Discover Germany, Issue 38, May 2016

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DISCOVER GERMANY

Issue 38 | May 2016

ISSUE 38 MAY 2016 PROMOTING GERMANY, SWITZERLAND & AUSTRIA

NENA G E R M A NY ’ S Q U E E N O F ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

PLUS WINE WORLD GENTLEMEN’S FASHION DESIGNMESSE.CH 2016 BUILDING & TECHNOLOGY

T H E M AG A Z I N E P R O M OT I N G G E R M A N Y, S W I T Z E R L A N D & A U ST R I A

Contents MAY 2016

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42

Photo: Heiko Laschitzki

82

Photo: Klaus Fleckenstein

Photo: SAUTER

COVER FEATURE 6

Nena 99 Luftballons, Irgendwie, Irgendwo, Irgendwann – due to her cult songs, Nena has become famous all over the world.

Our writer Thomas Schroers spoke to the German singer-songwriter about her past, present and her future.

SPECIAL THEMES 14

Gentlemen’s Fashion This month, we focused on showcasing some great men’s fashion designers and tailors to give the male sex some outfit inspiration.

19 Designmesse.ch 2016 Zurich will be host to the designmesse.ch fair from 20 until 22 May. Look forward to exclusive furniture designs and extraordinary home accessories from national and international designers, producers and furniture retailers.

27 Wine World Switzerland & Germany Germany alone is home to 13 winegrowing regions, each producing highquality wines from a vast variety of grapes. Switzerland also offers many popular and international types of grapes. We handpicked some great wineries whose wines should be tried at your next dinner party.

51 Vienna City Special Austria’s capital is famous for its cultural events, imperial sights, coffee houses, cosy wine taverns and its special Viennese charm. Discover Germany found some great things to do for your next weekend trip.

62 Top German Architects Germany has some great architects and landscape architects to offer. We take a closer look at some of their most impressive projects.

75 Building & Technology In recent years, the building and technology sector has adapted to new technologies that pave the way for future-driven and environmentally friendly standards. This month’s special focusses on some of the forerunners in the industry and their exceptional products.

FEATURES 46 500 years of Reinheitsgebot Our writer Stuart Forster went on an interesting journey to find out more about the German Purity Law for its 500-year anniversary. Have a read and find out how it still coins the beer industry today.

48 Destination of the Month Fancy visiting a region that celebrates Bavarian joie de vivre and impresses with blue skies, inviting lakes, a vast array of traditions, snow-covered mountains and sincere people? Then you should probably visit the Alpine region Tegernsee Schliersee.

49 Attraction of the Month Our attraction of the month is Germany’s most traditional motorsport racecourse – the Sachsenring near Chemnitz in Saxony. In July, thousands of visitors will flock there to see the MotoGP, Germany’s biggest motorsport event.

59 LOLA awards – Deutscher Filmpreis Our writer Thomas Schroers took a clos-

er look at Germany’s film industry and its LOLA awards to find out how the film business is garnering more and more recognition at home and abroad.

REGULARS & COLUMNS 10 Dedicated to Design This month’s design section boasts everything from exciting concrete home accessories and other items to embellish your home, to men’s fashion and nautical clothing.

12 Fashion Finds We picked some summery items that are both comfortable and stylish and pose as the perfect partner for enjoying the first day at the lake.

26 Wine & Dine This month’s Wine & Dine section is all about great wines from some of the best estates in Germany and Switzerland.

62 Business Our business section is filled with architects from Germany and Switzerland, a consulting expert and an innovative company that is dedicated to biometric solutions. Legal expert Gregor Kleinknecht further explores the topics of transparency and accountability in light of the recent leak of the so-balled ‘Panama Papers’.

86 Culture Calendar Discover Germany’s culture calendar is your perfect guide to what not to miss in May. 90 Barbara Geier This month, our columnist Barbara Geier talks about the UK’s changing perception of German wines.

Issue 38 | May 2016 | 3

Dear Reader,

Discover Germany Issue 38, May 2016 Published 05.2016 ISSN 2051-7718 Published by Scan Magazine Ltd. Print Liquid Graphic Ltd. Executive Editor Thomas Winther Creative Director Mads E. Peterson Editor Nane Steinhoff Copy-Editor Isa Hemphrey Graphic Designer Mark Newton Feature Writer Thomas Schroers Contributors Jessica Holzhausen Cornelia Brelowski Elisabeth Doehne Monique Amend Emmie Collinge Nadine Carstens

Sonja Irani Silke Henkele Dorina Reichhold Ina Frank Lidija Liegis Marilena Stracke Martin Pilkington Stuart Forster Barbara Geier Gregor Kleinknecht Cover Photo Alexander Huseby Sales & Key Account Managers Emma Fabritius Nørregaard Laura Hummer Noura Draoui Sophie Blecha Freya Plakolb Publisher: SCAN GROUP Scan Magazine Ltd. 15B Bell Yard Mews Bermondsey Street London SE1 3YT United Kingdom

According to a recently released study from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), Germany was the third biggest wine-drinking nation in 2015, following the United States and France.

Germans approximately drank 20.5 hectolitres of wine last year, compared to 12.9 million by Britain, 30.1 million in the US, 27.2 million in France and Italy drinking 20.4 million hectolitres. Thus, Germany has out-drank Italy for the first time ever.

Well, actually I’m not surprised – the quality and great variety of German and Swiss wines make it hard not to drink more than one glass. However, if you roam London’s wine aisles, you are lucky when you are able to even find a bottle of ‘Liebfrauenmilch’ (a semi-sweet white wine) in between all the Australian and South African wines. Unfortunately, it seems that not many German wines have made it over the canal yet.

That’s why our columnist Barbara Geier has made it her task to talk about the truth behind German wines in this issue’s column. Maybe some more Brits will follow her advice to give more German wines a try.

To give you guys some inspiration, we handpicked some of the finest German and Swiss wineries and let them introduce their wines in this month’s issue. For those who prefer a good glass of freshly tapped beer, our writer Stuart Forster went on a journey to discover how the German Reinheitsgebot (Purity Law) is still shaping the country’s beer industry today.

Phone: +44 (0)870 933 0423 Fax: +44 (0)870 933 0421

Apart from focussing on tasty wines and beer, the May issue is further filled with exciting topics from great architects to exceptional gentlemen’s fashion and exciting design ideas for your home. For those who are planning a city trip, I would suggest checking out the Vienna City Special to get inspired.

Email: info@discovergermany.com

Sit back, relax and thanks for reading!

For further information please visit www.discovergermany.com

Nane Steinhoff

© All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of Scan Group – a trading name of Scan Magazine Ltd. This magazine contains advertorials/promotional articles.

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THERE IS JUST ONE TRUE STYLE. MINE.

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Discover Germany | Cover Feature | Nena

Nena Germany’s queen of rock ’n’ roll She is responsible for countless earworms and even more hit singles. She fills her audience’s minds with thoughts and their hearts with joy. German music icon Nena has been following her very own soundtrack for more than 35 years. With the release of her new studio album Oldschool, Discover Germany spoke to Nena about her ongoing tour, her greatest hits and her dreams for the future.

TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTOS: ALEXANDER HUSEBY, ESTHER HAASE, HEIKO LASCHITZKI

Listening to the opening of Nena’s latest live record, Live at SO36, one can immediately feel that the person behind the microphone never really wanted to grow up. “Hello my dears,” she says on that first track.“How are you? It’s going to be a long and hot night. Are you ready?”

Then for the next 88 minutes there is pure, rousing rock ’n’ roll.

Born as Gabriele Susanne Kerner in Hagen in 1960, Nena grew up in a musical household.“Already as a baby I always wanted to listen, sing and dance to my parents’ records,” she explains. “At the age of seven I got my own accordion, then I took a detour to the land of the recorder.

Eventually my father brought home an old piano, on which I was free to beat away extensively. And in 1971, when I was 12, my first guitar lay under the Christmas tree.” Incidentally it was in the same year, that Nena first heard The Rolling Stones song Angie. Like so many of her generation, the legendary band had a huge influence on her. “The music I grew up with has inspired me to go out into the world.”

Over the horizon When Nena became the lead singer of her first band called The Stripes, she did not know about golden record awards or inter-

national acclaim. It was not even important whether or not her efforts would lead to a career.“We were four: a drummer, a bassist, a guitarist and a Nena. It was romantic and also a little bit wild,” she says. Playing with The Stripes was a formative experience for her and until today she has never let go of the feeling of freedom and living that it gave her. The band played straight up rock ’n’ roll with Nena singing in English. After the band broke up, Nena moved to West Berlin in 1981. At the time Berlin was the musical hotspot of Europe that was fast, vibrant and hugely creative, and Nena was right there where it all happened.

In Berlin she formed a new, self-titled band and in 1982 their first hit single was Nur geträumt (Just a Dream). It was a classic overnight success story, as the band played on the German television programme Musikladen and sold 40,000 singles the next day. Two singles later her most famous song was released, a tune that became an international smash hit and changed her life forever.“At a Stones concert in Berlin, at the end of the show, Mick Jagger released thousands of balloons and the wind pushed them over the wall into East Berlin.” 99 red balloons was conceived at that moment and guitarist Carlo Karges wrote the lyrics the Issue 38 | May 2016 | 7

same night.“I love this song,” Nena says.“It has become a friend since long ago. In this lifetime there will never be a Nena-concert without him. ” Oldschool In February 2015 Nena released her latest studio effort Oldschool. Produced by German rapper Samy Deluxe, it deals with the passing of time and is also a call back to the sound of The Stripes. The combination of the two artist’s sensibilities is exciting and makes for a dynamic listen. “Encounters from different worlds are often the most thrilling ones. We got to know each other and quickly realised that we liked and inspire each other,”recalls Nena.

Throughout the year Nena is on tour again, playing all over Germany like she has been doing for over 30 years. “Still, no concert resembles the other, regardless whether there are 200, 4,000 or 10,000 people, it is always new.” Since the 1980s she has been on stage all over the world, but in 2016, in between her German concerts, she will do her first American tour starting in September. Going over to the United States has been a long time wish of hers.

“Not that much thinking – doing” When asked about her recipe for a life of success, Nena laughs and explains: “It continues anyway, that’s the stream of life.

Everything is in movement and when you stay flexible in body and soul, you can travel with it and experience amazing things.”Since the death of her first child she has stopped questioning everything. “For me nothing is just right or wrong anymore, because after a while one can see in the deepest darkness.”

She has found a spiritual home in Hamburg, enjoys the city’s international appeal and the fresh breeze from the sea. Musically Nena still listens to her teenage favourites, including of course The Rolling Stones, but also Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Pink Floyd.

She has four children and continues to get involved in social issues. In 2007 she found the New School Hamburg, which for the first time in Germany follows the Sudbury model. On television she took part in the show The Voice of Germany and can currently be seen on the new season of Sing My Song, where artists sing each other’s songs.

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Discover Germany | Cover Feature | Nena

One of her big dreams is to live on a farm: “Someday I will live in the midst of fields and grasslands, with goats, dogs, bees and pigs.” She says this with clear certainty, a certainty birthed from her seemingly unlimited reserves of positivity and her unique ability to dream and go forward. We do not doubt her, because after listening to her songs, we know that she will make it happen. Anyplace, anywhere, anytime.

Nena – Live 2016 May 27 Ladenburg June 09 Passau June 11 Cottbus June 25 Greifswald-Wieck July 09 NL - Weert

July 29 Mainz August 12 Eschweiler September 09 DNK - Copenhagen

November 25 Kiel November 26 Dresden December 16 LU – Luxembourg

November 11 Dortmund

December 28 Augsburg

November 12 Wuppertal

December 29 Kempten

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Discover Germany | Design | Dedicated to Design

Dedicated to Design…

2 Love is about character. Maybe this is why we have fallen in love with this month’s theme ‘Cool Concrete’, which charms us with its naturalistic, clear and raw aesthetics. In our modern, fast-moving world, concrete has a sense of tranquillity and affiliation. We have found five exceptional items, which will surely captivate you as well.

BY: THOMAS SCHROERS

1 1. Going for an industrial style, this magnificent, minimalist desk uses galvanised water pipes for the stands.

Of course, the table top is made out of concrete, which conveys a robust, inspiring feel. Additionally, the individuality of this piece makes for a very personal writing space.

P.o.a. www.concrete-jungle.de 2. This incredible Coffee Maker is a classy addition to every ambience. Berlin-based designer David Jahnke has created a simple, clear design with elegant colours and a wonderful concrete base. £74. www.smart-concrete.de 3. Timelessness is hard to achieve, but with the combination of concrete and gold Gantlights has created an exciting minimalistic necklace for the ages. £77. www.gantlights.de

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4. Here is a handmade vase combining concrete and wood for a unique design experience. The materials make for a beautiful contrast, giving a subtle but definite touch to your flowers. £25. www.dawanda.com 5. Looking for an aesthetic time out? Still, smart and solid in its completion, this concrete wall clock calms both rooms and people. WertWerke offers variegated surfaces, different sizes and options for the hands. Starting at £85. www.wertwerke.de

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Discover Germany | Design | Le Petit Beurre

What children love With great commitment, Le Petit Beurre designs a beautiful collection of products for babies and children. This year, the brand develops further as it introduces an all-new special edition collection.

TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS | PHOTOS: ROLAND JOHN SZASSZER, LE PETIT BEURRE

new product line makes use of high-grade, GOTS-certified organic cotton. “Holding the finished design for the first time is always an extraordinary feeling for myself,” says Szasszer. Available since the end of April, the new items give the company’s multifaceted portfolio even more depth.

From premium accessories, to sleeping and bathing decors, Le Petit Beurre fascinates parents and children even-handedly.

Be it the French shortbread of the same name or this brand’s incredible items these are the things that children love. www.lepetitbeurre.com Top: Babyfeet and label.

Middle: Newborn in bassinet.

Bottom: Company director Edith Szasszer with children.

Margarete Steiff GmbH | Richard-Steiff-Straße 4 | 89537 Giengen/Brenz

There is an inherent charm to Le Petit Beurre’s unique product line. Whether it is the classic Vichy Karo design or the highquality manufacturing of the products, it is this charm that not only attracts the eyes of parents, but invites comfort into the world of your little ones. For Edith Szasszer, director of Le Petit Beurre, and her passionate team, ensuring this comfort is the most important aspect of her work.

“Le Petit Beurre truly is an affair of the heart, my third child,” explains Szasszer.

Le Petit Beurre is solely producing handmade items using sustainable materials, which are made to last more than one generation. This holds true for Le Petit Beurre’s new collection ‘My little Wood’ as well. Created with a French designer, the

Giant sized and cuddly

“For children only the best is good enough” www.steiff.com

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Discover Germany | Design | Fashion Finds

Fashion Finds Flowy silhouettes, lightweight fabrics and airy cuts – what better fashion is there to accompany a relaxing day in the sunshine? We picked some great nautical and summery items that are both comfortable and stylish and pose as the perfect partner for enjoying the first day at a lake or the first boat trip of the year.

EDITOR’S PICKS | PRESS IMAGES

Marc O’Polo is a Swedish-German fashion label with its headquarters in Stephanskirchen. The leading designer offers a signature style that is relaxed, urban and timeless. Blouse €80, denim trousers €130, sandals €100, bag €250. www.marc-o-polo.com

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Discover Germany | Design | Fashion Finds

Whether a towel, tasty snacks or a good book, this colourful and stylish backpack by Liebeskind Berlin will fit everything needed for an exciting day out in the sunshine. €219. www.liebeskind-berlin.com

The subtle white and ink hues on these striped Bermuda shorts by Bogner Woman are sure to make this item the perfect summer companion. €200. www.bogner.com

Embellish your arm with this maritime bracelet by the longstanding German jewellery brand Bijou Brigitte. €7. www.bijou-brigitte.com

Marc O’Polo has stood for premium casual wear and accessories since 1967, and its current spring/summer collection is coined by stripes, marine chic and fresh, modern pieces.

Pants €140, sweater €130, sunglasses €150. www.marc-o-polo.com

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Gentlemen’s Fashion

Special Theme

Gentlemen’s Fashion

Main Photo: Premium scarf.

Top: Corporate tie for Santander.

Middle: Blue business tie.

Bottom: Corporate tie for DKV.

Distinctive fashion for a strong appearance Well-designed accessories in corporate design complete a perfect look.

Germany-based manufacturer Tie Solution GmbH offers businesses a wide range of products, all of which highlight and create your very own, unique identity.

TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTOS: FOTOGRAFIE STUDIO SALLES, BARCELONA

Although Tie Solution GmbH was originally founded in Barcelona, Spain, it is nowadays located in the heart of Germany near the city of Gießen. For the company’s founder A.G. Sanchez, the shift from Spain to Germany was a strategic decision aimed at increasing the absolute proximity to clients in the European Union (EU) and Eastern

Europe. As the current location is only 100 kilometres away from the geographic centre of the EU, “the central position of Gießen is just advantageous, especially for our clients in Scandinavia, the Benelux and Russia.” Due to this place of location, Tie Solution GmbH is able to serve any kind of order within two weeks’ time.

As it happens, “any kind” is a core ingredient of the business model for Tie Solution GmbH, which is not only aimed at the fashion industry. In fact, the company wants to embellish people from all walks of life and because of this desire it is working in every business sector imaginable. For example, Tie Solution GmbH is helping the creation of corporate identities for trade fairs. Also, Sanchez and his team

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are working with car manufacturers for the design of VIP presents and retail sales products. Or with insurance companies for employee presents. The company is serving marketing agencies and full service providers likewise and in all of these efforts it invites the clients to bring their own creative ideas into the process.

This diversity is represented throughout the customised product range. Ties, scarfs, pashminas, shawls and bow ties are all available and manufactured out of a variety of materials. Among others Tie Solution GmbH is working with silk, cashmere, wool and cotton and offers various weaving and printed patterns. All of the products can be delivered in high quality personalised packaging. Through constant innovation in the working process Tie Solution GmbH is able to market 500 new designs and each design with twelve colour combinations every quarter. www.tiesolution.de

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Gentlemen’s Fashion

Everything from a single source For over 40 years, the Krefeld-based Ambiance GmbH has stood for tailormade corporate design. As one of the leading producers of individualised textile accessories, Ambiance’s products are ‘made in Germany’ and thus, stand for the highest quality and the best possible workmanship.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTOS: AMBIANCE GMBH

Since the ‘60s, Ambiance has been one of Germany’s leading suppliers of fashionable ties, silk neckerchiefs, blouses, shirts and textile accessories. However, what really makes the company stand out from competitors is its exceptional offering of tailor-made corporate design for the likes of leading airlines, transportation companies of all sorts, companies from the automotive, IT, or finance sector, medium-sized businesses or even small businesses as custom-made products with an imprint can be ordered from small volumes.

At Ambiance every production step, from fabric weaving to designing, cutting or manufacturing, as well as the quality control process, are conducted at the company. Thus, it seems no wonder that Ambiance’s products get produced at the company’s very own production plants in

the Rhineland. Amongst them is Europe’s most modern jacquard weaving plant where high-quality designs can be transformed into every fabric, from polyester to pure silk.

This national production‘made in Germany’ has many advantages, such as safeguarding Germany as a production location or special consideration and adherence to numerous guidelines and standards like fair working conditions, minimum wage, commercial rules and so on.

“We are reliable and quick and offer the highest quality and short reaction times.

With our team of four experienced designers in our very own design studio, we are able to design custom-made products for the individual needs of every company. Thereby, our clients can transparently follow the entire designing and production process of their own

products,” notes Bernd Koch, managing director of the Ambiance GmbH. When choosing their individualised corporate identity product, clients can choose from around 10,000 patterns, over 1,000 standard designs from trendy collections which can be refined according to customer wishes and a vast variety of fashionable colours and fabrics. “Our designers advise clients on the many possibilities of innovative techniques, such as jacquard weaving, textile printing and embroidering in order to fulfil any individual wish.

They are able to integrate company logos into high-quality fabrics which are then made into ties or scarves. Special labels and visually appealing packaging round off the offer,” says Koch.

Thus, the path to one’s own distinctive accessory is easy and Ambiance poses as the perfect partner to achieve tailor-made corporate design which is sure to establish a visual connection to a company’s marketing strategy. www.ambiance.de Issue 38 | May 2016 | 15

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Gentlemen’s Fashion

Main Photo: The company headquarters in Fahrwangen, Switzerland.

Right: Shoe models and fits.

Lower Right: Manufacturing.

Bottom: FRETZ MEN Locarno.

Bottom Right: FRETZ MEN Locarno sole.

FRETZ MEN AG Quality footwear made in Switzerland

For more than 50 years, the Swiss shoe manufacturer FRETZ MEN has specialised in making high-quality, fashionable, durable and ethically produced products. The enduring success and long history of Switzerland’s largest shoe manufacturer rests on the pillars of excellence in craftsmanship, production, comfort, and timeless style.

TEXT: ELISABETH DOEHNE I PHOTOS: FRETZ MEN AG

Selecting a pair of shoes is a personal, if not intimate experience. We wear our favorite shoes hundreds of times before throwing them out or restoring them.

And, if our shoes look good and feel good on our feet, then somehow we feel better than if our shoes are in bad shape. In other words, quality, comfort and style are all part of what makes a good shoe feel like an excellent shoe.

