith with the inclusion of a large glass house. Blurring the boundaries between an advanced greenhouse and a living space, this remarkable structure nourishes both its inhabitants and the surrounding environment. Inside, integrated sleeping berths and a wellness zone with a sauna and fireplace create an unparalleled experience. PPAG architects have meticulously designed every detail and furnishing to transform the project into a modern Gesamtkunstwerk, transporting visitors to an extraordinary mountain realm.

In addition to providing an exceptional experience for guests, Steirereck am Pogusch exemplifies a commitment to caring for the planet. The architects have prioritized renewable energy sources for heating, cooling, and electricity, while also implementing measures to reduce resource consumption. These include on-site food production, circular economy practices, composting, and the ecological selection of building materials. Furthermore, the project incorporates efforts to minimize energy consumption related to mobility and CO2 emissions. Despite its isolated mountain location, Steirereck am Pogusch aims to achieve almost energy self-sufficiency, establishing itself as a model of resource-efficient hospitality. Notably, the project is a proud participant in the “City of the Future” research program initiated by the Austrian Ministry for Climate Protection and Technology.

Technical Information:

• Site Area: 11,762 m²
• Gross Floor Area (Existing Building): 756 m²
• Gross Floor Area (New Building): 2,957 m²
• Restaurant Seating Capacity: 146
• Overnight Accommodations in the Large Glass House: 20
• Number of Employees: 55

Steirereck am Pogusch stands as a testament to PPAG architects‘ visionary approach, blending architectural ingenuity, sustainable practices, and the natural beauty of the Austrian Alps. With its harmonious design concept, this unique gastronomic haven captivates both architectural enthusiasts and culinary connoisseurs, inviting them to embark on an extraordinary journey where nature and contemporary cuisine coalesce.