St. Josefsheim reopens after careful restoration

Schruns (A). A responsible and mindful look back to the past played a major role in this future-oriented restoration: Silvretta Montafon renovated the St. Josefsheim in Schruns. A new hostel and restaurant as well as the renovated chapel were recently opened in the listed premises. The former birthplace and hospital combines history, present and future, creating a place of encounter.

After more than 400 days of renovation and restoration, life has now returned to the St. Josefsheim. A piece of Montafon history has been revived: many Montafon residents were born in the former maternity and hospital or gave birth to their children there. This building therefore evokes very special memories in the population. That is why Silvretta Montafon put a lot of heart and soul, but also respect, into the planning and implementation. A responsible look back at the history and careful handling of the building were the top priorities. "We want to give the people of Montafon back their St. Josef's Home with the reopening of the building," explains Peter Marko, one of the two managing directors of Silvretta Montafon.

First hostel in the Montafon
The new St. Josefsheim consists of a restaurant on the ground floor, a hostel on the two upper floors and the restored chapel. The Josefsheim Hostel opened its doors to teenagers, young adults and active families in December - as the first and only hostel in the Montafon. With the new concept, the project managers want to put the focus back on the younger generations and provide them with affordable temporary accommodation right in the centre, with direct access to the ski area and in the immediate vicinity of the train station. The layout and design are based on Montafon tradition - for example, the comfortable bunks are made of solid wood and thus contribute significantly to the cosy ambience.

Hospitality and togetherness in the restaurant
As a meeting place, the restaurant and hostel invite visitors and locals alike to linger. Hospitality and togetherness take centre stage. The restaurant is characterised by inviting rooms with lots of wood, an open kitchen and a cosy lounge. When it comes to dishes, the restaurant team focuses on a small menu with selected ingredients. Tried and tested dishes are reinterpreted: The focus is on traditional bread - in the form of savoury tarte flambée - and modern bowls. A gondola floating in the room turns a visit to the restaurant into an experience.

Chapel carefully and painstakingly restored
The chapel, which has also been restored, can be used for baptisms and weddings. Silvretta Montafon was keen to preserve it for the parish and the people of Schruns. For example, old wall paintings were uncovered, the altar was renovated and the plastic floor of the room was replaced with a local ash floor. In the garden, craftsmen built a fountain that can also be used as a baptismal fountain. ‘I would particularly like to thank the construction and project managers and all the tradespeople involved for their commitment,’ concludes Martin Oberhammer, Managing Director of Silvretta Montafon.

Factbox St. Josefsheim

• Opening: December 2021
• Hostel, restaurant and chapel
• Construction management: Fleisch Loser Bauprojektabwicklung GmbH
• Project manager: Christian Pfister, Silvretta Montafon

Hostel facilities: 14 rooms, beds in private bunks, common rooms, fully equipped kitchen, spacious washrooms, ski cellar and bike depot