Quality brand and tradition “FRETZ MEN stands for first-class men’s footwear made in Switzerland.

Our manufacturing unit in Fahrwangen,

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Gentlemen’s Fashion

Switzerland, is the centre for development and production. Here the long-standing family business’ 75 employees produce about half a million pairs of top-quality men’s shoes per year,”explains CEO Daniel Omlin.

The history of the company dates back to 1903, when Hans Fretz founded a shoe factory in Aarau, Switzerland. For many years his business produced quality children’s, ladies’ and men’s footwear and slippers at different locations. Then, in 1965, FRETZ MEN AG was founded as an independent company in Fahrwangen.

Located in the heart of Switzerland, between the cities of Zurich and Lucerne, the town is proud of its peaceful natural environment and views of the Swiss Alps.

The manufacturer’s original business objective – the specialisation on highquality men’s footwear offered at an attractive price – has proved continuously

successful. The company is still owned by the Fretz family and is well established in Switzerland and internationally. Relying on this philosophy of quality, know-how and unique Swiss craftsmanship, the enterprise has sold more than 25 million pairs of handcrafted men’s shoes worldwide.

Fashionable, timeless leather shoes As one of the last grand, traditional shoe manufacturers in Switzerland, FRETZ MEN is committed to upholding its standards of quality, ethical production, technical know-how and commitment to the community. And the company is proud to represent a more traditional, value-based way of shoemaking.

Everything is done in-house; the design, development, manufacturing, production, and sales. This means that employees monitor all steps closely and can always control for quality along the way. As a result, the Swiss manufacturer has been

Main Photo: The process of designing the perfect shoe.

Bottom Left: Finish.

Bottom Right: Handcrafted sewing of leather shoes.

able to sustain its business philosophy and goal: producing fashionable, highquality leather men’s shoes with an excellent fit at a reasonable price.

Waterproof and highly breathable And, for more than 20 years, the company has cooperated with W.L. Gore & Associates GmbH to produce innovative, breathable and waterproof shoes. As an expert for GORE-TEX®, FRETZ MEN provides the major part of its collection with this technology. FRETZ MEN shoes are available worldwide from specialist retailers in more than 25 countries from Scandinavia to Taiwan.

Durable, waterproof and highly breathable, shoes with GORE-TEX® technology offer the ideal combination of ultimate climate comfort and lasting protection. In addition, FRETZ MEN has incorporated GORE-TEX® technology since 1993 and is now a leading expert in the field. Nowadays the majority of the FRETZ MEN collection is provided with GORE-TEX®. In spring 2010, the innovative, highly breathable and waterproof GORE-TEX® SURROUNDTM Technology was added.

The soles of these shoes offer even more breathability and a discernibly higher standard of climate comfort while always keeping your feet dry.

Product range and collection “Our product range is very wide, from the classic business shoe, to the sporty casual shoe or sneaker, to shoes with a loose insert.

For many years, we have been closely working with countless dealers - often privately owned - and chain stores. Our experienced sales team responds to the local circumstances or preferences of our clients and advises them accordingly,”states Omlin.

The current Spring/Summer 2016 collection features classic leather shoes as well as colourful sneakers, stylish boots and waterproof and breathable footwear.

The colours - black, brown, grey - represent the effortless styles, European classic elegance, and timeless pieces that define FRETZ MEN’s shoes. www.fretz-men.ch Issue 38 | May 2016 | 17

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Gentlemen’s Fashion

Welcome to the new age of made-to-measure fashion Tailor company Cut For You not only offers top quality for reasonable prices, they also use a 3D body scanner for measuring clients within seconds.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE

It is well known that in the world of business the first impression is everything, and clothes play a fundamental part of that.

Wearing a suit or blazer that fits perfectly not only looks good, but also gives confidence. When we feel good, we simply accomplish more.

Cut For You understands the importance of clothes and goes the extra mile to give their clients an all-round premium service.

At their two Berlin stores clients are measured by a 3D body scanner, which saves a great deal of time and guarantees absolutely precise measurements.

“An almost unlimited range of over 6,500 types of fabric, linings, cuts and features makes the piece of clothing unique.

Whether you prefer buttoned sleeves or monograms, you are your own designer,” owner Beate Lecloux explains, and adds: “The quality of our clothes is consistently higher than those from the rail.”

After choosing the details at the store it takes around three weeks until the item is finished, and a last fitting ensures perfection.

Also, because the measurements are saved, clients never have to be measured again for ordering additional clothes later on.

Due to offering a tailored suit of renowned Italian fabric for less than 600 euros, it comes as no surprise that the company’s client base is always growing. www.cutforyou.com

Top: Beate Lecloux is the managing partner at Cut For You. – Photo: Randy Tarango; Copyright: Cut For You Top Right: Perfectly fitting clothes are the key to success. – Copyright: Corpus Line

Air – is not just nothing The breathtaking temporary exhibition in Technorama Winterthur

Media partners

www.technorama.ch

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Special Theme

Designmesse.ch 2016

Designer pieces for creative inspiration in offices, flats and gardens The fair designmesse.ch invites you to the spring of design in Zurich from 20 until 22 May. Designers, among them newcomers, producers and furniture retailers from Switzerland and abroad show exclusive furniture designs and extraordinary home accessories. All design objects can be purchased or ordered on site to breathe new life into your home, terrace or office.

Main Photo: designmesse.ch 2015: chair testing at rotavis’ exhibition stand. – Photo: Anita Troller, InterConnections Zurich, 2015 Top Right: Photo: Pascal Meier, 2013 Above: Photo: Urs Jaudas, 2012 Above Left: designmesse.ch 2014: MS Know How’s exhibition stand. – Photo: Pascal Meier, 2014

TEXT: DESIGNMESSE.CH I TRANSLATION: MONIQUE AMEND

If you are looking for something very special or custom made, then you will be right at home at designmesse.ch. The three-day fair offers a presentation and sales platform for creative folks. This does not only support the design scene, but the visitors will also benefit from the varied selection of innovative design objects .

A look on the exhibitor list reveals the broad range of designs: tables, chairs, lamps, carpets and much more. The ‘Puls 5’- location becomes a showroom for several light objects, such as floor lamps, lamps made of recycled cardboard or even ones that smell like coffee. They fill living rooms with special light and create an extraordinary atmosphere.

A new generation of a dynamic office chairs invites you to do some test sitting, and visitors are encouraged to relax on the varied upholstered furniture and take a break.

Thereby, Scandinavian design stands at the

forefront. Alongside drafts by the famous architect and designer Finn Juhl, young labels like ‘sofacompany’ show designs of selected young talents that propagate clarity of form, simplicity and functionality.

The ecological aspect is also a big part of the agenda: today, producers of exclusive and stylish furniture or home accessories take delight in using natural materials. An example are tables with solid or even roughly sawn table tops, which seem to float over the floor. The use of unusual materials and recycled substances are also very popular among designers: decades-old wine barrels are transformed into sideboards, tables and benches or inner tubes of scrapped vehicles get processed into notebook bags.

tables for the inside and outside that are decorated with fine ornaments which remind of classical table decorations. Furthermore, you can discover stylish and novel home textiles, images and accessories which are inspiring when redesigning one’s own home.

This is only a small foretaste of the large range of exhibits which will be shown at the designmesse.ch 2016 in Zurich. Walking through the exhibition hall, the visitors will discover much more for their office, home and garden. www.designmesse.ch designmesse.ch 2016 20 – 22 May 2016 FR: 16 – 20 | SA: 10 – 20 | SU: 10 – 18

With the spring season arriving, there will also be objects for your balcony and garden at the designmesse.ch. For example, light side

Puls 5 Giessereistrasse 18 8005 Zurich

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Designmesse.ch 2016

Customised classy cubes from Switzerland Inspired by the interplay of colours and lights, the young, dynamic label Luxcube designs elegant, sophisticated and high-quality lighting products that fill every room with a pleasant ambiance.

TEXT: MONIQUE AMEND | PHOTOS: DARIO BOLLI

Based in Zurich, the dynamic lighting system manufacturer Luxcube puts emphasis on a close customer relationship.

Producing their lamps in mini-series exclusively in Switzerland, each customers’ individual wishes can be fulfilled. The range of products includes floor, wall and table lamps for all kinds of interiors. The use of premium metals and coloured acrylic glasses represents the distinctive design of Luxcube’s products, while the various options in shape and nine different glass colours give every single cube an individual touch.“We want to offer products that have an elegant and fancy design and meet the highest-quality requirements at the same time,” Simon Mutti, owner, says.

Since the production of the first prototype in 2005, Luxcube has since worked together with specialists to reach perfection. This continuous development guarantees the high quality of their products, which conforms to energy efficiency category A. This makes them not only stylish but also energy saving. The simple and plain shapes are classic and elegant and blend into every room, be it in one’s office, at home or in living rooms or bedrooms. Besides the individual consultation by Luxcube and the efficient and quick processing of orders, customers also appreciate the offered support after the purchase.

Top: Desk lamp.

Bottom: Wall lamp.

www.luxcube.ch

Eye-catching furniture Next to her profession as an architect, Birgit Mussato started designing furniture.

In 2013 she first developed her drawings into unique pieces, and now it is time for her to take the next step.

TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS | PHOTOS: BIRGIT MUSSATO

Looking at Birgit Mussato’s furniture designs, there is a stunning combination of simplicity and complexity. As her architectural core area is in execution planning, Mussato’s approach to designing places of high value is constructive feasibility and realisation. “I am trying to develop extraordinary pieces out of clear, simple shapes,” explains Mussato. Additionally, she works with a special level of flexibility, variability and playfulness,“which probably

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my little daughters taught me”, henceforth creating personal and unique objects, that undemonstratively attract attention.

During her training as an architect, Birgit Mussato had the opportunity to get to know the whole spectrum of design topics from urban development to furniture design.

While she chose architecture as her primary career path, sketching out furniture became a personal interest. It was for the design fair blickfang that she first presented prototypes based on her drawings to the public.

At the moment Mussato’s “one-woman enterprise” is still starting up. In that regard, apart from attracting prospective clients for whom she gladly plans original designs, one of the main objectives for visiting design fairs is to develop relationships with furniture manufacturers. This is the focal point of her work throughout this year. Of course, she will also continue to make the time to put some of her many ideas down on paper. www.mdbm.ch

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Stunning simplicity Thanks to a unique business model and lots of passion, Sofacompany provides high-quality living room furniture at attractive prices. In conjunction with its parent company in Denmark, the Swiss corporation offers one-of-a-kind designs following Danish traditions.

TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS | PHOTOS: SOFACOMPANY

Four years ago, Danish designers Christian and Cathrine Rudolph decided to make their dreams come true and explore their very own furniture tastes and designs.

When success came and growth was inevitable, Sofacompany decided to expand in a partnership model and soon opened branches in Holland, Sweden, Norway, South Africa, Poland and Vietnam.

The Swiss corporation, co-owned and managed by locals Marta Attalla and Andri Wienandts, was found in May 2015.

Sofacompany almost works like factory selling for private customers. The business model does not leave room for costly middlemen.

Designs are made in house in Denmark.

Production is done in the company’s own factory in Vietnam and sales only take place online or in Sofacompany showrooms and not through resellers. All of this makes for a

simple and personal experience and lowers the sales price immensely.

Aspects of simplicity and straightforwardness are also represented in Sofacompany’s signature Danish designs.“Pure shapes and beautiful wood elements are very attractive in general and for the Swiss in particular,” explains Attalla. There is a basic product line comprising almost 200 different sofa designs and variations. Additionally, customers have the opportunity to design their own sofa by choosing from 40 different textiles and colours and applying them to the basic models. The core collection is continuously broadened. Currently it features coffee tables and dining chairs; dining tables will be available soon.

Main Photo: Various designs.

Lower Left: Chair ‘Allie’.

Lower Middle: Sofa ‘Herman’.

Lower Right: Sofa ‘Henley’.

Bottom Right: Sofa ‘Johan’.

relationships. Visitors will be able to experience the materials and collection first hand. People are invited to sit down and test. After all, one cannot buy a great sofa, without having relaxed on it before.

Continuing its growth, Sofacompany will open a second Swiss showroom in Zurich besides the existing one in Bern.

In addition, a German corporation is expected to open this year. www.sofacompany.com

With the design fair in Zurich the company continues to develop close customer Issue 38 | May 2016 | 21

Main image: Cabinet ‘ZACH RESIN’.

Below Left and Below Middle: Dining Table ‘RUGBY’.

Below Right: Coffee table ‘DILIM DILIM’.

Luxury art and furniture with a soul Beautiful interior design performs on many dimensions. Natural materials, forms, colours, and finishing touches make spaces livable – and products functional.

The international design studio and manufacturer Jatra Design creates wooden furniture, interior objects, lightening and accessories that have a unique sense of style and identity.

TEXT: ELISABETH DOEHNE I PHOTOS: JATRA DESIGN STUDIO

Luxurious, artful, but totally functional.

The label Jatra Design – with showrooms in Switzerland and Singapore – designs and crafts contemporary furniture and artwork. All materials are responsibly sourced and produced, and the finished products embody the richness, character, warmth, and depth that best describe Jatra Design’s aesthetic philosophy.

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In 2005, Lirim Ibrahimi from Switzerland and Dina Istova from Indonesia founded Jatra Design to showcase a wide range of extraordinary interior objects, luxury art furniture (Bespoke, Contemporary, Mid-century furniture, Organic, Eco furniture), charismatic lighting and refined accessories. Their designs range from traditional to more creative models and in-

clude dining tables, coffee tables, chairs, sideboards, lightening art and sculptures.

“Jatra means journey, and our works will take you on a journey of beautifully blended and perfected Swiss detail, displaying expert craftsmanship, and Indonesian artisanship. At Jatra Design, we integrate various species of wood into our designs to produce truly unique pieces of furniture and art,” explains Ibrahimi.

Form and matter of design Design aims to give meaning to what surrounds us. The form and matter of things reflect a purpose that only good, intuitive and functional design can communicate.

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Building on this credo, the high-end works of Jatra Design combine the unique finishes and subtle details in wood and metal furniture that honour the handmade. Their products are available through numerous retailers and distributors worldwide and notable clients are, among others, George Lucasfilm Ltd. in Singapore as well as Paul Smith.

“Every tree tells a story, and every product of Jatra sums up its essence,”Ibrahimi.“Our trees have a life span of anywhere between 50 to 300 years. When these trees die, they do so gradually from the crest to the roots.

The owners of these trees have to remove them as they may cause damage to houses, other trees or outlying areas, and each time a tree is cut down to produce Jatra furniture or artwork, another tree is planted in its place so that the circle of life is not interrupted. Practicing reforestation means living in the present, but thinking about the future that we are creating.”

Helping nature to take shape All of Jatra Design’s work is unique and draws on a number of influences that in-

clude artistic creativity, natural consciousness and excellent craftsmanship. Their design examines the tension between materials, form and experience. In particular, their wooden products and interior objects stand out because of their synthesis of functionality and exceptional finishing touches.

“Wood is the most important resource and trees inspire the most natural design patterns.

Jatra creates completely natural products and we help nature to take shape. Our tabletops are made from massive tree trunks. Each table is unique, not industrially mass-produced.

We keep and hand down the craft traditions of those who have preceded us: the hands of our carpenters are our best tools and we express our craftsmanship through the care of detail,”describes Ibrahimi.

Inspiration and desire to create “We consider art as an important part of our life. From the love and passion for wood comes the desire to realise sculptures and artwork that can highlight the beauty and the elegance of this wonderful material.

They are real artistic installations, the meet-

ing point between creativity and the artist and designer’s genius together with the craftsmanship and the skill of the company.”

The range of products and processes used to create Jatra’s pieces of art demonstrate some of the extraordinary possibilities of wood and challenge the boundaries of traditional interior design. Their design engages the user, heightens their sense of awareness, and brings a deeper understanding to living surrounded by wood. Functional art, contemporary design and sustainability are the pillars that best describe Jatra Design’s work today. In the years to come, the label wants to continue to create luxurious, natural artwork and furniture with a soul. www.jatradesign.com hello@jatradesign.com

Below Left and Right: Jatra Design Studio.

Bottom Left and Bottom Middle: Dining table ‘CROCODILE’.

Bottom Right: Lirim Ibrahimi, creative director and designer of Jatra.

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Designmesse.ch 2016

Main Photo: Detail of the wall clock.

Top Right: Meri Zirkelbach.

Bottom Right: Pencil box.

The search for perfection Swiss-Finnish designer Meri Zirkelbach crafts mesmerising objects using the timeless material of concrete.

TEXT: DORINA REICHHOLD I PHOTOS: FORMSCHMIEDE

“Concrete is a very emotional material,“ states Meri Zirkelbach, founder of Swiss designer Formschmiede. “In architecture, it represents a timeless modernism.

Whereas people usually associate coldness and a raw hardness with the material, the designs of Formschmiede are contrasting this idea. Whoever comes in touch with their objects is astounded that concrete was used as the design’s material.“ Zirkelbach’s talent for design was nurtured in her childhood, having been born into a very creative family of an architect and a leather craftswoman. She holds a diploma in conservation and restoration of paintings and sculptures and, in addition to her aspiration to preserve traditional craftsmanship, she has a strong ambition to create new things.

In 2015, she founded Formschmiede to finally act out her passion.

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Her designs are mesmerising with their cool yet vibrant aesthetics. One of the objects is a wall clock which immediately catches the eye with its seemingly clear-cut concrete design and stunning blueish-grey colouring. It takes an edgy twist by being complemented with clock hands made of wood. All of her designs captivate through their distinctively simplified shapes and each object is unique with its subtly nuanced colours and different tiny bubbles, a design idea which has proven to be very successful. Formschmiede customers are minimalists, lovers of forms and objects who find pleasure in seemingly simple, uniquely crafted and precise shapes.

Unsurprisingly, her Finnish roots and passion for Nordic design have had a great influence on Zirkelbach’s work. The inspiration for a new object arises through

the constant search for perfection: “At the beginning, there is always a feeling about how an object should be like and then, little by little, new details are emerging.

Most important in the crafting process is my gut feeling and the feeling between the fingertips,“ she says.

Shaping the perfect object is a long and very demanding process. Several prototypes and material studies are necessary until Zirkelbach is completely satisfied with her work: “The work process is only completed when the initial ‘thing‘ has become an individual.“ All her hard work over the past months is about to be rewarded:“Last year was full of inspiration for new objects and I took the time I needed to develop and create them. Now I take a lot of pride in exhibiting them at the design fair in Zurich.“ Could she even take home the first design award for Formschmiede? www.formschmiede.ch

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Between art and design: a sphere lamp with a sparkling inner shell Tamara Geneva counts among the upcoming Swiss design talents. In 2011, when still in school, she developed a lamp as the final project for her vocational diploma: an organic-looking sphere made of plaster and inlayed with small shards of glass reflecting the light.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: TAMARA GENEVA

Top Right: Tamara Geneva Rutishauser and her lamp.

Bubbles, a floorball or a simple Easter egg – Tamara Geneva is not sure what inspired her lamp design with its flowing forms. Parallel to studying for a vocational diploma that she gained in 2011, Geneva had trained as an architectural draftswoman, where clear lines and structures had been the guiding principles. “With the lamp I have let my hands run free,” she says, creating a stark contrast between the rough plaster structure on the outside and the light reflecting glass shards in various colours on the inside. The socalled ‘Kugelleuchte’, a patented design, can be compared to a pearl in an oyster.

“Glass is something I have always found interesting, especially the various effects created through colour,” Geneva says.

Each lamp is unique and, according to size, takes between 35 and 60 hours to make by hand: “But when I switch on the light, I always know it was worth the work.”

Tamara Geneva is still at the beginning of her career. Currently she attends a school for product design part-time and works on her second project: a lamp especially designed for outdoor spaces. Unlike the indoor lamp, this one is made of weatherproof clay. www.tamarageneva.com

Handmade wooden furniture gives living spaces character Like wall colour or lighting, furniture shapes how living spaces look, with the chosen pieces structuring a room and adding character. Therefore, it is important to find – or better design – the right table, bed or cupboard. Swiss furniture maker Thomas Walser creates rather unique single pieces of wooden furniture with contemporary and timeless style.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: WALSER MOEBEL

Quite early in his life Thomas Walser felt drawn to wood as a material he enjoyed working with, shaping it into new objects. “During my carpentry apprenticeship I realised that working with chipboard was simply not enough,” he says, “my head was always full of ideas.” Four years ago Walser founded his own business to finally do what he liked most: creating unique furniture out of wood, sometimes combining it with other materials like glass. “I especially

like to combine wood and metal,” says Walser, for example a wooden table surface with metal legs.

Walser and his colleagues want to preserve the value and tradition of furniture making that has shaped Switzerland for centuries. Walser found an old factory building in the mountains and now produces wooden furniture there, close to nature where his work materials are sourced.

Top: Dining table.

Bottom Right: Sideboard.

To describe Walser’s style is not easy, because in the end the customers’ ideas and wishes come first. “I would describe my style as timeless,” he says. “But style is always shaped by the living environments.”

The right furniture for example can structure a loft with open plan living. www.walsermoebel.ch Issue 38 | May 2016 | 25

Discover Germany | Wine & Dine | Goufrais (CMF-Produkte Keller)

Left: Goufrais confectionery resembles tiny Gugelhupf cakes.

Right: Team CMF-Produkte Keller with actor Chris Mulkey, noted for films such as Captain Phillips and Whiplash, who loved Goufrais.

‘Goufrais – the cool treat’ made in Weil am Rhein This German delight wants to seduce the world

TEXT: NADINE CARSTENS, MARTINA MOELLER I PHOTOS: CMF-PRODUKTE KELLER, CHRISTINA VELARDO NUVIA GMBH

It is a unique taste experience: cocoa confectionery in the form of a tiny Gugelhupf cake, which first is of solid consistency, melts slowly in your mouth and will wow your taste buds. Covered in 100 per cent fine cocoa powder, the aromatic perception is particularly long lasting. To Europeans, this sweet delight will be a reminder of a muchloved childhood treat. Everyone else will be amazed by enjoying it for the first time.

Wrapped in beautiful gold and available in different sizes, Goufrais is the perfect choice

as a precious present for your loved ones, especially because it contains no alcohol, no nuts and no gluten.

“The highest goal for us as a family-run business is to continuously provide the best quality,” says Michael Keller, owner and CEO of CMF-Produkte Keller that has been offering the handcrafted delicacy since the 1990s. Today, there is a great demand not only in Germany, but also in other European countries and in the Unit-

ed States. From there came the invitation to attend at a gifting suite within the scope of this year’s Academy Awards. Goufrais was chosen as one of 50 top-level products worldwide. That successful presentation in Hollywood was the starting point for a new era, in which this German delight will be provided in the New World as well.

‘Goufrais – the cool treat’ is available in selected delis and groceries, and can be ordered online. Goufrais will be attending the ‘Fancy Food Show’ in New York City, on 26 to 28 June 2016. www.goufrais.com/shop

Special Theme

Wine World Switzerland 2016

Switzerland

A paradise for wine gourmets Small but mighty – a statement that is widespread among Swiss wine experts.

Switzerland offers a great variety of popular and international types of grapes, but also some treasures that are not be found anywhere else around the globe.

Main Photo: Rivaz, a wine village on Lake Geneva.

Left: In the vineyards of Epesses on Lake Geneva.

Middle: Morning mood in the vineyards, Lavaux.

Right: The vineyards of St. Saphorin.

TEXT: MONIQUE AMEND | PHOTOS: SWITZERLAND TOURISM, MARCUS GYGER

sorts are well liked. Swiss wines will usually be drunk at a very young stage of maturity which emphasises the typicity of the sorts and enables the tasting of used blossoms, fruits and spices.

The Swiss people are known to be culinary gourmets, therefore they do not compromise when it comes to the quality of their wine for dining or an enjoyable evening. It is therefore useful that they are able to grow and process a unique variety of grapes in their own country. In total, an area of 14,836 hectares throughout Switzerland’s 26 cantons is used for the vineyard cultivation. As different as these areas are in their scenery, they are just as different in their kind of soil.

Among them are the calcareous Jurassic, the molasse and the abundant slate soils which ensure - together with a sunny but protected location - the successful grape harvest.

Besides the well-known varieties, Switzerland also offers some real treasures and insider’s tips among the wines, so called autochthonous or indigenous ones. These are about 40 different real rarities that are ancient and nowhere else to be found all over the world. The winegrowing is constantly on a developing path.

Varieties that are in demand internationally become a bigger part in the cultivation but also Swiss new breeds, like the Gamaret and the Garanoir, are more appreciated among consumers. The Wine World of Switzerland will offer the perfect wine for everybody to enjoy other Swiss national culinary specialities as chocolate or cheese.

The three biggest wine cantons are located in the Southwestern part of Switzerland bordering France and Italy. There is almost one third of the whole national cultivation area in Wallis, where the red grapes are dominant with more than 60 per cent.

The second biggest wine canton is Waadt, which concentrates more on green grapes, followed in size by the canton of Geneva.

The most popular types of wine are the Pinot Noir (Blauburgunder) and the Riesling Silvaner (Mueller-Thurgau). But also the Raeuschling from Zurich, the Completer from Graubuenden, as well as Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and many other

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wine World Switzerland

Main Photo: Schloss Salenegg in autumn during harvest time.

Below Left: 21-metre-long, old wine press from 1652 which was active until 1926.

Below Middle: A typical Schloss Salenegg wine label which was designed by Hans Luzius von Gugelberg 75 years ago.

Below Right: Delikat Vinegar: an extraordinary present.

Bottom Right: Schloss Salenegg’s traditional Pinot Noir ripens in these tuns which hold up to 4,500 litres.

Passing on the fire Gustav Mahler supposedly once said: “Tradition means passing on the fire, not worshipping the ashes.” This is exactly what winery Schloss Salenegg and the Hotel Schweizerhof have been successfully doing for generations.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTOS: SCHLOSS SALENEGG, SCHWEIZERHOF

Viticulture tradition and Schloss Salenegg have always gone hand in hand. Since 1068, exceptional wines have been cultivated and pressed here in Europe’s oldest winery. But even earlier, in 950, the Pfaefers monastery laid the foundations for today’s castle complex with its vineyard. Then the Gugelberg family came into play. Since 1654, they assure the highest quality and originality and have grown Pinot Noir for over 200 years.

Today, Helene von Gugelberg is leading Schloss Salenegg and notes: “I’m so proud of our longstanding tradition.”

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Schloss Salenegg’s core competence lies in growing Pinot Noir. The estate’s calcareous slate soils cater for the exceptional minerality of Schloss Salenegg’s grand Pinot Noirs. The wines mature in large oak barrels with a capacity of between 1,890 and 4,370 litres where they get the distinctive and smooth Schloss Salenegg taste, their ruby red colour and their delicate, smoothly spicy bouquet. All in all, the wines perfectly reflect Schloss Salenegg’s exceptional terroir. Helene von Gugelberg says: “Only that which the grape gets from the vine can be found in

our wines. Thus, vines that are perfectly compatible with the terroir are vital. Our centuries-old expertise is giving us a significant advantage here.”

Even though Pinot Noir is Schloss Salenegg’s main competence, the winery has far more to offer. Whether other wines, vinegar, verjus, dessert wine or grape seed oil, all of Schloss Salenegg’s exceptional products are singular in Grisons and in Switzerland. Due to the fact that the old castle walls and the beautiful castle grounds are filled with life and radiate an exceptional ambiance, Schloss Salenegg

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wine World Switzerland

also offers guided tours to visitors. Another offering is a cooking class with Schloss Salenegg’s Delikat Vinegar.

Vinegar: clearing up outdated preconceptions Schloss Salenegg is also known for its exceptional vinegar creations.“Those who want the best, should also reach for the best – only outstanding wine is fermented into Delikat Vinegar in our manufacture,” smiles Helene von Gugelberg. After the fermentation process, Schloss Salenegg’s vinegars rest in Allier oak barriques (barrels). “A long maturing time in a wooden barrel is as important for vinegar as it is for wine,” explains Helene von Gugelberg. In the past, vinegar was used for respiratory diseases and digestive disorders, as a disinfectant and also as a beauty care product.

Today, vinegar is the most recognisable and also the oldest seasoning and it is indispensable for a healthy and balanced diet. High-quality vinegars like Schloss Salenegg’s Delikat Vinegar replace salt and refine the taste of almost every meal.

The idea of producing vinegar came early to Helene von Gugelberg who grew up at the estate. “Wine is only the start I

thought to myself,”she laughs.“Our highquality wine forms the foundation for the Delikat Vinegar. The vinegar gets stored in oak barrels for at least two years. Only like this, can the vinegar harmonically develop its finely sour bouquet,” she adds. Schloss Salenegg also produces drinking vinegar which impresses with smooth acidity and delicate aromas. How about a cinnamon vinegar or one with vanilla? Schloss Salenegg offers a vast variety of different flavours that cater for everyone’s wish. Due to the fact that the drinking vinegar is not pasteurised, nor filtrated, all vitamins and ingredients get preserved. The bottling, of course, takes place by hand.

Whether as a seasoning, as a digestif, for cooking and even for a relaxing and stimulating bath – vinegar is hugely versatile.

Schloss Salenegg realised this very early on and is now a forerunner in offering exceptional vinegars.

Heartfelt hospitality Maienfeld is the gateway to the Canton of Graubünden and those who travel from Zurich to St. Moritz are sure to pass Schloss Salenegg. If you do not have time to stop by at Schloss Salenegg in Maienfeld, do not despair! There is the chance

to also experience exceptional pleasures and indulgence at the Schweizerhof.

As if producing wine and vinegar was not enough, winery Schloss Salenegg also owns the four-star Hotel Schweizerhof in St. Moritz where guests can enjoy modern hotel amenities in a belle époque ambiance. For over 100 years, the hotel has been known as a homely place where one can entirely feel at home. “We are there for our guests 365 days a year,” Helene von Gugelberg smiles.

Situated directly in the centre of St. Moritz, it only takes three minutes to walk to the cable car station Chantarella and various bars and clubs with live music are only a short walk away. Some rooms comprise of beautiful lake views and free Wi-Fi is included. Another highlight at the hotel is its Restaurant Acla which impresses with classic and fresh dishes, such as Viennese Schnitzel or ‘Tafelspitz’. “Light and fresh from the market, with regional products and international inspirations,” – this is how chef de cuisine Christian Ott describes his cooking style. www.schloss-salenegg.ch www.delikatessig.ch www.schweizerhofstmoritz.ch

Main Photo: The four-star Hotel Schweizerhof in St. Moritz.

Above: Room in the Schweizerhof.

Top: Acla’s Viennese Schnitzel goes perfectly with Schloss Salenegg’s traditional Pinot Noir.

Issue 38 | May 2016 | 29

Left: Sebastian Gerner Right: Stephan Keller

Thinking out of the box

Young Swiss vintners explore and invent creative new wines To make great wine many things are needed: good soil, the right amount of sunshine and rain and – above anything else – a love for winemaking. The Swiss Klettgau region was long overlooked but today has become famous for its Pinot Noir wines.

Since 2001, the Rötiberg winery has created wines with character following the idea that only the best grapes are key for outstanding and elegant wines.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: ANDRINA WANNER

The river Rhine has formed the Klettgau region in northern Switzerland since primeval times. Therefore, the vines growing on about 60 hectares around Wilchingen profit from a soil formed by Earth’s history. The Rötiberg vineyard cultivates 32 hectares in this south-facing area, with most of the vines growing on 230 to 250-million-year-old layers of rock.

This leaves traces in the wine. But not only the soil structure and the microclimate are responsible for the Rötiberg’s vibrant and fruity wines: the 65 vintners working in the Klettgau region have a close connection to nature, the plants they are growing and the grapes they are harvesting. Among them is the team of the Rötiberg winery.

“Inventiveness and creativity have always been our key features when it comes to winemaking,” says Rötiberg’s executive Stephan Keller. Keller and cellarer Sebastian Gerner form the core of a young and motivated team not only searching for new challenges but also new ways to make better and more tasteful wines.

Pinot Noir grapes are the queens among all wine varieties grown in the Klettgau region, even though many other varieties

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wine World Switzerland

are grown here as well. Pinot noir wines – also known under the German name Blauburgunder – are true divas and need tender care and treatment. But since the way Pinot Noir grapes are pressed and ripened determines the taste, a wide range of flavours can be the result even when different wines are made from the same grapes. From light and fruity to heavy bodied. At the Rötiberg winery grapes for example are pressed the traditional way and the wines ripen and mature in French or American oak barrels.

Wines honouring poetry and the secrets of winemaking The Rötiberg winery creates some rather special wines. The ‘Dichterwii’ – poet’s wine – in white and red homages the Wilchingen’s poetry tradition. “Maybe it was even the village’s wines that have inspired poets to write in the first place?” says Stephan Keller. Every year Hans Ritzmann, poet, vintner and Wilchingen’s honorary citizen, creates a new poem adorning the Dichterwii bottle labels. Each poem is written honouring the vintages’ individual character. “Our Dichterwii is even served in the famous Enoterra Wine Bar in Sanlitun, Peking.”

Yet this is not the only wine innovation: “Last year we brought a new wine into market that we call Undercover,” says Keller. “Like famous chefs we have our secret recipes when it comes to winemaking.” That is where the name comes from.

Undercover is a red cuvée made of grapes from Wilchingen, but the exact composition is – as the name tells – a secret. With velvety tannins and a powerful body, the tobacco aroma is combined with that of vanilla and fruits preserved in rum and sugar. Undercover has a long and seemingly ever-lasting finish. In short, it is a wine to remember.

winery was additionally named ‘Best Swiss Producer of the Year 2015’.

But the Klettgau is not only a wine growing region but also a famous tourist destination. The village Wilchingen, home to the Rötiberg Kellerei, lies north of Zurich and only about 15 minutes away from the famous Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall and one of Switzerland’s main attractions.

Experiencing winemaking directly on site Whoever visits the region might enjoy a tour through Rötiberg’s wine cellar, either at one of the yearly degustation events, a guided German or English speaking tour, a live concert or during the autumn wine festivals. All wines can be tasted for free during regular opening hours. There are also courses introducing the right way to degust wines or explaining a vintner’s work directly on site.

“We want our guests to have fun and try to make possible nearly everything they wish for,” says manager Stephan Keller.

So, why not combine a tour through the cellars with a barbecue in the vineyards?

Accompanied by tasteful Rötiberg wines of course. www.roetiberg.ch

International success proves Rötiberg winery’s team right Rötiberg winery has enjoyed international success. Participating in the AWC Vienna international wine challenge, one of the most sophisticated blind tastings, the Rötiberg wines were awarded five gold medals, two silver medals and a bronze medal. And to crown the success: Rötiberg Issue 38 | May 2016 | 31

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wine World Switzerland

Two generations, one wine landscape Amidst the beautiful surroundings of Fläsch, in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, family Hermann has produced fine, award-winning white and red wines since 1982.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTOS: WEINGUT HERMANN, YANNICK ZURFLUEH

The winemaking family Hermann specialised in winegrowing during a property consolidation between 1970 and 1975. In 1983, Peter Hermann pressed his first vintage and soon after, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Pinot Gris were added to the winery’s portfolio. Open for new things, new grape varieties were constantly tried out. Thus, it seems no wonder that Peter Hermann was the first vintner who produced Sauvignon Blanc in Grisons.

Today, family Hermann manages six hectares of vines, while the largest land parcel is a five-hectare-large, south-facing terrace complex. The entire vineyard is cultivated according to VINATURA’s guidelines so that the wines are produced as sustainably as possible. The use of chemicals is kept to a minimum and the family seeks to foster a large biodiversity. “Only healthy vines bring about aromatic grapes,” notes Rosi Hermann, wife of Peter Hermann.

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She adds: “We are Swiss pioneers in cultivating in harmony with nature.”

The grapes are meticulously harvested by hand and gently transported to the winery. “Already during foliage work, we specifically care for each wine type to give each its typical aroma,” notes Rosi Hermann. She adds: “The red wines get gently pressed, the use of wood is subtle to avoid uniform wines and we try to keep filtering at a minimum. This may be labour intensive but only like this can we produce complex and long-living wines” Known for their fresh, crisp white wines and great Pinot Noirs, each of their wines show an extremely beautiful structure – even at an old age. From classical wines to ancient types of wines, such as Completer and winery Hermann’s main type Pinot Noir, all of their wines are worth trying.

For those who want to experience the magnificent ambiance of the winery, the Grotto Fläscher Bad, which was built from the ruins of the former Bad Fläsch around 40 years ago, invites guests from April to December to the foot of the vineyard. The ancient, cosy vaulted cellar and the idyllic pergola are a wine-tasting and event venue which is perfect for relaxing and enjoying winery Hermann’s exceptional wines.

2017 will see the winery’s next chapter as it will be passed over to the next generation.

Son Roman will continue winery Hermann’s high standards, while father Peter will continue to stand by his son’s side.

Together, they want to continue to stand for uncompromising quality and to count towards Switzerland’s top wine producers. www.weingut-hermann.ch

Winegrowing on nature’s schedule In a valley close to the Rhine, everything from the winegrower’s daily routine to the finished wine is dictated by nature’s unique way of working. Based on this natural environment, the winery Hansruedi Adank, situated in the little village of Fläsch, has maintained a manifold viticulture.

TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTOS: WEINGUT FAMILIE HANSRUEDI ADANK

When Hansruedi Adank is walking through his vineyard, a feeling of satisfaction arises.

Here, he and his family know every piece of the soil, every growing vine and every grape that will be carefully cultivated to produce their wine. For Adank, working with nature, shaping the winegrowing process in conjunction with the elements and experiencing the vines development first hand has always been a dream job.

Since 1984, the Adanks have produced pure varietal wine. Being aware of the fact that vines will take their time, the Adanks are solely following nature’s very own production shedule. As a result, their wine is shaped not only by the grower‘s knowledge but by the characteristics of its terroir in the Bündner Herrschaft. Here, deep, multifaceted geological formations, which

Main Photo: Winery Adank from the outside.

Below Left: Sky over the vineyard.

Below Middle: Adank wine.

Below Right: Barrique cellar.

Bottom Left: The Adanks.

lay beneath the surface, lend an unimposing vineyard great status. For that matter, the high slate portion of the soil gives the Adanks‘ wines exquisite mineral notes. Together with the Meditteranean climate, changing from warming south winds to cooling nights during the vines‘ development, the wines develop fascinating aromas.

Recently the Adanks have redesigned parts of the winery‘s architecture. In their wine cellar one can hear selected atmospheric music, which is not put on for visitors, but for the wine itself. It is the interaction between the Barrique cellar‘s rustic architecture and the quiet soundtrack that gives the Adanks’ wines a congenial ambience.

“You have to know what is in your bottle,“ says Adank. In order to know that, the Adanks will continue to walk among their vines, tending where tending is needed, giving time where it is appropriate, smelling, listening and living and consequently achieving wines of singular character. www.adank-weine.ch Issue 38 | May 2016 | 33

Bacchus loves Switzerland Switzerland is famous for its beautiful scenery, delicious cheese and chocolate and for a distinguished and thriving banking sector. Wine, however, may not pop into one’s mind when thinking about this beautiful country bordering the Alps. This is apt to change considering the quality of Swiss wine.

TEXT: SILKE HENKELE

Markus Lampert, who was born into an established family of Swiss winemakers, together with his wife Sonja and their children moved into an old winery in Maienfeld in the canton of Graubünden in 1984. Lying at the foot of the Bündner Alps in the east of Switzerland, nestled within lush meadows and unspoilt nature, the estate seems to be the prototype of the romantic vision of a vineyard.

The effort and the love for detail that went into the re-establishment of the old winemaking estate transpires in the fine wine that Lampert and his family are offering today. “Thanks to our special 34 | Issue 38 | May 2016

recipe, our wines have an unusual smooth and rounded taste,” stresses Lampert.

Winery Lampert’s products include Riesling-Sylvaner, Cuvée Blanc and Cuvée Rouge, Chardonnay, as well as Pinot Noir or the delicious Riesling Sylvaner bubbly Vin Mousseux. “2016 will mark a special year for our family,” says Lampert, “as our son Thomas will offer his first own wine creation.” This latest addition is going to enhance the winery’s already existing broad choice of fine wine.

All of winery Lampert’s products can be tasted in a 250-year-old ‘Torkel’ (a wine

Main Image: The Lampert family. – Copyright: Nicole Ruffner Left: Chardonnay. – Copyright: Markus Lampert Middle: The ‘Torkel’. - Copyright: Foto Fetzer Right: Lampert’s vineyards. - Copyright: Markus Lampert

press) that came with the old winery.

With its rustic interior the Torkel propels the visitor right back into the past, where they are invited to indulge in the tasting of various wines accompanied by delicious snacks within a friendly, traditional and yet modern Swiss atmosphere.

A wine tasting experience in the beautiful surroundings of the Swiss canton Graubünden is the best and most original way to experience the wine estate and its products. The wine may be ordered online – a priceless service for those who can not get enough of these fine-tasting beverages or for those who want to revel in the fond memories of a stay on the estate.

Bacchus, the ancient god of wine, no doubt would have approved of winery Lampert’s wines! www.lampert-weine.ch

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wine World Switzerland

Less is (much) more!

Christian Hermann Winery Impeccable quality, innovation and integrity. Christian Herrmann’s winery in Switzerland’s wine country is no longer an insider tip. For 25 years, the Swiss winemaker has been pursuing two objectives in his vineyard and cellar: excellence in taste and quality of production.

Top Left: Christian Hermann Top: Chardonnay Middle: Vineyard Bottom: Riesling

TEXT: ELISABETH DOEHNE I PHOTOS: CHRISTIAN HERMANN WEINBAU AG

“Less is more! We consistenty grow only three varieties of grapes: Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (including the acclaimed Pinot Noir Reserve as well as the Pinot Noir ‘H’) are aged in our oak barrels. We keep our range deliberately small so we can guarantee a first-class pleasure for all of our wines,” states owner Christian Hermann.

Hermann’s crops (a total of 43,000 square metres) are located in the picturesque Bündner Herrschaft. This small vacation and wine-growing region in the northernmost corner of Graubünden extends from the right side of the Rhine to the border with the principality of Liechtenstein.

Mild climate, dry winds and chalky ground characterise the environment, which is the warmest wine-growing region in Germanspeaking Switzerland. Graubünden the

Bündner Herrschaft is a wine region and exceptionally well suited to the cultivation of high-quality grapevines. A special favorite is the complex and refined Pinot Noir, which Graubünden’s vintners help bring to a particular splendor, thanks to environmentally friendly practices and small yields.

The rich soil and amiable climate of the Swiss valley grows fruit of character and distinction. Combined with his distinct aging method, the resulting wine is full of character and taste. In addition to wines, Hermann also makes fruit brandy.

The winegrower explains his philosophy and approach: “Our winery was established in 1991, and from the beginning we have always emphasised our philosophy of quality – without compromising. For four years we have also been cited among the best 100 wineries Swit-

zerland. Our idea is to produce the smallest range – yet superior quality – of wines.”

Hermann’s wines have received awards.

In 2014, 2015 and 2016 the prestigious Gault Millau guide included Hermann’s wines in its list of the 100 best Swiss vineyards. Wine connoisseurs have also featured Hermann’s elegant, Pinot Noir Classic, Pinot Noir Reserve and Pinot Noir ‘H’ in several other lists.

In addition to the convenient subscription service as well as the company’s online portal, Hermann’s wines are available at winery stores in Switzerland, Austria and Germany, as well as more than 35 restaurants in German-speaking countries. www.hermann.ch www.distiller.ch Issue 38 | May 2016 | 35

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wine World Switzerland

A century-old recipe for success Growing up as the son of a dedicated winemaker on a traditional Swiss vineyard, Martin Hubacher found his passion early on in life. 20 years later, his success has proved he made the right decision. The wines produced from Hubacher’s vineyard Johanniterkeller are now highly valued by wine connoisseurs around the globe.

TEXT: SONJA IRANI

“The history of our vineyard can be traced back to the 13th century,” he says. “In those times, many Swiss monasteries and abbeys owned vineyards at the Bielersee. Our house belonged to the Order of Saint John – Johanniterorden in German – before my ancestors bought it in the mid-19th century.”

Since 1996, Hubacher has run the business with his wife Michaela Gabriel and has received various national and international awards. “The fact that Gault Millau has voted us among the 100 best vineyards in Switzerland, now in the second consecutive year, is a real honour,” says Hubacher. “But our biggest achievement is the continuous trust of our customers.”

Typical wines of the region include Chasselas or Pinot Noir, which are currently very popular. “There is a certain ‘back to the roots’ trend,” says the winemaker. Hubacher adds that he feels very attached to his beautiful Swiss home area and tries to express this special bond in his products’ unique handwriting: “Our wines are rich in minerals due to our particular microclimate and the calcareous soils,” he says. “The character of our wines is also very important, which is why we almost exclusively vinify our wines alone.” www.johanniterkeller.ch

Top: Martin Hubacher. Photo: Hans-Peter Siffert Middle: Twann. – Photo: Johanniterkeller Bottom: The Whitewines of Johanniterkeller. – Photo: Christoph Grünig

Heritage and legacy “My family has owned the Tour de Chenaux vineyard for 50 years,” says Gilles Wannaz.

“The house is from the 13th century, so patrimony is at the heart of our existence here, particularly since UNESCO classified the Lavaux wine terraces as a world heritage site.”

TEXT: MARTIN PILKINGTON I PHOTOS: DOMAINE WANNAZ

Respecting that heritage means creating a legacy for future generations, so Gilles and his partner Merjem Jackson work with their environment. They tend the vines on the biodynamic and organic-certified domaine according to green principles, renewables and natural resources predominate; and they honour the land by not wasting any of its fruits.

Top: Wine – and much more.

Bottom: Merjem and Gilles.

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“Wine is our prime product,” says Gilles, who recommends their Chasselas as an introduction to it. “But over the last four years we’ve developed creative ways to use by-products of the vines and winemaking.” The list includes vine-bud tea, trendy verjus; grape-pip pepper, sweet vine-preserve spread, alcohol-

impregnated cork firelighters and vinestock barbecue fuel.

To share their work, they hold tastings every Thursday evening and have an apartment available so visitors can experience the breathtaking view over Lake Geneva. For events from family gatherings to business meetings, Gilles uses local produce to cater original and inventive finger-food meals served amid greenery on suspended tables.

“This place feeds the body and the spirit.

It’s a way of living in closer relationship with earth and vine,” concludes Gilles. www.wannaz.ch

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wine World Switzerland

Young Swiss winemaker produces awardwinning wines in harmony with nature For Nadine Saxer winemaking is a passion inherited from her parents. Since 2011 she has managed the Saxer’s vineyard in Neftenbach in the Swiss Canton of Zurich. With growing success, her award-winning wines continue to combine traditional winemaking with innovative taste.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: WINERY NADINE SAXER

Nadine Saxer is considered one of the best young Swiss vintners, working in a typical family business. The winery bears her name today, but was originally founded by her father in the 1990s. Not only do Nadine Saxer’s parents still work on the vineyard mainly selling and degusting wines, but also her husband Stefan Gysel Saxer. Like Nadine Saxer, a vintner who additionally works in his parents’vineyards a few kilometres away. Both Nadine and Stefan have studied oenology at a technical college. Nadine Saxer not only profits from growing up on a vineyard, but also from her travels to Argentina and South Africa where she experienced first-hand how vintners make wines.

Nadine Saxer cultivates about 7.5 hectares of vineyards in the Winterthurer

wine-growing area – always close to nature.

“It is important for us to take the laws of nature into account and go easy on natural resources,” says Nadine Saxer. Manual work and dedication make wines special and that is mirrored in the wine’s name.

Nobler Blauer – noble blue – is a Pinot Noir selection that has ripened in Barrique barrels for three months. It is a fruity and rich wine with a hint of roasting flavours. The white counterpart Nobler Weisser is made of Riesling Silvaner grapes and tastes of exotic fruits like peaches. Last year’s vintage was so popular it completely sold out.

“We want to combine tradition and innovations,”says Nadine Saxer about her winemaking philosophy. The results currently are 14 red and white wines, some of them

award winning. At the Grand Prix de Vin Suisse 2015, Sylvie, a wine with refreshing lemon and subtle Muscat aromas, was named best Silvaner-Riesling in Switzerland. The Tête de Cuvée gained third place among Swiss Pinot Noirs. Two of Nadine Saxers wines – Nobler Weisser and Sauvignon Blanc – were also offered in business and first class when flying with Swiss last summer. And all wines can of course be tasted when visiting the winery in Neftenbach on Friday evenings and Saturdays. www.nadinesaxer.ch

Above: Nadine Saxer

Issue 38 | May 2016 | 37

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wine World Switzerland

Main image: Autumnal vineyard in Eglisau. – Photo: Heinz Gutersohn, magic-eye.ch Top Right: The small town of Eglisau. – Photo: Weingut Pircher Bottom Right: Barriques. – Photo: Weingut Pircher

The importance of gentle processing On the bank of the Rhine, in close proximity to the town of Eglisau, lies the winegrowing estate Pircher. Here, Urs Pircher produces and sells exceptional red and white wines which impress with their profound taste.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF

The location of the Pircher winery is just one feature that makes Urs Pircher’s wines worth a try. Situated on a steep little hill on the Rhine, all of Pircher’s vines grow on six hectares of southfacing wine terraces – known as the region’s prime location for winegrowing.

“For us, the grape processing is the most important bit. We invest in grape care and only harvest the best grapes,”explains Urs Pircher, owner of the winery. He adds: “We use a minimum of additives and only

Above: Eglisau. – Photo: Weingut Pircher Right: Urs and Cécile Pircher. – Photo: Weingut Pircher

38 | Issue 38 | May 2016

harvest around 500 to 600 grammes per square metre as we solely target highquality grapes. We treat the soil with care and harvest by hand. After harvesting, we process the grapes as gently as possible.

That means that we, for example, waive pumping the mash and put emphasis on long standing times.”After that, the white wines are stored in steel tanks, the red wines are put into large oak barrels and for more powerful red wines, Urs Pircher swears by small wooden barrels.

This laborious process ensures profound wines with exceptional taste that have the soil’s character. Winery Pircher’s white wine portfolio ranges from a floral, fruity Pinot Gris or an exciting, spicy Gewürztraminer to fruity, elegant Riesling wine which is the newest addition to the winery’s portfolio. Even the long-established Räuschling wine, which can barely be found anywhere else these days, is grown on the estate.“It impresses with its lively, delicate nuances and is the perfect accompaniment to trout,” says Urs Pircher.

However, the winery is especially known for their Pinot Noirs, the so-called Blauburgunder. One of the world’s best red wine grapes, the Pircher winery offers four different wines: the fruity-fresh Federweisser, the region’s traditional, fruityelegant Blauburgunder, the full-bodied Blauburgunder Auslese for which selected grapes get pressed after a long maceration time, as well as the subtle Pinot Noir which matures in barriques (barrels) for 18 months. www.weingut-pircher.ch

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wine World Switzerland

Enjoy some fine wines in the Château’s serene surroundings.

Château de Luins: a vineyard to woo The Château de Luins is situated in Switzerland, on the Vaudoise side between Rolle and Nyon. Renowned for its high-quality wines and beautiful grounds, the Baechtold family has been in possession of the impressive property since 1909, when current owner Laurent Baechtold’s great-grandfather purchased it.

TEXT: LIDIJA LIEGIS I PHOTOS: CHATEAU DE LUINS

The Château itself was built between the 15th and 17th century, and it sits among the ten hectares of vineyards. The vines begin at the village church and end in the heart of the Château’s grounds. Chateau de Luins is located on the charming northern shores of Lake Leman in Switzerland, halfway between Geneva and Lausanne.

Although it is best known for its wines, the Château frequently hosts events such as weddings, outdoor wine tastings when the weather permits, and concerts. “It’s a very peaceful place, full of history,” says

Mr. Baechtold. The Château is surrounded by 200-year-old lime tree chestnut trees.

Inside the Château’s cellars there are six vertical presses, “a rarity today,” says Mr. Baechtold. The cellar can also seat 25 people for dining. Since taking over the family business 30 years ago, Mr. Baechtold has developed and extended the vineyard’s activities. Most recently the Château has started producing bread with its original oven dating from the 15th century. Fresh bread is available weekly on Tuesdays and can be reserved in advance and collected on the day.

Visitors can sample high-quality white wine, including some of the best of recent years (2003, 2010 and 2015). Château de Luins primarily produces Chasselas, a light and fruity wine typical of the region. “In the first two to three years it’s served as an aperitif, and after that it becomes a very nice accompanying wine for seafood and poultry,” explains Mr. Baechtold. The Château also produces Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The wine production is done in wooden barrels, allowing the flavour of the wine to continuously develop.

Clients are primarily from Switzerland, and the wine is sold directly to hotels, restaurants and individuals, as well as distributors. Mr. Baechtold encourages people to visit the enchanting Château and its vineyard, and to enjoy its various wines. www.chateau-de-luins.ch Issue 38 | May 2016 | 39

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wine World Germany

Special Theme

Wine World Germany 2016

Wines with a heritage Germany is home to 13 wine-growing regions, each producing high-quality wines from an enormous variety of grapes. Unlike many other wine regions across the globe, places like Pfalz and Rheinhessen are capable of producing up to 100 different varieties.

each bottle is labelled with an official approval number, known in German as its AP number or Amtliche Prüfnummer, as well as having its quality level recorded on the label.

TEXT: GERMAN WINE INSTITUTE, TRANSLATION: EMMIE COLLINGE I PHOTOS: DEUTSCHES WEININSTITUT (DWI)

Natural, sustainable and light Of course while the classics, such as Riesling and Pinot varieties (Burgunder), play the biggest role for the country, it is interesting to note that Germany has the world’s highest number of hectares under vine dedicated to Riesling and Pinot Blanc. It is ranked second in the world after Italy for production of Pinot Gris (known as Grauburgunder), and third for Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder). Climate change in recent years has also led to more international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, 40 | Issue 38 | May 2016

Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon making their mark on the German wine landscape.

The European Union has recognised Germany’s 13 quality winemaking regions with a seal protecting the appellation of origin, certifying that wines bearing the name of a particular region are not just 100 per cent comprised of regional grapes, but also fulfil certain criteria in terms of quality. Having undergone stringent wine quality controls,

There is an increasing appreciation amongst German wine drinkers for quality, regional specialities and authenticity – which goes hand in hand with the ever-growing trend in the German wine scene to keep the wine as untouched from human interference as possible. In fact, the demand for individual wines, fermented without temperature control, which really capture the intricacies of the terroir and the signature of the winemaker, is on the rise. For these types of wine, 2015 laid the perfect foundation.

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wine World Germany

When it comes to eating lighter, German wines are an ideal accompaniment to this trend. As these wines are cultivated in the northern areas of Europe’s wine-growing regions, the grapes’ maturing process is much slower, which enhances their aroma while keeping their alcohol content fairly low.

Wines with a future Many of these developments are driven by Germany’s latest generation of well-educated and frequently internationally experienced winemakers (see www.generation-riesling.de). Employing sharp and contemporary marketing strategies right across the board from bottle design to events, the success comes as little surprise. And despite their own unique approaches, these young and innovative wine producers are keen to cooperate with each other, championing initiatives such as ‘Generation Riesling’ set up by Deutsches Weininstitut (DWI), i.e.

Wines of Germany.

In a similar vein, Germany’s regional wines are also attracting more and more younger consumers, who are taking a liking to lively wines, trendy seccos or a glass of the hip ‘Blanc de Noir’, a wine sort primarily created by young wine producers.

It is refreshing to see how wine is becoming a hot topic, with many approachable wine producers achieving ‘cult status’ amongst their fans. Countless bloggers and wine aficionados use the internet and social media channels to discuss matters like aging and quality, as well as sustainability and organic wine production, two issues that are gaining attention from both producers and consumers.

Wine trends for 2016 Offering an exhaustive inventory to discover, Germany’s wine regions create new flavours every single year so there is no risk of wine lovers being bored. 2016 already has a great deal in store: Burgunder/Pinot varieties: Next to Riesling, all types of Pinot are on the rise. Elegant and light, Germany’s Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc are gaining popularity and are ideal for summer days and complement various menus thanks to their versatility.

Grape varieties (bouquet): With the cultivation and popularity of Sauvignon Blanc showing no sign of easing, other grape varietals such as Muskateller, Gewürztraminer and Scheurebe are gaining more and more appreciation from wine fans. In particular, Scheurebe is experiencing a renaissance this year, surely due to its stylistic range and not least the timeliness of its 100-year anniversary.

As a consequence of the warmer climate and continuous improvements in quality management by its wine producers, national red wines are experiencing significant growth in popularity within Germany. Outside of the country, Pinot Noir’s appeal continues to rise sharply, reaping the rewards of the countless accolades that it has achieved at many renowned wine competitions.

Red wines: German red wines can certainly be classed as winners from 2015, as the grapes enjoyed outstanding cultivation conditions and a great maturation process. And the success was not limited to Pinot Noir (although it did perform exceptionally well), as other German red wines such as Dornfelder and Lemberger had an equally great year. International varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, which are popping up with increasing frequency across Germany, also benefitted from the optimal conditions in 2015.

For more information of the wines of Germany, please visit: www.deutscheweine.de www.germanwines.de

German Wine Institute Press Departement Ernst Büscher, Nicole Stierstorfer, Pia Johannson Phone: +49 (0)6135/9323-159 E-Mail: nst@deutscheweine.de

Issue 38 | May 2016 | 41

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wine World Germany

Weingut Höfler – Franconia

Harmony between quality and sustainability In Franconia, special conditions allow for exceptional grapes to grow. The natural environment is balanced, the ancient soil is highly mineralised and the climate is very sunny. In fact, the region’s soil composition is perfect for growing Riesling, considered to be one of Germany’s greatest grapes.

Top Left: Junior managing director Johannes Höfler. – Copyright: Ida Didinger Top Right: Vineyard in the summer. – Copyright: Ida Didinger.

Above: Vinotheque. – Copyright: Klaus Fleckenstein

TEXT: ELISABETH DOEHNE I PHOTOS: IDA DIDINGER, KLAUS FLECKENSTEIN

The oldest evidence of wine growing in the region dates back about 1,000 years. Connoisseurs love the distinctive flavor of Franconia’s dry, mineral and fruity wines. The grapes of Weingut Höfler, the family-owned and traditional Franconian winery, grow along the south-facing slopes of the valley of the river Main and its tributaries.

Located in Michelbach, at the foot of the western foothills of the Spessart, the Höflers beautiful wine estate (including modern showrooms, store and courtyard) is only 40 minutes away from the business hub of Frankfurt/ Main. The proximity to Frankfurt makes the vineyard and estate an ideal spot for corporate retreats, private tours or weekend visits. The Höfler family is also hosting their annual Summer Fest during the second weekend of July 2016 (9-11 July, 2016).

42 | Issue 38 | May 2016

Excellence since 1924 “In everything we do, we want to find the right balance between traditional values, the newest oenological knowledge and ethical production to match the preferred tastes of our wine lovers. The real work begins in the vineyard and not in the cellar.

There are so many decisions – vine type, tillage, yield reduction, time of harvest – that affect the quality of the wine. All of these steps require a lot of experience and gut instinct,” explains Johannes Höfler. Together with his parents Edeltraud and Bernd Höfler, he manages the family business in the fourth generation.

The winery’s history goes back as far as 1924. During the following decades, the

acreage of the estate was expanded and a new farm with wine cellars and farm buildings was added. Today, the Höfler family grows ten hectares of white and red wines that have repeatedly won awards and critical appraise among experts and customers.

Their best seller is an excellent Riesling that has a mineral, spicy-fruity taste.

Balance of natural environment “Because we work in harmony with nature and follow the rhythm of the seasons we can produce high-quality wines. Our sustainable philosophy also includes that we care greatly about the conservation of resources; plant protection, maintaining the soil and diversity of plants and insects,” states Höfler. www.weingut-hoefler.de

Discover Germany | Wine and Dine | Design Guide 2016

Where quality meets passion As the oldest, privately owned wine estate in Saxony, the winery Weingut Schloss Proschwitz produces high-quality, award-winning white and red wines on approximately 90 hectares of vineyards. Saxony is one of Germany’s smallest wine-growing regions with the lowest average harvest yield per hectare. Hence the estate’s wines are exceptionally unique and rare. The winery has been an accredited member of the Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates (VDP) since 1996.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTOS: WEINGUT SCHLOSS PROSCHWITZ

Weingut Schloss Proschwitz is owned by Dr. Georg Prinz zur Lippe, whose ancestors were one of Germany’s ruling dynasties until 1918. In 1945, his family was expropriated without compensation and deported to West Germany. But Dr. Georg Prinz zur Lippe was able to gradually repurchase the family’s castle Schloss Proschwitz and the surrounding vineyards after the reunification of Germany.

Today, the family’s vines are flourishing on an up to six-metre-thick loess-loam layer on top of granite rocks. The grapes are influenced by Saxony’s continental climate and its long sunshine hours creating the perfect conditions for Pinot grape varieties.

Weingut Schloss Proschwitz emphasises on the authenticity of their wines. Thus, the most important part of their wine production starts in the vineyards: managing the vine, carefully cultivating the soil, selective defoliation and reduction of grape yield.

“Solely healthy premium grapes produce high-quality wines,” says Jacques du Preez, chief winemaker of ‘Weingut Schloss Proschwitz’. Dr. Georg Prinz zur Lippe adds

that the “wines are the result of the unique interaction between vineyard, climate and the people working at our winery. We endeavour to keep the vineyards as natural as possible creating a balance that ensures a sustainable continuation of the winery”.

events. “The winery itself is located in Zadel, five kilometres from the castle, inviting for a hike through the vineyards,” says Claudia Haase, international sales manager. “When you arrive in Zadel you can taste and purchase our wines at the winery’s shop, dine at our restaurant, visit our wine cellar and of course stay overnight at the winery’s small B&B.” www.schloss-proschwitz.de

Weingut Schloss Proschwitz focuses on white wines. They clearly reflect the terroir of the vineyards: perfectly balanced with intense fruitiness and a long finish combined with a typical minerality. The portfolio of grape variety comprises regionally varieties such as Elbling, Goldriesling and Traminer to their well-known Pinots (Grauburgunder, Weissburgunder and Spätburgunder) that mature to an unparalleled extravagance.

Besides offering exceptional wines, ‘Weingut Schloss Proschwitz’ also produces high-quality fruit brandies and liqueurs at their distillery near Meissen.

The beautiful castle ‘Schloss Proschwitz’ is open for visitors on special occasions such as the annual Christmas market, but can also be booked for weddings or corporate

Main Photo: Jacques du Preez (chief winemaker), Walter Beck (vineyard manager), Dr. Georg Prinz zur Lippe and Alexandra Prinzessin zur Lippe (from left to right).

Top: Selection of wines from Weingut Schloss Proschwitz.

Above: The castle Schloss Proschwitz.

Issue 38 | May 2016 | 43

Discover Germany | Wine and Dine | Design Guide 2016

Main Photo: The Schuermer family.

Bottom Right: Carmen Kurz tasting some wine.

Franconia winemakers with a sense for the extraordinary Franconia today is well known for its rich and dry white wines. Schürmer winery goes another way: the winery based in Ipsheim, a village between Würzburg and Nuremberg, is a winemaking exception focusing on red wines in a region mainly shaped by white wine production.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: SCHUERMER WINERY

Only 19 per cent of all vineyards in Franconia are used to grow red wine grape varieties. “We were the first who started producing red wine around Ipsheim,”says vineyard owner Carmen Kurz. Schürmer winery for example produces a fruity and soft, medium-dry Merlot wine. While Merlot grapes are very popular all over the world, they are a rarity in the Franconia wine region, today the sixth biggest wine-growing area in Germany.

The Schürmer winery is a typical family business and even before becoming professional vintners they had owned small patches of vineyards, making wine for personal use only. In the late 1940s the family bought some of the vineyards at the foot of castle Hoheneck. “Later, in the 1980s, my parents established the winery. Me and my husband took over in 2012,” says Kurz. In 1983 her parents had bought some new vineyards and

had started to grow new vines. Their first vintage in 1986 was only a small one, because of frost damage to vines and grapes. One year later the first real batch of wine was finished and in 1990, with planting Pinot Noir, vines the red wine production started.

No variety characterises Franconia more than the Silvaner, first grown here in the 17th century. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Schürmer winery also has a Silvaner white wine on offer. Under the name verde – meaning green like the grapes – they are selling white wines with straightforward character and taste, something to enjoy on every occasion. Schürmer winery looks for the outstanding: “We for example produce a Chardonnay, which is quite rare in this region,”says Kurz.

ing red wines: “We want to offer something special,” says Kurz. Pinot Noir wine, like the one Schürmer produces, is a German classic, famous for its softness and elegance. A local favourite mainly grown in the region is the Franconia Domina, a dense and fruity wine.

All Schürmer wines can be tasted directly at the winery or bought online. www.schuermer.com

But above anything else the vintners are putting their heart and soul into produc-

44 | Issue 38 | May 2016

schue

www.schuermer.com Weingut Sch端rmer - Kirchplatz 8 - 91472 Ipsheim Telefon 09846/97 78 89 schuermer-wein_anz.indd 1

18.04.16 15:35

Discover Germany | Special Feature | 500 Years of Reinheitsgebot

Main image: Matthias Trum, general manager of the Schlenkerla brewery, Bamberg, Germany. – Copyright: Stuart Forster Top right: A sign points the way to the restaurant at Schloss Kaltenberg in Bavaria, Germany. – Copyright: Stuart Forster Middle: The Schlenkerla Brewery-Restaurant in the Altstadt of Bamberg, Germany.

The popular brewery is renowned for its smoked beer. – Copyright: Stuart Forster Bottom: Giesinger Bräu. – Copyright: Giesinger Bräu

500 years of pure brewing inspiration –

the Bavarian Reinheitsgebot of 1516 In 1516 the Reinheitsgebot, regulating the pricing and ingredients of beer, became law across the Duchy of Bavaria. Some people herald it as a world first: a law governing food production had become valid across an entire territory.

TEXT: STUART FORSTER

The term Reinheitsgebot is commonly translated into English as ‘German Beer Purity Law’, but it had far broader implications. Restricting the ingredients of beer to barley, hops and water ensured that rye and wheat were available to bakers, so the populace had an adequate supply of affordable bread. Barrels of impure beer could be confiscated. It also limited innkeepers’ margins of profit on beer sales and permitted Bavaria’s ruler to curtail beer production if barley became scarce. Shortages, and localised 46 | Issue 38 | May 2016

famines were by no means uncommon in Europe at that time.

“I’m proud my ancestors have ensured the oldest food control law is still valid today,” says Prince Luitpold of Bavaria, a member of the Wittelsbach family in whose name the law of 1516 was proclaimed. The Prince is actively involved in the brewing industry as the CEO of the König Ludwig Schlossbrauerei, whose headquarters and production base are at Kaltenberg Castle approximately 55 kilometres west of Munich.

In the Middle Ages, when many people drew their water from wells, beer was often a safer drink, at least when it was brewed without adulterating ingredients. Long before tea and coffee were introduced to Europe, it was common for people to wake and take a draught of beer. The beer drank on a day-to-day basis contained significantly less alcohol by volume than most brews available today. Even children would consume beer regularly.

“The Bavarian Purity Law is unique because it was the first real food law in times [when] beer really was seen as food for the people,” says Simon Rossmann, the head brewer of Giesinger Bräu, which was established in Munich

Discover Germany | Special Feature | 500 Years of Reinheitsgebot

in 2006, becoming the city’s first new brewery since 1889. “The simple and clear law made Bavarian brewers focus to make the best beer out of defined materials and ensured the trust of consumers,” says Prince Luitpold.

The introduction of the law of 1516 meant brewers could no longer mask the foul flavour of a bad brew by adding spices or more dubious ingredients. Prior to the introduction of the Reinheitsgebot there is anecdotal evidence that herbs, sometimes with toxic side effects, and dubious ingredients such the gallbladders of oxen were occasionally added to beer. Hops, in addition to imparting flavour, help stabilise and preserve beer. Nonetheless, in a pre-industrial era, long before people understood the implications of microbiology on brewing, batches of beer were prone to variations in quality.

Matthias Trum is the Bräu – a Franconian term for a brewery owner, brewmaster, patron and housekeeper – at Bamberg’s Schlenkerla Brewery, which is renowned for its Rauchbier (smoke beer). He holds the view that “the Bavarian Reinheitsgebot of 1516 did not

revolutionise brewing”. He sees the law as a progression of local brewing legislation already on the statute books in cities such as Augsburg (dating from 1155), Regensburg (1469) and Bamberg (1489).

“What one has to keep in mind, though, is that all these purity laws had the main purpose of controlling beer tax and only secondarily the quality of the beer. Even today the Reinheitsgebot is still part of the vorläufiges Biersteuergesetz – the preliminary beer tax law – and not of any food control law,” says Trum. Over time, amendments have been made to take into account developments in scientific knowledge and changes to taxation but, in essence, the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516 remains on the statute books.

Trum acknowledges the Reinheitsgebot made beer safer to consume and regards its impact as significant. “If you will, the revolutionary element was something different: the fact that government at all made a law on how to produce a certain food was the precursor for all the food laws we know today,” he says.

“The real legacy today in my opinion is that the Bavarian purity law defines what

Top: Prince Luitpold of Bavaria stands in front of certificates won by his company’s beers within Kaltenberg Castle in Bavaria, Germany. – Copyright: Stuart Forster.

Left: Giesinger Bräu brewery. - Copyright: Johannes Mairhofer.

Middle: The brewhouse at Schlenkerla Brewery. – Copyright: Schlenkerla Brewery Above: Malt production at Schlenkerla Brewery. – Copyright: Schlenkerla Brewery.

we – Bavarians, Franconians, Germans – mean when thinking of beer. It very much defines the product category. Even in the age of craft beer most Germans wouldn’t consider a, say, kriek or geuze [Belgian styles of ale] a ‘real’ beer,” says Trum.

He adds that the continued dominance of lager on the world beer market is evidence that Germans exported this understanding to many countries.

In light of the ongoing craft brewing revolution in many Western countries, some people might argue that the continued application of the Reinheitsgebot handicaps the ability of German brewers to experiment and evolve. Others would say changing the law would mean messing with a much-loved tradition.

“The law is up-to-date… why dilute the definition of beer?” asks Prince Luitpold, 500 years after the introduction of the Reinheitsgebot.

Issue 38 | May 2016 | 47

Discover Germany | Destination of the Month | Germany

Destination of the Month Germany

Main Photo: Fantastic view from the Brecherspitz mountain towards Tegernsee. - Copyright: Alpenregion Tegernsee Schliersee Top Right: Alpine region Tegernsee Schliersee: one of the most beautiful hiking areas. – Copyright: Hansi Heckmair Middle: Copyright: Dietmar Denger Bottom Right: Relax while watching the sunset in Rottach-Egern/ Malerwinkel – Copyright: Thomas Linkel

A region full of Bavarian joie de vivre Blue skies, inviting lakes, snow-covered mountain peaks, sincere people and astonishing diversity – this is the Alpine region Tegernsee Schliersee. It is a place for those who want to be active in magnificent surroundings, who want to explore the pure nature, meet down-to-earth, warm people, experience authentic culture and tradition or simply relax in cosy surroundings.

Bavarian cuisine, go to award-winning restaurants or visit one of the numerous traditional events which reflect the region’s customs, such as lake or traditional forest festivals, there is sure to be a pastime activity for everyone.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF

The Alpine region Tegernsee Schliersee combines Bavarian joie de vivre with numerous leisure possibilities. In summer, the mountain peaks lure visitors with exceptional views onto surrounding lakes and mountains and winter attracts young and old skiing or sledging enthusiasts alike due to the region’s great cross-country ski trails. “Basically, we offer everything that other Bavarian regions do too, but we are right in the middle of it all. We are situated in close proximity to Munich so that our region can be reached quickly and even with public transport. But in the middle of it all also means that we lie amidst beautiful na48 | Issue 38 | May 2016

ture that offers numerous possibilities to either be active or to relax and that we offer traditional, authentic events which reflect Bavaria’s traditional appeal,” notes Evi Krinner, the region’s marketing and communications representative.

Whether one seeks to go on a picturesque hike with the entire family, walk along one of the many magnificent hiking trails (one is even a certified premium hiking trail), cycle through the lowlands, go mountain biking, simply enjoy the natural region, spend a wellness day in the lake sauna or in one of the other wellness facilities available, enjoy down-to-earth

Interested in the region’s legendary lake festivals in front of an alpine scenery?

Then head to the region this summer and see the lake’s great firework displays. For example, from 29 to 31 July, the lake festival Schliersee will showcase musical highlights, culinary delights and folk costume dances. Or visit the Spitzingsee on 20 August, which impresses with big bonfires and a great side programme.

Further lake festivals will be held in Rottach-Egern (12 July), Tegernsee (26 July) and Bad Wiessee (19 August). en.tegernsee-schliersee.de

Discover Germany | Attraction of the Month | Germany

Attraction of the Month Germany

Motorsport at its best on Germany’s most traditional racecourse The MotoGP at the Sachsenring near Chemnitz, Saxony, is Germany’s biggest motorsport event. As part of an 18-race series, the motorcycle world championship in total visits 14 countries on four continents. Therefore, only the most skilled motorcycle riders meet at the Sachsenring to battle out who is the best of the best.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: SRM, MARKUS PFEIFER

Various steep curves are one of Sachsenring’s characteristics, making it a technically demanding racetrack. “The riders have to fight for the best positions from the early beginning, as catching up lost time is hard on this course,” says Judith Pieper-Köhler, responsible for marketing and communications. The Sachsenring circuit is not a permanent racetrack and therefore its infrastructure has to be reconstructed for every MotoGP event. “The atmosphere is incredible: the grandstands are very close to the track, so the riders can hear their fans’ enthusiastic cheering.”

The Sachsenring circuit has a long tradition dating back to times when motorsport was still in its infancy. As early as the 1920s, races were held on public roads in the partly densely populated area. In 1927 the first racing event

took place on the old Sachsenring, starting a popular tradition:“People here grow up with fuel in their blood,”says Pieper-Köhler. Until today many volunteers help to make the racing events possible. The thrill of the race and the cheering for racing heroes are what remained, even though many other things have changed.

Due to security concerns, the old Sachsenring circuit that used public roads finally had to close in 1990. Six years later, in 1996, a new circuit was built. In 1998 the motorcycle world championship returned to the new Sachsenring. Since then the racecourse has been constantly improved, including a layout enhancement in 2001.“To determine the highlights of the Sachsenring’s long history in general is really diffi-

cult: maybe it was the last World Cup during the Cold War, when in 1972 a western German rider stood on the podium and the BRD national anthem was played – something the GDR regime did not like at all,” says Judith Pieper-Köhler. “But most certainly the re-opening in 1996, the MotoGP’s return and our spectators record in 2011 were among the highlights.”

Today the Sachsenring circuit is an audience magnet. Over 200,000 people visit it every year, making it one of the most-frequented circuits in the world. This year’s MotoGP from 15 to 17 July is the season’s highlight again – combining thrilling motorcycle races with music, shows and events. www.srm-sachsenring.de Issue 38 | May 2016 | 49

Discover Germany | Culture | Mozarteum

Celebrating Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Since 1870 the Salzburg Mozarteum Foundation has devoted lifetimes to the preservance of the great composer’s heritage. By organising concerts, maintaining museums and supporting academic research the foundation has been able to successfully bridge past and present.

TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS

In 2016, the Mozarteum Foundation commemorates the 20-year anniversary of the reconstruction of Mozart’s family residence in Salzburg. After much support from a Japanese sponsor and numerous individual donors, the house in which the Mozart family lived for 17 years was rebuilt and finished in January 1996. Next to a museum with various original documents and instruments, the Mozart Residence currently also accommodates the largest audio and visual collection concerning the composer.

“The fascination with Mozart is not only the unimaginable charm and depth of his music, but also the timeliness of it,“ explains Mozarteum Foundation’s general

manager Tobias Debuch. For the Foundation this ongoing allure helps the junction of traditional and contemporary culture, which is ubiquitous in all of its initiatives.

With regard to the many events that the Salzburg Mozarteum Foundation leads, the Mozart Week 2017 is one to put on the calendar. From the 26 January onwards visitors can experience a diverse program with many highlights, amongst others a choreography of Bartabas and his Académie Équestre de Versailles. Lead by Mozart’s Requiem the equestrians and their horses will perform in the classic Felsenreitschule, a Salzburgian location perfectly fit to provide the background for an unforgettable musical evening.

Top: The entrance of the Salzburg Mozarteum Foundation. – Copyright: Fritz von Schulenburg Bottom: Front of Salzburg Mozarteum Foundation. – Copyright: Christian Schneider

For more information visit the following homepage. www.mozarteum.at

RestauRant MiRabell A wide selection of tasty wines and the love for the native cuisine will make every visit to the Restaurant Mirabell a unique experience. The restaurant pampers its guests with Austrian and international delicacies. The inviting ambiance of the restaurant and its romantic Mirabell Terrace offer unforgettable culinary moments.

Restaurant Mirabell Auerspergstrasse 4 5020 Salzburg, Austria restaurantmirabell.at facebook.com/sheratonsalzburghotel

RestauRant GoldeneR HiRscH Discover authentic Austrian cuisine at its best. The Gourmet Restaurant Goldener Hirsch offers an ambiance with Salzburg charm and award-winning cuisine as well as a selection of fine local and international wines.

Restaurant Goldener Hirsch Getreidegasse 37 5020 Salzburg, Austria goldenerhirsch.com facebook.com/goldenerhirschsalzburg

Special Theme

Vienna City Special

Main photo: Prater, a giant ferris wheel. – Copyright: Wien Tourismus, Christian Stemper.

Below Left: Riding through the old town in a traditional horsedrawn carriage. – Copyright: Wien Tourismus, Peter Rigaud.

Below Right: Museums, parks and gardens: Kunsthistorisches Museum. – Copyright: Wien Tourismus, Peter Rigaud.

Far Right: St. Stephan’s Cathedral. – Copyright: Wien Tourismus, Christian Stemper.

Bottom Right: View of the Volksgarten. – Copyright: Wien Tourismus, Christian Stemper.

The city that has it all Austria’s capital is famous for its cultural events, imperial sights, coffee houses, cosy wine taverns, and its very special Viennese charm.

TEXT: TOURISM PORTAL, AUSTRIA.INFO

Vienna’s history dates back to the first post-Christian century when the Romans established the military camp Vindobona.

Today’s cityscape is characterised by the abundance of Baroque buildings created mostly under the rule of Empress Maria Theresia and Emperor Franz Joseph, who were largely responsible for the monumental architecture round the Ringstraße.

Schönbrunn Palace, the former imperial summer residence, is one of Vienna’s most popular sights. The sumptuous palace with its beautifully tended formal gardens, the Gloriette monument, Palm House and zoo attracts hordes of visitors each year. Then

there is the huge Hofburg (Imperial Palace), which was the base of the Habsburgs for over six centuries.

The splendid Baroque Belvedere Palace today houses the Österreichische Galerie (Austrian Gallery), displaying the largest collection of works by Gustav Klimt and Oskar Kokoschka, as well as paintings by Egon Schiele. Vienna’s prime landmarks are the gothic Stephansdom (St. Stephen’s Cathedral), the giant big wheel in the Prater (Vienna’s old recreational park), and the Spanish Riding School with its Lipizzaner horses. In the heart of Vienna, 200 metres from the State Opera, you will find a

unique, tropical oasis - the Imperial Butterfly House. In one of the world’s most beautiful Art Noveau palm houses you can admire around 400 live, free flying butterflies all year round.

In Vienna the old coffee house culture and rustic wine taverns stand alongside top restaurants and shops, and time-honored events alternate with internationally acclaimed extravaganzas, such as the Life Ball, to create a unique and very special ambiance. All of this, plus plenty of greenspace and recreational areas including the Wienerwald, the Prater and the Danube Island make Vienna a very special city to visit.

When visiting Vienna, make sure you benefit from the advantages of the Vienna Card or the new Vienna PASS. Issue 38 | May 2016 | 51

Discover Germany | Attraction of the Month | Austria

Attraction of the Month Austria

Main photo: Behind the scenes.

Below Left: Special presentation.

Below Middle: The development of a wax figure.

Below Right: Musicians.

Opposite Page Top Left: Finishing Brad Pitt.

Opposite Page Top Right: Entrance.

Get friendly with the VIPs At Madame Tussauds Wien meeting your favourite celebrity is no longer a dream. With an ever-expanding collection of wax figures and a diverse array of personalities, the Vienna location offers visitors the possibility to get close to human history.

TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS | PHOTOS: MADAME TUSSAUDS WIEN

Marie Tussaud was only 17 years old when she moulded a first life-size wax figure of the famous French author and poet FrançoisMarieVoltaire. She had learned the craft from Dr. Philippe Curtius who knew the art of ceroplastics and was willing to teach it to her.

Little did she know that from this first figure 52 | Issue 38 | May 2016

she would start a cultural phenomenon which would become famous all over the world. Nowadays, Madame Tussauds exhibitions can be visited at 20 different locations from London to Tokyo and of course, since 2011, in Vienna.

“Everyone who leaves Madame Tussauds Wien is enriched by an unforgettable encounter,” explains managing director Arabella Kruschinski the ongoing fascination which surrounds the legendary displays. There seem to be two core aspects to the memorability of visiting Madame Tussauds. On the one hand, meeting a historical figure taps into the very human desire to transcend a normal life and, on the other hand, holding hands with a movie star like Johnny Depp makes the impossible a reality.

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Vienna City Special

Henceforth, at Madame Tussauds one meets his or her’s personal idol. In Vienna for example, you can sit on the throne next to Queen Elizabeth II or visit composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.You can cuddle up to Robbie Williams and be entranced by the sheer beauty of Empress Sisi. Furthermore, the modern exhibition invites you to have an almost real interaction with the exhibited people. In that regard, you can fall into a moonwalk with Michael Jackson, challenge Albert Einstein in an intelligence quiz or improve your penalty shooting skills with David Alaba. “I am proud of every single figure,” says Kruschinski. “Because each is unique in its own way.”

A closer look at the figures reveals the magnificent handiwork that goes into the crafting of even the slightest features.

While the visitors can not only have their handprints eternised in wax, but also cast their votes for potential new figures, it is the craftsman’s job to make it come to life. After a sitting in which the person is photographed and measured, the figure is first moulded in clay and then in wax.

From start to finish the production of a new figure, which takes place in London, might take up to three or four months.

In that way, the exhibition is also a showcase for its founder’s artistic craft, as the technique used still follows Marie Tussaud’s very own way of working.

As the Vienna Prater is celebrating its 250th birthday in 2016, Madame Tussauds has taken this occasion up to celebrate some of their figures’ jubilees in a special presentation. With, among others, the 90th birthdays of Queen Elizabeth II, Peter Alexander and Marilyn Monroe, as well as the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death, whose figure was shipped over from Tokyo, there is a great deal to be remembered and cherished. And although this special show will close at the end of May, Madame Tussauds Wien is continuously developing and no visit will be the same, as there are always new personalities moving in and out of the exhibition.

- 30 % DISCOUNT 30

260

195

90

400 90 160 100

Come to

Madame Tussauds Vienna Prater, Riesenradplatz 5, 1020 Vienna

and save 30 %

Show this voucher at the admission of Madame Tussauds Vienna and get 30 % off one full price ticket. Not valid in conjunction with other discounts or offers. Resale and duplication is not permitted. Valid until 31. 08. 2016. The figures shown depict wax figures created and owned by Madame Tussauds.

facebook.com/madametussaudswien

www.madametussauds.com/wien

www.madametussauds.com/wien Issue 38 | May 2016 | 53

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Vienna City Special

Best Exhibition in Vienna

Innovative exhibitions for contemporary art As an urban institution, the Kunsthalle Wien presents national and international contemporary art. Established in 1992, the institution is both a location for established art and a negotiation site for current societal issues as well as future developments.

Main image: The Kunsthalle Wien at the Museumsquartier. – Copyright: Kunsthalle Wien 2014, Photo: Stephan Wyckoff Above Left: Nicolaus Schafhausen, director of the Kunsthalle Wien. – Copyright: Kunsthalle Wien 2014, Photo: Sabine Hauswirth Above Middle: The Promise of Total Automation, Kunsthalle Wien 2016 – Photo: David Avazzadeh: Mark Manders, Finished Sentence (August 2010), 2010, Courtesy the artist, Tanya Bonakdar Gallery, New York and Zeno X Gallery, Antwerp; Steven Claydon, Antenna, 2015, Courtesy the artist and Sadie Coles HQ, London; Konrad Klapheck, Der Chef, 1965, Courtesy Sammlung Stiftung Museum Kunstpalast, Düsseldorf – Copyright: VG Bild Kunst Bonn / BILDRECHT GmbH Wien Above Right: Nathalie Du Pasquier, untitled, 2000 – Courtesy: the artist

TEXT: NADINE CARSTENS

Viewing socio-politically explosive issues through the prism of visual arts, the Kunsthalle Wien is taking a closer look, through two new exhibitions, at the relationship between human beings and machines and social utopias in 1960s’ and 1970s’ architecture. As a space which comprises the broad diversity of international contemporary art and its related discourses, the institution is known for presenting innovative exhibitions and communication formats. Here, visitors are encouraged to participate in in-depth discussions not just about contemporary art, but also about its socio-political implications.

54 | Issue 38 | May 2016

The current exhibition The Promise of Total Automation, which can be seen until the end of May, examines in how far technical devices, originally designed to satisfy our desires, have already enslaved our society. In this exhibition, automation, improvisation and a sense of wonder are not opposed but sustain each other. The artistic positions, which are being presented, consider technology as complex as it is, animated at the same time by rational and irrational dynamics. Ritual artefacts, production machines, technical objects, images and artworks are some of the presented exhibits.

Concrete – the epitome of modernism in the 1960s and 1970s From 25 June to 16 October, the Kunsthalle Wien will come up with another must-see for every architecture lover: the group exhibition Béton. Visitors will learn that concrete is not just a construction material, it also used to be historically and ideologically charged. In the 1960s and 1970s, concrete was regarded as the epitome of modernism. The so-called Brutalism, an individual architectural style based on concrete, distinguishes itself through an expressive application of concrete and through a distinct social element. Aim-

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Vienna City Special

ing to change society, Brutalist architecture virtually gave shape to utopia. Today, many of the buildings built at the time are threatened with demolition, since they are considered to have failed their purpose. In light of a modernism stained by dystopia, contemporary art once again carves out its original ideas, its euphoria, but also its failure. Not out of a nostalgic longing, but for the sake of remembering that architecture was once more than enclosed space.

“The social utopias of 1960s’ and 1970s’ architecture are currently of great interest in contemporary art,” says Nicolaus Schafhausen, director of the Kunsthalle Wien.“Concrete as construction material stands for the euphoria during the post-war period, for council housing, as well as for local educational establishments. From my point of view, some additional euphoria and social cohesion would not be amiss these days either.” The director of the Kunsthalle Wien is convinced that this is an aspect which makes concrete particularly interesting for contemporary artists.

An open forum for contemporary art What visitors should know about the Kunsthalle Wien in general is that it is not a museum, but rather an open forum where visitors have the chance to experience temporary exhibitions. As Schafhausen emphasises, the institution is therefore free to find new, unusual communication formats enabling an adequate discourse about contemporary art. “We have the chance to experiment with issues and subjects without having a collection which gives us a certain direction,” Schafhausen explains. “We have a young and international audience, who enjoy dealing actively with subjects covering both contemporary life and contemporary art.”

The Kunsthalle Wien first opened in 1992.

According to Schafhausen, cultural politicians established this urban institution as a corrective counterpart to the existing public museums and commercial galleries. It was first used to be a makeshift structure resembling a container. Located at the Karlsplatz, it not only shaped the Viennese cityscape, but also changed the

local art and exhibition scene. In 2001, the Kunsthalle Wien eventually moved into its new headquarters, designed by the architect duo Ortner & Ortner, at the Museumsquartier. For this location, the former winter riding arena of the Imperial Mews was extended by a functional annex which combines the historic building with contemporary architecture. Two halls with different interior profiles provide space for exhibitions.

Schafhausen is already looking forward to another highlight that will start in the summer:“From 15 July to 13 November, we will present BIG OBJECTS NOT ALWAYS SILENT, the first large solo exhibition of the artist and designer Nathalie Du Pasquier.”

As one of few women, she was a founding member of ‘Memphis’, the influential post-modernist design and architecture collective which revolutionised the world of design in the 1980s. Visitors can therefore expect an exciting exhibition which will show links between art and design. www.kunsthallewien.at

Left: Nathalie Du Pasquier, untitled, 2015 – Courtesy: the artist.

Above Top: The Promise of Total Automation, Kunsthalle Wien 2016, Photo: Jorit Aust: Judith Fegerl, Amnion, #01 (Detail), 2007, Courtesy Galerie Hubert Winter, Vienna; Melanie Gilligan, The Common Sense, 2015 – Courtesy: The artist and Galerie Max Mayer, Düsseldorf Above: Tobias Zielony, Structure, 2010, from the series Vele – Copyright: Tobias Zielony; Courtesy: the artist, KOW, Berlin and Galleria Lia Rumma, Milano

Issue 38 | May 2016 | 55

Discover Germany | Mini Theme | Beautiful Austrian Castles Main Photo: Esterházy Palace.

Opposite Page Top Left: Advent at Forchtenstein Castle.

Opposite Page Bottom: The moonlight tour for children.

A place for classical music and fairy-tale princesses: Esterházy Palace Early tourist Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was so impressed by the Esterházy Palace in Eisenstadt, Austria, that he promptly came up with the term ‘Esterhazysches Feenreich’, meaning ‘fairyland’ in German. Make a day trip from Vienna, which is just one hour away by car, and discover for yourself what all the fuss is about.

sionate patroness of composer Joseph Haydn; Maria Theresia, née Princess von Thurn und Taxis, lionised beauty at the Congress of Vienna; and Lady Sarah Child-Villiers.”

TEXT: SONJA IRANI I PHOTOS: DESTERHÁZY BETRIEBE GMBH

The highlight at the end of the tour is the world-famous Haydnsaal – a concert hall which boasts unparalleled acoustics.

The name goes back to the renowned composer Joseph Haydn, who was in the Esterházy family’s service for almost 40 years and composed many of his works in Eisenstadt. To learn even more about him, guests can visit the innovative multimedia exhibition Haydn explosive. Finally, the heritage of Haydn lives on in the concert schedule of the palace, which offers a wide range of treats for classical music lovers such as this year’s upcoming string quartets and piano concerts.

Visitors will soon discover that the Esterházy Palace in Eisenstadt is so much more than just an ordinary castle. Not only is it one of the most beautiful Baroque palaces in Austria, it also gives visitors a fascinating view into what court life was like when the Princes and Princesses Esterházy lived here.

Moreover, it is an equally important social hub and provides the picturesque backdrop for all kinds of festivities, big events and classical concerts.

“Aside from the magnificent palace itself and its rich cultural programme, the former stables house a first-class restau56 | Issue 38 | May 2016

rant called ‘Henrici’, which serves exquisite Pannonian-Mediterranean cuisine,” says Mag. Irene Huditsch, head of the tourism department at Esterhazy. “Right next to the restaurant, you can taste the unique flavours of the local wines cultivated in our region.” With the newly created historical tour, you will not be short of things to do inside the palace either.“On this tour, our guests will hear all about the fascinating stories of three princesses who lived in this palace in the past,” reveals Huditsch. “You will come face to face with Maria Josefa Hermenegilda, née Princess Liechtenstein, a pas-

www.esterhazy.at/en/

Discover Germany | Mini Theme | Beautiful Austrian Castles

The safeguard of Austria’s treasures:

Forchtenstein Castle

High above the Burgenland mountains, the Esterházy stronghold Forchtenstein Castle is generally regarded as the most impressive landmark in the region and has successfully served as the treasury of the Esterházy princes for centuries.

Today, these royal treasures provide the perfect backdrop for the whole family to embark on a historical adventure.

TEXT: SONJA IRANI I PHOTOS: DESTERHÁZY BETRIEBE GMBH

Forchtenstein Castle is the region’s only fortress that was never captured during the Turkish Wars. Therefore, Prince Paul I, one of the most important founding fathers of the Esterházy family, thought this to be the perfect place to set up his treasure chamber in 1692. And the precious possessions have not moved since, up until today the Esterházy treasure chamber has been the only Baroque art collection in Europe to remain in its original location. The wise Prince Paul I also set up a Portrait Gallery of Ancestors and a Weapons Collection, all of which can be visited on guided tours.

“In addition to the two guided tours and the permanent exhibition for adults, we’ve created a moonlight tour especially for kids,” says Mag. Irene Huditsch, head of the tourism department.“On this tour, it gets really spooky. Equipped with their little black cloaks and self-made protective pouches, the kids go vampire hunting and even get to climb into a dark dungeon. The castle also offers a special programme for kids at Easter, Halloween and Christmas. Plus, every birthday boy or girl can celebrate their special day with an out-of-the-ordinary guided tour and experiments.”

Particularly worthwhile for adults interested in history is the Esterházy Gallery of Ancestors, which is one of the largest Baroque ancestral portrait galleries in Central Europe. These portraits served to accentuate the status and dignity of the upwardly mobile princely dynasty, hence it adopted such legendary ancestors as the Walachian Prince Vlad III Tepes – inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, while Attila the Hun and Charlemagne also found their way into the family tree.“After you’ve conquered the castle, sit back and relax in our newly erected Café-Restaurant Grenadier and enjoy a glass of first-class wine from the adjoining vineyard Esterházy,” recommends Huditsch. “And be sure to come back in December when we merge the eventful past and colourful present to create our popular Christmas Market and surrounding activities.” www.esterhazy.at/en/forchtensteincastle

Issue 38 | May 2016 | 57

Discover Germany | Mini Theme | Beautiful Austrian Castles

High above the crowds: Burg Hochosterwitz in Carinthia

Below: The castle’s armoury.

Close your eyes and think of the perfect medieval castle! You will find it on top of a hill just north of Klagenfurt in the fascinating Austrian countryside.

TEXT: SONJA IRANI | PHOTOS: BURG HOCHOSTERWITZ

Approaching the impressive fortress, thia region. “We also offer guided tours first mentioned in 860 AD, is an experistarting at the castle’s courtyard. They ence in itself. “Cars and buses can drive lead visitors though the castle museum more than halfway up the hill before arwhere they can marvel at the huge colriving at our convenient parking area,” lection of weapons and armoury from says Andrea Mandl of the castle’s manthe 16th century. Finally, our castle resagement. Having been in the possestaurant invites visitors to take a break sion of the Khevenhüller family for 473 and try our local cuisine.” years, the Hochosterwitz castle is world famous for its characteristic ramparts.

Aside from the already mentioned vis“These include 14 gigantic gates, which itor highlights at the castle, Mandl and are connected by five drawbridges,” exher team have prepared a versatile cultural program. “Starting with our tradiplains Mandl. “Each of the gates are uttional guard’s day on 1 May, there will terly unique.”Furthermore, the detached be the knights’ festival from 15 to 17 castle rock provides a breath-taking view over the landscape of the CarinJuly,1the children’s festival on 14 August 2_0_subscribe_DG:Layout 1 22/3/16 14:06 Page

and the castle church day on 4 September. Furthermore, the art exhibition with paintings by August Zoebl invites visitors to explore the cellar vault.” www.burg-hochosterwitz.com

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Discover Germany | Special Feature | LOLA Deutscher Filmpreis

And the LOLA goes to…

Hollywood gave away its Oscars earlier this year, so now it is Germany’s turn to single out its great movies at the LOLA awards. It is time to take a closer look at an award and an industry which is garnering more and more recognition at home and abroad.

in respective categories such as Best Picture and Best Director.

well as Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s 1981 classic Lola and the modern 1998 cult film Run Lola Run by renowned director Tom Tykwer. As all three of these people and their works have found growing audiences worldwide, the LOLA is also a testament to what German cinema can achieve on a broader canvas.

If you are wondering why the golden statue of a woman wrapped in celluloid is called LOLA, here are the three cornerstones of German film history that influenced it.

The name LOLA pays tribute to legendary actress Marlene Dietrich, who played Lola Lola in the 1930 movie The Blue Angel, as

There is a long history in German filmmaking and the local film industry.

Studio Babelsberg, one of the world’s oldest and largest production facilities, is located close to Berlin. It is attracting international productions and icons such as Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino or

TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS

Before the red carpet is rolled out for the awards ceremony on the 27 May in Berlin, lots of work and movie watching has to be done to find the nominees and winners. Awarding the LOLA is a three-step process, starting with a preselection and continuing with choosing the nominees by the German movie academy and the subsequent voting of the awardee. Of course, awards are given

Above: Inspired the LOLA statue, Franka Potente in Run Lola Run. – Copyright: X Verleih AG

Issue 38 | May 2016 | 59

Discover Germany | Special Feature | Lola Deutscher Filmpreis

George Clooney. The same holds true for the annual film festival Berlinale, which is considered the third most important film festival in the world, right behind Cannes and Venice.

Nevertheless, one could not compare the German production landscape to the world of Hollywood. For better or worse, Germany just has a different approach to making movies as most projects are, to a smaller or larger extent, publicly funded.

The total amount of public funding is 50 million euros this year. Almost every single Hollywood blockbuster has a significantly larger budget. For that reason, it is not always easy for a German filmmaker to make his or her movie.

Naturally, the financier’s decision for or against a project is also not simple as

Main image: Jan Josef Liefers with LOLA statue. – Copyright: Franziska Krug Above Right: Burghart Klaußner in nominated film The People vs. Fritz Bauer. – Copyright: Zero One Film GmbH Top Right: Aerial view of Studio Babelsberg. – Copyright: Studio Babelsberg

60 | Issue 38 | May 2016

there is much pressure on a production to yield a profitable return. Thus, decision makers tend to be risk averse and hence it is no coincidence that the most successful German movies at the box office are often comedies that look and feel very similar.

However, despite these financial constraints and the resulting trends, there is a great deal going on in German cinema and among German filmmakers.

There is a growing independent and genre film sector which is receiving more and more recognition. There are people like Dietrich Brüggemann or Christian Petzold, who constantly put out interesting and special work. And then there are the living legends like directors Wim Wenders or Werner Herzog, who might not be box office heroes but

Discover Discover Germany Germany | Special | Wine Feature and Dine | Lola| Deutscher Design Guide Filmpreis 2016

international artists who have pushed the boundaries of German and world cinema even-handedly and are counted among the best to ever work with the medium of film.

As it happens, aforementioned Tom Tykwer is again nominated for a LOLA this year. His new movie A Hologram for the King stars an international cast lead by Hollywood icon Tom Hanks and tells the story of an American business man who wants to sell the Saudi king an innovative communications system.

The other nominees for best picture include the bestseller adaptation Look Who’s Back, the little drama A Heavy Heart, the historical account The People vs. Fritz Bauer, Fukushima, Mon Amour and the tragicomedy 4 Kings. Among the nominees for Best Documentary is Dominik Graf and his look at German movie critic Michael Althen called Then this is the End? Graf has been outspoken about the German film industry for four decades, sometimes hating it and sometimes loving it, but always continuing to make movies.

On 27 May actor Jan Josef Liefers will take the stage in Berlin, as he will present the awards ceremony. It will be a gala evening with elegant dresses and smart dinner jackets. An evening of celebration - not only for the LOLA winners, but also for the German film industry and movies in general.

Main Image: Audience at 2015 movie awards. – Copyright: Franziska Krug.

Above Left: Tom Hanks in nominated film A Hologram for the King. – Copyright: X Verleih AG. Above Middle: Legendary filmmaker Wim Wenders. – Copyright: Peter Lindbergh Above Right: Filmmaker Dominik Graf. – Copyright: ÖFM/ Sabine Maierhofer.

Issue 38 | May 2016 | 61

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top German Architects

Special Theme

Top German Architects

Architecture coined by humans and surroundings Since 1999, Munich-based Unterlandstättner Architekten has created exceptional buildings which are as authentic as humans and places. Impressing with a clear, reduced design language and precise implementation, their buildings orientate themselves towards two essential criteria: the inhabitants and the location.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF

Unterlandstättner Architekten design, plan and realise contemporary singlefamily houses, residential constructions, apartments, public buildings, interior fittings and conversions. “We show that the jointly developed ideas, which we create alongside our clients, don’t solely stay dream castles on paper. After all, our aim is that the design intention is perceptible in the built object. This also includes perfectionist detail planning and the choice of materials, surfaces and executing companies,” notes Thomas 62 | Issue 87 | May 2016

Unterlandstättner, managing director of Unterlandstättner Architekten.

He adds: “Based on the intensive dialogue with our clients, we develop powerful, independent objects. We create timeless houses and rooms which stand in an exciting relationship with their surroundings. The best outcome is achieved when the project is a symbiosis between landscape, open space, spatial development, interior design and user needs.” While their projects comprise

All photos on this page: ‘Haus Krailling’. – Copyright: Michael Heinrich

of clear design language and precise implementation, they always consider the surroundings and the inhabitants.

“Projects only are good when they are seen as a whole and aren’t confined to individual interests,” Unterlandstättner explains. He adds: “It’s still a new challenge every time to implement the clients’ and our own emotions, needs and ideas in the buildings.”

During construction projects, the experienced team of Unterlandstättner Architekten does everything from the initial idea and needs assessment to the design and planning process up until implementation and construction site management. Thereby, the architectural office is not restricted to building but also offers interior design and garden planning.

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top German Architects

Portfolio The so-called ‘Fels am Hang’ in Gauting, near Munich, is a prime example of Unterlandstättner Architekten’s expertise.

The single-family home is a new building with an exceptional exposed concrete surface and was put in front of a landmarked building from 1890. In the level of the monolithic concrete wall, no disrupting technical elements such as façade anchors or window elements are visible: the concrete material becomes the mediator between landscape and the historical building’s base, while the contemporary architecture of the new building interlinks with the historic structure and the landscape.

Cavernous breaks in the rock wall coin the new building and lighten up its interior.

The white floor coating in the new building is a contrast to the façade’s ‘hart shell’ and the historical building’s floor. Furthermore, the spacious garden gives the historic object a base which is used as a terrace.

Unterlandstättner explains:“The additional storey isn’t visible from the outside so that the individual building component doesn’t steel the historical building’s show. We have put special emphasis on an authentic reversal of the historic building details and managed to create a great example of contemporary architecture.” Thus, it seems no wonder that this exceptional building

has won numerous awards, such the Wessobrunner Architecture Award in 2012.

Another project worth mentioning is the single-family home ‘Haus Krailling’ in Würmtal, near Munich, which impresses with its unconventional, black plaster façade and an enchanting lighting mood.

Here, Unterlandstättner Architekten have put special emphasis on the location of the new building. “We considered that the street lies on the south of the property and that the neighbours are in close proximity to the building. Despite this, we tried to give the building a high degree of privacy,” says Unterlandstättner. Thus, the building looks like it has no windows from the outside, but is in fact very light from the inside due to the smart placing of the windows. “In the dining area, for example, we placed the windows so that the inhabitants look on their garden, and not on the neighbouring properties,” adds Unterlandstättner.

The new building is a home for one family with three children and has a guest area and home office. It is coined by an individual room structure on the inside, as well as the outside. Through considering the surrounding area and focusing on increasing privacy, a building was

developed that respects the development plan’s requirements, that integrates itself typologically into its surroundings and develops an independent and distinctive character which refers to the location.

Furthermore, Unterlandstättner Architekten put special emphasis on using unconventional materials.

This can also be seen in the Notary in Munich. Not only is the reception desk made out of exposed concrete, but 28 prism-like concrete steles form a subtle differentiation between the employee desks and the corridor area.

This exceptional design language in combination with a great team of experienced, young and innovative architects is the reason for winning numerous awards, such as the Façade Prize of Munich in 2013. www.u-architekten.de

Below Left: Thomas Unterlandstättner. - Copyright: Unterlandstättner Architekten Below Middle: ‘Haus Krailling’. – Copyright: Henning Rogge Below Right: ‘Fels am Hang’. - Copyright: Michael Heinrich Bottom Left: Notary in Munich: swinging concrete. – Copyright: T. Jochim Bottom Right: New construction of a villa. - Copyright: Unterlandstättner Architekten

Issue 38 | May 2016 | 63

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top German Architects

FALK VON TETTENBORN ARCHITECTS

Providing nourishment for the soul from Munich to Haiti “A city worth living in must not only be composed of intelligent methods of construction and smart utilisation concepts, but also imaginative buildings! Our buildings are designed to provide nourishment for the soul, even on dull rainy days,” says Falk von Tettenborn, summing up his architectural office’s design philosophy.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF

With more than 30 years of experience, Munich-based Falk von Tettenborn Architects have gained extensive experience in projects ranging from exclusive residential and vacation homes to contemporary commercial buildings, distinctive hotels and award-winning green buildings. The architectural office works in all stages of the disciplines architecture, interior design, urban design and construction management with sustainability and cost efficiency as integral components. Besides 64 | Issue 87 | May 2016

their activities in Germany, they operate internationally, with projects, offices or long-term partnerships in Sweden, Italy, Spain, Dominican Republic, Haiti and Russia. “Thereby, our architecture needs to fit into local conditions without relinquishing the requirement to be something special,”notes von Tettenborn.

Preserving historical landmarks One good example of this design philosophy is the water tower in Hamburg’s Sternschanze

that was turned into an unconventional hotel. While using the latest construction methods and preserving the tower’s historical structure, the architects were able to breathe new life into this industrial monument which used to be the biggest of its kind in Europe.

The architects’ reconstruction project won the MIPIM-2008 competition award in the hotels and tourist facilities category.

No wonder – the choice of materials, shapes and integration of nature bear witness to the quest to combine sensory qualities with urban planning expertise and architectural class as the conversion of the water tower entailed a variety of difficult technical problems. For example, the façade called for extensive restoration as many bricks were damaged. According

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top German Architects

the NuOffice office building in MunichSchwabing which received the US Green Building Council’s LEED (‘Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design’) Platin Award with the world’s best score ever given. Here, the architects have developed an energy policy which even outperforms the German government’s current energy goals. The building already fulfils the requirements of the 2000-watt society which the government wants to achieve by 2050. In 2014, the NuOffice was further awarded the European Union’s Green Building Award and the renowned British newspaper The Guardian put the NuOffice on its list for the ’10 places vying for the title of the greenest building on the planet’.“For me, the building concept combines sustainability, economy and great design in a future-oriented way. We didn’t accept standard solutions and each used building component was examined for its LEED-certification suitability, as well as for its efficiency, sense and its optimisation potential. At the same time, user requirements played a significant role,”explains von Tettenborn.

to von Tettenborn “it would have made more sense to chop off the upper part of the tower and rebuild it”. However, out of respect for the historical landmark, a different decision was made.

In total, 200 tonnes of steel had to be removed, a load-bearing structure erected, 500 new windows inserted, the eroded steel roof replaced with a new five-storeyhigh steel structure with sun-proof glazing of the same shape, a central 16-storey-high concrete pillar put up and the façade had to be restored to retain its original appearance.

The architectural office did an exceptional job in turning the water tower into a luxurious hotel where sombre-looking, medieval lobbies now contrast with 226 comfortable, light and modern rooms.

The world’s most sustainable office building not only comprises of a distinctive design.

The fact that it doesn’t have a conventional heating and air-conditioning system, makes it rather special. The building’s concrete core naturally cools down and also heats the house. Further perks are an innovative absorption heat pump which runs on district heat, as well as solar panels on the roof and north-facing windows which are significantly smaller than the others as less heat exchange happens here.

and its quest to combine function and design can be found in Haiti where the architects built a hotel complex as a self-sufficient unit with its own energy and freshwater supply.

This project further demonstrates Falk von Tettenborn Architects’ special emphasis on an integrative approach to creating designs and considering a country’s sociocultural environment. Hotel Montana, which is situated in Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince, has a special art deco character, its form and design take on the character of the tropical environment and the hotel blends into the surrounding topography and vegetation.

“After all, we seek to combine countryspecific characteristics with German hightech design,”concludes Falk von Tettenborn. www.tettenborn.net

Main Photo: Watertower Hamburg.

Opposite Top: Hotel Montana.

Opposite Bottom: Watertower Hamburg. – Copyright: Aloys Kiefer Top Left: Falk von Tettenborn.

Middle Left: Masterplan Haiti.

Below Top: Villa Pullach.

Below Middle : NuOffice. - Copyright: Walter Wohlrab Bottom : NuOffice. – Copyright: Simon Katzer

Another project which shows the architectural office’s focus on sustainability

Daring design without standard solutions Falk von Tettenborn Architects have made the subjects of sustainability and energy efficiency one of their main concerns at an early stage. A prime example for this is Issue 38 | May 2016 | 65

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top German Architects

Making it happen: how happarchitecture both respect and create urban history Tradition provides a foundation on which the architectural gesture can blossom and thrive. The concept of happarchitecture combines tradition with creativity, by respecting the past and creating the new in accordance with the needs and development of society.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: ULRIKE CRESPO I STEFAN JOSEF MÜLLER

In true architects’ language, Jens Jakob Happ states: “Urban housing is a brick stone of the city.”

He wants to see the social, the economical and the ecological responsibilities of the architect answered by projects that show a sustainable approach while visually embedding new buildings into their urban surroundings. Surroundings for Happ in this case mean both the present state of an area as well as the historical context, and a vision of merging the two.

66 | Issue 87 | May 2016

Respect for urban history is shown with Happ’s design for the Kulturcampus project, an enterprise he shares with architects Stefan Forster and Karl Dudler. happarchitecture’s outline of 11 connected residential buildings, containing 197 housing units, won the first prize and the complex was the first on the ground to be finished.

The jury appreciated the design’s reflection of turn-of-the-century construction and aesthetics, making single houses visible through the design of the facade and

thereby creating a sense of individuality.

Structuring cornices, detail-oriented entrances and windows and linear rooftops underline this approach. It stands opposed to those purely functional designs which Happ describes as “the GFA-box”: buildings solely based on gross floor area measurements.

The plaster facades therefore stand in refreshing contrast to the modernist concrete and glass approach and Happ even dared to include a classic of economical building design: the brick stone. With its beautiful aesthetics a given, the brick stone also has multiple economic and ecological advantages, long forgotten and often denied by modern construction. In our age of sustainable passive construction, a return of incorporating brick in the facade is not only a logical

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top German Architects

step but also an idea of an almost visionary quality. With the Kulturcampus buildings, brick was applied to the base of the houses, creating a warm look and underlining the aesthetic-ecological guidelines of the complex.

With the facade following the original outline of the streets, the back of the complex encloses a green area, with terraces and balconies providing light, views and air. Passive construction techniques guarantee a low-maintenance cost and the units, a third of which with rent control contracts, have quickly found inhabitants.

Another successful project of urban housing is shown at the corner Gerlach/ Hospitalstraße in Frankfurt, the site of the former Höchst prison for young offenders. Here, 107 apartments, at present for sale, were built in style with the pre-war architecture of the area. The house units are marked by relevant cuts and breaks within the facade and visually adopt the rhythm of the architectural surroundings. The three to five-storey buildings enclose an expansive, intensively green, courtyard. The corner buildings provide an interesting variety of floor plans as well as oval entry areas and staircases.

architectural drawing, a most interesting asset in the day and age of computer-based design, has a story behind it.

In addition to his architectural studies, Happ managed to put in a year at the École van der Kelen-Logelain in Brussels, a school rich in tradition and history, where the students study methods from mural painting to stenciling to oil and watercolour techniques practised in 19th century France. With such a training under his belt, his drawings show much artistic competence and a flowing outline, the sketch becoming an architectural gesture in itself.

Happ’s vision of responsible and embedded urban housing has recently earned him a call to the board of trustees of the Frankfurt-based “urban future forum” foundation, a competence centre that focuses on humane and democratic housing for European cities, seeing urban development as a direct answer to structural changes in society.

Below: Jens Jakob Happ.

Other photos: Kulturcampus Bockenheim, Frankfurt a. Main.

Concentrating chiefly on the urban landscape, in addition to living spaces happarchitecture also designs museum buildings with a focus on visitor guidance systems, society-oriented projects like adequate housing for the elderly as well as education and research projects.

The responsibility for social structures and demographic development while maintaining humane aesthetics and materials is the central theme for happarchitecture. Their designs reflect the need for a sustainable architectural foundation, building on a connection to the past while keeping the future in mind. www.happarchitecture.de

The architect started out in 1986 working for the late Oswald Mathias Ungers, a Schinkel-fan and minimalist with a vision of architectural purity. After a year in New York with Richard Meier & Partners in 1990, Happ entered the Albert Speer & Partner office in Frankfurt where he remained until opening his own office in 2006. He was appointed as a member of the Frankfurt urban planning advisory board twice and is now their vice-director. His knack for Issue 38 | May 2016 | 67

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top German Architects

Main image: Wernigerode Fish-Walk.

Above Left: Löbau Water Park.

Above Middle: Löbau Sunken Garden.

Above Right: Löbau Sugar Cone Play Gardens.

Opposite Page: Schwerin Marstall Gardens.

The open space:

hutterreimann landschaftsarchitektur allows freedom for the mind For hutterreimann landscape architects, the word ‘panorama’ stands not only for the view but also for the outlook, the possibility of change. An open mind is ready to acquire new insights and for this, it needs space. To give an overview, to provide the vision of the whole, that is the philosophy behind hutterreimann landscape architecture.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: CHRISTO LIBUDA, JOERN LEHMANN

“We create specific open spaces that are inspired by the site itself and its history,” Stefan Reimann states when asked about how hutterreimann approaches a certain project. They creatively translate the state of a place into exciting new landscapes, with a new identity and plenty of character.

An example of how hutterreimann incorporate the existing surroundings and use the history of a place to form 68 | Issue 87 | May 2016

something new is their award-winning project of the Park am Löbauer Wasser (Löbau water park) in Saxony. Created for the 2012 horticultural show, the park was built on the grounds of a former sugar refinery. The project aims at revitalising the remains of both the old facilities and the surroundings and re-integrating the neglected area into the city structure.

The site’s topography, the vast tree population and the river also played a

part in the creative puzzle which became a diverse and inspiring park landscape for all generations. Five old settling basins lining the river, formerly used for washing sugarcane, were converted into sunken water and play gardens. An imposing railway viaduct spanning over the valley inspired hutterreimann to think of the former settling tanks as Mediterranean water cisterns or even Roman baths and thus the magic of creativity sets in, bridging the gap and creating something new from the old. The rough concrete is visually met by steel covers on the rims, incorporating the industrial materials into the new vitalising leisurely atmosphere.

Thereby, the old usage of the site is not negated but transformed.

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top German Architects

hutterreimann landscape architecture was founded in 2001 in Berlin by Barbara Hutter and Stefan Reimann, in close cooperation with Professor Andrea Cejka from Vienna. Their fields of expertise cover all aspects of open space planning and landscape architecture, both within urban and rural surroundings.

Garden shows are hutterreimann’s special field of expertise and they have already realised seven of them within Germany and Austria. The Schwerin Marstall Gardens project was created for the 2009 Federal German Garden show BUGA. The layout is based on the historical garden structure set by the inner Lake Schwerin. It aims to decipher the history of the place for the visitor and while the old path pattern forms the backbone of the new structure, several layers were added hinting at the site’s history.

Set on a peninsular, the historical site features the former Wadewiese, a meadow historically used to dry fishing nets. Here, hutterreimann laid out an additional ‘net’ of paths along the

shores, forming a circular pattern around the meadow, just like a huge fishing net laid out to dry. The net is filled with flowers in three hues of blue. Set in the direct neighbourhood to the castle, the 19th century classicist building complex of the former horse stables for the ducal residence feature a vast expanse of surrounding parkland on which the horses were trained and groomed. Royal-blue horse sculptures scattered across the lawns remind of this aspect of the site’s history. hutterreimann’s clients like to be inspired by the hidden potentials of seemingly dull and neglected places that the architects are able to uncover and bring to light. Private and public sector clients alike appreciate hutterreimann’s down-to-earth approach, in both the literal and the metaphoric sense, as it includes a reliable, professional and pragmatic way of dealing with the challenges of the modern building industry.

For 2016, not only one but two garden shows are in the making. One in Bavaria,

the Natur in Pfaffenhofen 2017, and the Würzburg 2018 state garden show.

Both form a significant milestone for the future urban development of the two cities: Pfaffenhofen will profit from a new green city centre, and Würzburg’s former US army barracks will be transformed into a literally blooming part of the city.

Last but not least, in Berlin, the busy landscape planning around the residential construction revival gets its own portion of hutterreimann expertise around a newly planned housing area on the former purely industrial site of Adlershof.

For their vision of the whole, says Stefan Reimann, “we need the threefold qualities of the past, the present and what will be.” hutterreimann-architects connect people with the history of a site by forming something new. And thus, they make use of the past to create a place to be – for the present and for the future. www.hr-c.net

Issue 38 | May 2016 | 69

Discover Germany | Business | Top Swiss Architect

Top Swiss Architect

Building in the material world blgp architects strive to connect living materials and traditional craftsmanship with modern day building techniques to create humane housing spaces.

Main image: Lounge area in senior residence and nursing home Sonnmatt. - Photo: Claudia Luperto Above Left: Chapel, senior residence and nursing home Rosenhügel. – Photo: Roger Frei Above Middle: Senior residence and nursing home Sonnmatt. – Photo: Claudia Luperto Above Right: Senior residence and nursing home Rosenhügel. – Photo: Roger Frei

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: ROGER FREI I CLAUDIA LUPERTO

As Pinar Gönül states: “The technological developments and the virtual work at the computer take us away from the reality of the work. Without denying the technological change and its positive developments, our work is guided by an interest in the real space, the real things. Space and materiality should not be excluded from the creative process.” In a world of quick, computerised virtual construction, blgp include for example traditional plasterwork as well as wood and brick to create buildings of such modern, linear aesthetics that most recently got them both a 2016 German Design Award nomination and special mentioning.

Their extension of the Rosenhügel senior residency and nursing home for example is 70 | Issue 87 | May 2016

a nominee for the German Design Award and has already won the iconic award. It is a stunning example of the combination of excellent design language and the blgp philosophy of linking humankind and space.

The façade’s angular structure features white water-struck brick, burnt in coal-fired kilns.

That hue was matched by mixing Jurassic limestone into the concrete used for the floor slabs. Inside, exposed concrete sections and oak elements underline the linear look of the construction. Calming to the eye, it stands for the blgp principle of conscious reduction.

The brick used on the outside is“carried into” the chapel interior and thereby produces a unique, sheltered atmosphere. The open foyer of the new extension provides access

to all public facilities and the various nursing units. Panoramic windows allow stunning views at the end of each corridor. blgp architects’ Sonnmatt residency and nursing home features an exterior mirroring the ‘70s design language of the former dorm building. By taking over the base of the old construction, the structural outline was saved and the design of the new building acts as a reduced, sculptural answer to the remains of the former one. The existing building is linked both horizontally and vertically to the new extension: an interface between the old and the new. Anodised aluminium panels and window frames complement the light-grey scratched plaster of the new

Discover Germany | Business | Top Swiss Architect

façades. The remodelled entry space with its light colouring provides a calming atmosphere. All furniture was removed in favour of a single information unit. The remodelled interiors in the old building match the design of the new construction by using white-washed oak floors and fittings. The overall friendly atmosphere is enhanced by the punctual use of interior items featuring lively, warm red hues.

Lukas Bucher and Pinar Gönül started out in 2007 with a direct commission for a local apartment house project, financed through a building cooperative. Their office is situated in the Lake Lucern basin, in the small village of Hochdorf. Concentrating on both private homes and socio-demographic projects in the area such as residential and nursing homes, blgp have made living spaces their field of expertise. Their aim to connect people and architecture by including living materials and haptic plastering techniques are met more easily with small-scale

projects, which guarantee a personal and direct interaction with the client.

Apart from old brick and traditional plastering techniques, blgp architects also like to use wooden frame structures, as in the case of their award-nominated ‘Feldhöhe’ family home. Featuring an attractive façade clad with slim vertical wooden slabs, the two-storey house for a young family is set in an area with other individually designed homes which together form a close-knit estate.

Detached from the ground, the structure has a concrete base. A scaled outline provides a variety of outside spaces, scattered between shell and core. The inside shows a large, light-flooded entry space and a multifunctional living space on the ground floor. Wooden stairs provide access to the top floor with sleeping and bath rooms. Large glazing from top to bottom provide expansive views and several entries grant access to the garden on the South side.

blgp architects have a theory which proves to be true: the material and the human are inseparable. We live in a material world, physically connected with our surroundings. We react to space, the visual and the haptic qualities of it and in response it can either inspire or soothe, vitalise or calm our senses, just as required. blgp architects provide all that, carried by both modern design and traditional craftsmanship.

Pinar Gönül uses a Heidegger quote to underline their aspiration: “Things as formed matter”. To prove that the form already exists in the material is the making of the art of blgp architecture. www.blgp-architekten.ch

Below: Feldhöhe family home. - Photographer: Claudia Luperto Below Left: Staircase, Feldhöhe family home, - Photographer: Claudia Luperto

Issue 38 | May 2016 | 71

Top Consultant Switzerland & Germany

Being at the top no longer equals being ahead of others The business world of today has changed, and so have the key ingredients that determine success and being a frontrunner in business. Digitalisation has led to new structures and new values and the term ‘culture beats strategy’ has never been more true than now.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: FOURPOINTZERO.CH

Being a successful company and in a leading position once meant the following: management was shaped by hierarchy, efficiency and stability, by people with a strong product orientation working on site. Companies had a long-term strategy and management meant control. But these times have passed.

Today being a leader has more to do with communication, innovations and networks, with working virtually and dealing with complexity. Leaders are confronted with many uncertainties on a daily basis. “Today we are speaking of the fourth business revolution,”says Daniela Thomas, one of four female ‘cultural-architects’ based in Germany and Switzerland and working in a team as fourpointzero.ch.“Entrepreneurs today have to ask themselves: how 4.0 am I and what can be said about my company?”

The fourpointzero consultants suggest: whoever wants to lead a company successfully into the future has to consider the actual megatrends – currently and above anything else digitalisation is priority. Many think the main aspect here is technology.

72 | Issue 87 | May 2016

But indeed digitalisation means a great deal more. Statistics say that successful digitalisation is only determined by technology 30 per cent of the time. The remaining and more important 70 per cent have to do with living a new, digital company culture. And that makes things more complicated: culture cannot simply be changed or managed. A change in culture comes with time and is the result of a sustainable process.

It is something many companies are struggling with and a leverage point for consultants who act as cultural-architects.

“A buzzword currently used often is digital disruption,” says Daniela Thomas. But scaremongering falls short. “Disruption more so means a positive pressure initiating adaption and mutation and therefore enabling companies to safely adapt to the business world’s new complexity. It enables them to stay at the top and lead ahead.”

Business 4.0 means developing a creative, emotional and meaningful work culture and surroundings. Work becomes more humane. “And that actually is quite a positive perspective,” says Daniela Thomas. fourpointzero aims to build a revolutionary new working world. www.fourpointzero.ch

Discover Germany | Business | Top Innovative Company

Top Innovative Company

Developing biometric technologies Located in Kassel, GP Systems GmbH specialises on developing and manufacturing powerful biometric solutions for access control as well as time and attendance applications for any size project.

TEXT: NADINE CARSTENS I PHOTOS: GP SYSTEMS GMBH

Opening doors or clocking in by scanning your finger on your palm: solutions developed by GP Systems are IP-enabled by design with thorough selection of biometric technologies.“We were thrilled by the idea of using only what we carry with us all the time without the need to keep a card or a badge,” Kirill Gorbushin from GP Systems explains.

By creating devices that are simple to use, robust in functionality and elegant by implementation, GP Systems’ hardware and software can be installed in a wide range of applications for companies of any size: from large distributed corporations to small, family-owned stores. “Our latest

development is a range of biometric devices based on palm vein recognition that provide accurate, secure, and non-intrusive identification of people of any age and in any climate, with an almost zero failure-toenroll rate,” Gorbushin says.

Companies in logistics, retail, education and banking are just some of GP Systems’ customers. There are also industrial companies and business centres which are looking for access control as well as time and attendance solutions. “Our team of developers can tailor a customised biometric solution for everyone,” Gorbushin affirms.

If you want to learn more about GP Systems and biometrics, you will have the chance to meet the team at the IFSEC exhibition in EXCEL, London (information booth C1815) from 21 to 23 June. www.gp-systems.com Issue 38 | May 2016 | 73

Discover Germany | Business | Solicitor Column

Controlling the mastermind TEXT & PHOTO: GREGOR KLEINKNECHT

The leak of the so-called ‘Panama Papers’ has placed the use of off-shore companies and structures for wealth management and tax planning back under the spotlight. Their use may be perfectly legal on an individual level but, for better or for worse, collectively they convey images of tax evasion and illicit gain. There is no need to look quite as far afield as Panama to find jurisdictions which will happily provide similar arrangements. Many of them happen to be Crown Dependencies or British Overseas Territories and, indeed, many other countries regard the UK itself as being a member of that club.

So what is being done closer to home to increase transparency and accountability? One of the answers lies in the introduction, as of 6 April of this year, of the requirement for UK private companies and LLPs (limited liability partnerships) to set up and maintain a new statutory register of information about the persons who ultimately own and/or control them. These persons are called ‘persons with significant control’ (or ‘PSCs’, in the legal trade). PSCs are not necessarily the immediate legal owners of shares in a company and include not only its ultimate beneficial owners but also those who make decisions and exercise actual control in the company. They can either be (i) individuals who directly or indirectly hold shares or exercise control over the company and (ii) another English company which maintains its own PSC register and has equivalent disclosure obligations.

If the UK company to which the disclosure obligations relate is in turn owned by a foreign company (there are limited exceptions for foreign companies 74 | Issue 87 | May 2016

whose shares are traded on specified markets), the UK company will have to make reasonable enquiries and look through the corporate veil to find out who is the PSC at the top of the chain.

If the persons with a relevant interest in the company fail to respond to such enquiries, they will be sent a warning notice by the company and ultimately that person’s interest in the company (for example, voting rights) may be restricted.

want to operate undercover will simply carry on doing so by using a non-UK company instead (if they have not already been doing so). The optimist will say that the UK is leading by example and that, if other countries follow suit and implement similar measures, there will over time be fewer places to hide.

The public (and, more importantly, the government and its agencies) will have the right to inspect a company’s PSC register and the information from the PSC will also have to be included in a company’s annual filings at Companies House. There are criminal penalties for non-compliance and the basic idea is that Companies House will, by April 2017, hold a register which makes it possible to determine who ultimately controls each UK private company or LLP. If they have not yet done so, companies and the individuals behind them will need to start now to collate the information required to maintain the register.

So is this going to work? Yes, at one level, because it will increase transparency as to the ownership and control of UK private companies and LLPs; no, on another level, and perhaps where it matters most. Why? Because the requirement does not extend to foreign companies operating in the UK and we will therefore be none the wiser as to who is behind, say, a British Virgin Islands (BVI) company. The cynic could conclude therefore that the new measure (while not entirely cosmetic) increases red-tape for those who have nothing to hide and that those who

Gregor Kleinknecht LM MCIArb is a German Rechtsanwalt and English solicitor, and a partner at Hunters Solicitors, a leading law firm in Central London.

Hunters Solicitors, 9 New Square, Lincoln’s Inn, London WC2A 3QN, E-mail: gjk@hunters-solicitors.co.uk www.hunters-solicitors.co.uk

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Hannover Messe 2016

Special Theme

Building & Technology

Building for the future Making a major contribution to Germany’s economy, the construction industry is keeping up with the latest trends and innovations. New technologies pave the way for future-driven and environmentally friendly standards in the building industry.

TEXT: MONIQUE AMEND I PHOTOS: JENS LIEBCHEN / LIGHT + BUILDING, JEAN-LUC VALENTIN, MESSE FRANKFURT GMBH

Building and technology are two domains that merge more and more. Who would not be able to get up easier in the morning if the lights would slowly brighten up the room?

Or if the bathroom would be heated up to a pleasant temperature and freshly brewed coffee would be ready to go? All that without one single step out of bed. So called ‘Smart Homes’ are the upcoming trend in the building industry and the market for the matching technological equipment is currently flourishing in Germany.

trol over the energy consumption but is also eco-friendlier because wasting energy can be limited and a forgotten light can be turned off from the distance with one quick touch on our smartphone.

It enables a more modern and flexible daily routine not only at home but also at work and increases the quality of life.

Heating, lighting, and the general power use are connected with each other and can be controlled with one single device like a smartphone or tablet, which have become our daily companions anyway. A Smart Home does not only ensure con-

Until recently, private homes have not been equipped with intelligent systems as much as smart facility management has become a popular standard for company grounds.

But as the technical equipment constantly becomes more affordable, a statistic from Strategy Analytics forecasts that 50 million households all over Western Europe will have Smart Home technologies by 2019.

Another advantage is the integration of security and access control systems. A connection between one’s front door and smartphone makes it possible to recognise the resident’s arrival and makes digging in pockets for keys a thing of the past.

Issue 38 | May 2016 | 75

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Building & Technology

Main image: mediola®’s smart home system controls homes and offices. || © Fotolia.com Top Left: Products AIO GATEWAY and smart home app. || © depositphotos.com / scovad Left: Create your own smart home app with AIO CREATOR NEO. || © mediola Below: With NEO, one can produce own control sides. || © mediola

Smart home the easy way The Frankfurt am Main-based mediola® - connected living AG is a forerunner in offering outstanding all-in-one smart home solutions for homes and offices.

Enabling all technology to seamlessly communicate together in an intelligent way, virtually every device and system in one’s home can now be fully automated and even controlled remotely.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF

Various producers of control components with competing communication standards have established themselves on the smart home market and these self-contained systems are not really compatible with each other. The result: users have to get various different apps to control their devices or are bound to a 76 | Issue 87 | May 2016

single producers’ components. mediola® has recognised this problem and is now a forerunner in offering all-in-one smart home solutions which are independent of technical standards. “We don’t see ourselves as a competitor to the many smart home technology providers, but rather as technology integrator which

caters for comfortable and homogenous controlling systems,” says Jürgen Lux, executive board member.

As a modern technology company, mediola® has specialised on the development of innovative smart home and IoT (Internet of Things) solutions.

The company’s long-term experience in software and hardware development and its passion for new technologies allows them to create products that make lives more comfortable, energy efficient and even safer. “And all this for a price that makes smart home solutions affordable for average households,” notes Lux.

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Building & Technology

“USP of mediola® is that it’s an open and flexible platform. Its integrative and system, as well as vendor, independence enables users to combine incompatible techniques and devices of competitive producers in a comfortably to handle software and individually designable controlling app,” says Lux. Clients can decide themselves which smart home components from, for example, HomeMatic, Sonos, Edimax or Philips hue, they want to deploy and can mix brands and technology standards.

Lux adds: “The technology behind the control interface becomes invisible to the user through our intelligent connection technology.” Thus, users can monitor, manage and control everything from controlling lighting, climate, shades and home entertainment to security from one platform, from anywhere, at any time from their smartphone, tablet or notebook.

While the products are developed from mediola®’s team of engineers and computer scientists in Franfurt am Main,

they get tested within the scope of projects in the Rhine-Main area. But which products stand behind mediola® exactly?

AIO CREATOR NEO mediola ’s NEO is an extremely efficient and flexible design and configuration software for Mac and Windows with which users can easily develop their individual controlling app for iOS and Android for their own smart homes.The user surface can be individually designed according to their personal graphic and functional wishes.

The user can even choose which devices should be automatised and controlled with the app. With various optional plugins, devices from many systems and technologies from different brands and producers, as well as mediola®’s own AIO GATEWAY can be integrated into the NEO controlling system on a modular basis.

“Based on this, the users can individually put together the functional scope of AIO CREATOR NEO. The controlling happens through one single all-in-one app despite ®

the incompatibility of the underlying technology,” adds Lux. AIO GATEWAY and IQONTROL mediola®’s AIO GATEWAY may be small, but has huge functionality. The universalIP-connection device is equipped with a unique hybrid technology and enables users to make radio and infrared-controlled devices (all IR-devices, over 700 different components from 60 manufacturers) app-capable, which can normally only be controlled with a conventional remote control.“Use sensors for smoke, motion or water, for example or set up cameras and combine them with automation features so that you get push notifications when a sensor is triggered,” smiles Lux. An easyto-use, free app, called IQONTROL, is available as a controlling device for the AIO GATEWAY box. Comprising many great automation and security features, the app is available for all market-leading smartphones and tablets.

Last but not least, mediola® offers b2b solutions to producing companies in the areas of building and safety technology.“We offer them the possibility to connect their products to the Internet of Things and to upgrade them with smart control apps and more,” says Lux. mediola® further provides a comprehensive portfolio of services and products including software, apps or customised development of a company’s connected home ideas. In the ‘works with mediola®’ programme, products of a manufacturer get integrated into mediola®’s hardware, app and software and profit from becoming part of the largest interoperable smart home product portfolio in Europe.

All in all, mediola® simplifies the life of thousands of households and offices.

“However, the smart home market still stands at the very start of an explosive development.

As an innovative technology business, we feel like we are at the right position to actively shape the future with our creative and clever solutions,”concludes Lux. www.mediola.com Above Left: AIO CREATOR NEO integrates many different brands and manufacturers. || © mediola Left: Controlling everything from everywhere at anytime with NEO. || © mockupdeals.com

Issue 38 | May 2016 | 77

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Building & Technology

Main image: The solution to make maximum use of self-produced electricity, is energy storage. - Copyright: Metzgerei Eisele GmbH Top Right: Energy storage for industry with Pacadu control system. – Copyright: ASD Automatic Storage Device GmbH Middle: A weekend profile from the Eisele butcher’s shop: 100 per cent self-sufficiency from the public electrical power network. The energy that is not used during the day comes into the ASD storage. – Copyright: ASD Automatic Storage Device GmbH Bottom Right: The battery cells with the Pacadu control system. Copyright: ASD Automatic Storage Device GmbH

Energy storage for businesses: benefits, usage and new developments Solar panel owners are fully aware that feed-in tariffs for their own production of kilowatt-hours are significantly less than what it costs to draw the same amount of power from the public grid. Unfortunately, as photovoltaic panels produce the most energy during the middle of the day, their output frequently does not coincide with demand. While during peak hours of sunshine solar panels frequently deliver surplus energy, businesses (and not exclusively those with high energy consumption) require huge amounts of energy before the sun has risen, or once it has set. The solution for this issue comes in the form of electricity storage, which stores the surplus energy you produce and discharges it when needed, therefore reducing the demand on the grid.

TEXT: ASD / TRANSLATION: EMMIE COLLINGE I PHOTOS: METZGEREI EISELE GMBH, ASD AUTOMATIC STORAGE DEVICE GMBH

Energy storage brings a multitude of benefits – particularly for industry. Alongside greater independence from the public grid – and thus the rising costs of electricity – energy 78 | Issue 87 | May 2016

storage is particularly beneficial for so-called ‘peak shaving’. As power consumption charges are based on peak loads, just one 15-minute period of high usage can result

in the user paying higher prices for the whole billing period, which is usually 12 calendar months. A power storage unit can be specifically set to cushion these potential usage peaks, therefore avoiding them.

Moreover, the guarantee of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), which has long been standard within large-scale IT systems, can be broadened to benefit industry that runs processes that would be negatively affected by power outages. For example, an outage during a production process, such as the sudden shutdown of a moulding machine, could have a big impact. By using a

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Building & Technology

suitably set-up electricity storage unit it is guaranteed that pre-determined machines can continue running for a certain amount of time.

Example: A butcher’s Testament to the fact that the use of energy storage can bring concrete benefits to virtually any type of commercial venture, it is worth noting the case of a butcher’s in Ostrach, Upper Swabia, where owner Thomas Eisele aimed to obtain the maximum green electricity from his solar panels and avoid peak loads.

Given the numerous pieces of machinery within his company, Eisele’s energy usage profile was prone to fluctuations.

While lorries with processed meats double as mobile butchers at various weekly markets during the daytimes, the refrigeration units spend the evenings hooked up to electricity.

For at least two mornings per week, the sausage kitchen runs at capacity employing countless machines – even the dishwasher has a maximum power demand of 20 kilowatts. His innovative electrical system, which includes a customised power storage system by ASD Automatic Storage Device GmbH of Umkirch near Freiburg, help him to ensure that as little energy as possible is consumed from the grid.

His ASD energy storage system is connected to a 38 kilowatt peak photovoltaic system, with a power output of 54 kilowatts, thus rendering the butcher’s four cold rooms and detached family home highly self-sufficient with an annual average autarky of 70 per cent.“We really only import 30 per cent of our energy consumption from the grid, and that’s even with a total consumption per year of around 120,000 kilowatt hours,” explains Eisele. “Moreover, the energy storage unit also works as an emergency power supply. If there’s a power outage, we aren’t affected, and our production continues at least for a specified period.” The ASD storage system also keeps the solar panels working, as they would be susceptible to the same energy outages.

The innovation: Parallel connection of battery cells The benefits of electricity storage come with one disadvantage: a single weak battery cell or even multiple defective ones can disproportionately affect conventional storage units. As batteries are traditionally connected in series, they are unable to cope with any small differences either from the manufacturer, technology or capacity, internal resistance, charging or health of the interconnected battery cells. In short: the cells must be identical and the

performance and lifespan of the entire system is dictated by the weakest cell.

The same applies to any cell regardless of their use – be it for solar panels, to generate an uninterruptible power supply or inside an electric car.

The new electricity storage control system known as Pacadu from ASD takes an innovative approach to the topic by first enabling a parallel connection of cells.

A revolutionary system, this eliminates all of the former problems based on serial connections. At the same time, the performance of the electricity storage remains constant even if weak cells are present. Moreover, storage units with this innovative feature can be retrospectively scaled up or down, expanded or reduced at your wish. Defective cells can simply be exchanged. Given its scope for performance and financial gain, this technology was awarded the Environmental Technology Award for the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg for 2015. www.asd-sonnenspeicher.de

Below: “Storage battery:Former technology vs. New technology with Pacadu”. In contrast to other storage units, one single broken cell does not affect the entire network any longer with Pacadu. - Copyright: ASD Automatic Storage Device GmbH Right: A Pacadu – control box: the control electronics on top and battery cells below. – Copyright: ASD Automatic Storage Device GmbH

Issue 38 | May 2016 | 79

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Building & Technology

Making heating systems sustainable with German cutting-edge technology Renewable energies are not a passing trend but a necessity in times of resource scarcity and climate change. The German company Stiebel Eltron realised this before many others about 40 years ago and since then has become the first pioneer and now experienced specialist developing cutting-edge technology to use natural energy sources efficiently.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: STIEBEL ELTRON

Plas Newydd on the isle of Anglesey in Wales is not a spot where one might expect up-to-date and sustainable heating systems. Built consecutively since 1470, the manor house with views towards Snowdonia and in the centre of a large agricultural estate was once home to the Marquises of Anglesey, before it came into National Trust ownership in 1976. It is always a challenge to keep such a building warm and – especially when important art piec80 | Issue 87 | May 2016

es are involved – to maintain a good room climate. The manor house and parklands are a Grade I listed heritage site. It benefits the National Trusts sustainability agenda that it decided to invest £600,000 in a marine source heat pump for the house to replace the two old oil-fired boilers. With 300 kilowatts it is the biggest of its kind in the United Kingdom and uses technology developed by none other than the German renewable energy specialist Stiebel Eltron.

Main image: The Energy Campus, Stiebel Eltron’s new training and communications centre.

Above Left: Dr. Theodor Stiebel laid the foundations for Stiebel Eltron and its current products (ventilation unit, heat pumps, flow heater) in 1924.

Above: The new DHE Connect flow heater offers the highest warm water comfort, as well as internet radio and weather forecasts thanks to Wi-Fi.

Stiebel Eltron has been an expert for renewable energies and sustainable heating systems for more than 40 years now and not just since climate change debates received public and media attention. The company has its origins in developing electrical water heating systems –though on a smaller scale.

Dr Theodor Stiebel founded Eltron in 1924 to manufacture a coil immersion heater he had invented himself, and in the late 1940s the business resettled from Berlin to Holzminden where during the 1960s the company became a pioneer in the field of electric heating systems. During the oil crises in the 1970s Stiebel Eltron was not only among the first to develop and produce heat pumps, but also high-performance solar panels. One could also mention the first allelectronic instantaneous water heater in the

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Building & Technology

world, developed by Stiebel Eltron in 1987.

Its newest successor comes with web radio and weather forecast. Stiebel Eltron devices provide hot water all over the world. One system was, for example, recently installed at a 4.5-star property on Londsdale in the heart of Melbourne. And at Harrow International School Hong Kong nearly 280 of the company’s mini and instantaneous water heaters were installed that now supply 1,000 students and staff with hot water.

play an important role: the mediumsized groups – today uniting the brands Stiebel Eltron, AEG Haustechnik, tecalor, Tatramat, Zanker and LTM – are owned in equal parts by the founder’s son and a family trust. With 1,900 employees in Germany alone and more than 2,900 worldwide, the company had a turnover of 436 million euros in 2015.

As these examples show, the German company today works internationally and employs specialists who have great experience in planning diverse projects and achieving the best performance for clients with rather different backgrounds: Every year Stiebel Eltron carries out approximately 3,000 planning projects in Germany and abroad. Since 2007 the company also owns Central Europe’s largest and most advanced factory for heat pumps.

Stiebel Eltron has around 2,000 finished products on offer and more than 35,000 tailored system solutions – using, for example, ground or air source heat pumps, solar thermal energy or photovoltaic. No matter if it is a detached house or an apartment building, the renewable energy specialist aims to make houses fit for a sustainable future, no longer relying on fossil fuels, oil or gas, but using inexhaustible natural resources like geothermal energy.

While a managing board runs the dayto-day business, the founding family still

And of course there are always those outstanding projects: Stiebel Eltron’s

work at Plas Newydd is a great example of fitting modern technology into a historic building. The pilot project uses heat exchangers to extract warmth from seawater and saves the National Trust around £40,000 a year in operating costs, reduces CO2 emissions and keeps the property’s rooms with 5,000 square feet totally free of moisture all year round. Above that the technology takes into account that the nearby coast is a Special Area of Conservation protected under EU directive and also subject to high tidal flows. The technology at Plas Newydd has won awards twice: as Commercial Project of the Year by the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Awards 2014 and as Outstanding Renewable Energy Project at the Renewables UK Cymru 2014 Awards.

But even this was not the only groundbreaking project Stiebel Eltron was involved in in recent years. www.stiebel-eltron.de

Above: Plas Newydd castle gets heated by four marine source heat pumps.

Issue 38 | May 2016 | 81

Focussing on a holistic and integrated strategy, Sauter strives to look after a building or complex for the duration of its entire lifespan. As the company’s executive vice president Erik Kahlert says: “Our products and services are being integrated into every single phase of a building’s lifespan. New inventions are being launched all the time.”

Tradition of innovation:

Sauter’s state-of-the-art climate control solutions

The latest examples are dmoothly designed touch screen devices for room automation systems, optimised regulation of heating, ventilation and cooling through new motors and valves and a building management application which allows energy management to be an integrated part of the system. Building management has never been made easier. www.sauter-controls.com

Creating energy efficiency through building automation is the declared goal of the Sauter Group’s enterprise for which they provide both products and service.

Their concepts look after a building while constantly developing and applying new devices and software-based management solutions. These solutions stand on an engineering tradition of more than a hundred years.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: SAUTER, F. HOFFMANN-LAROCHE LTD.

Globally active, including the Middle Eastern and Asian markets, Sauter is still small enough to be flexible and close to the client. This dual quality works as their trust-building factor.

Renowned references worldwide, such as the Allianz Arena in Munich, the airport in Frankfurt, the tower of Roche’s head office in Basel, the Highlight Towers in Munich or the Berlin State Library are proof of Sauter’s intense customer relationship.

The Sauter company was founded in 1910 in Grinderwald, Switzerland, by the innovative engineer Fritz Sauter. Initially designed for manufacturing electronic timers, the enterprise established itself quickly with innovations such as the first electronic boilers and thermal devices. In fact, the company grew so quickly that by 1920 Sauter had moved to Basel and started expanding internationally to Germany, France and Sweden. By 1935, the 82 | Issue 87 | May 2016

first solutions for electronic heating and climate control established the base for the company’s goals that are still valid today. The decades following the end of the war showed rapid improvement and expansion with Sauter being among the first to present software-controlled building management systems as early as 1974. The ‘90s showed expansion to the Eastern European market and in 1997 Sauter launched the first internet-based building automation solution.

For the past decades, Sauter has focused on the reduction of CO2 emissions and has established itself as a green building specialist by integrating alternative energy sources.

The ‘Sauter Vision Center’ stands for a new class of web-based building control applications with a modular, scalable visualisation surface, effective both for single buildings and the management of decentralised facilities.

Top Left: Highlight Business Tower Munich: saving operational costs with SAUTER’s energy management and control strategy.

Top: Roche headquarters, Basel: highest energy efficiency on 41 storeys with SAUTER room and building automation.

Middle: Roche headquarters, Basel - communication area: demand-based room automation for an optimal room climate through SAUTER. Bottom: Berlin State Library: perfect climate conditions for 11 million valuable books through SAUTER solutions.

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Building & Technology

Controlled access at the touch of a hand In the light of current developments, the need for security has become more pressing. Technology like biometrical scans are an answer to these needs.

TEXT: SILKE HENKELE | PHOTOS: ICOGNIZE GMBH

Located in Dietzenbach, Germany, iCOGNIZE was founded by Dr. Alexander W. Lenhardt and his partner in 2007.

While the company initially constructed appliances for the evaluation of video material, both founders quickly realised the huge potential of biometrical scans.

“Current developments have considerably sped up the potential for development in the market for biometrical appliances,” points out Dr. Lenhardt, CEO of iCOGNIZE. iCOGNIZE’s products range from hand vein recognition systems, access control software, time control appliances, and general access control systems, all of which are used primarily in an industrial surrounding. Yet appliances like iCGONIZE’s hand vein recognition systems

are increasingly used in private households for access control to private living quarters. iCOGNIZE’s products have one decisive advantage over other products: they follow a modular approach, in that they are easily capable of being integrated into already existing systems that may be sensitive to outward changes or may generally be irreplaceable. Moreover, iCOGNIZE’s scanners have a modern and sleek appearance that has won numerous industrial design awards.

In the year 2016, iCOGNIZE has planned a multitude of innovations. While these developments will play an integral part in the broadening of the product range, particular focus will be on the consumer market and a broader range of offers. “The market can expect a variety of interesting new software and hardware solutions from our highly skilled

team at iCOGNIZE,”promises Dr. Lenhardt.

Access control has never been more stylish or easier. www.icognize.de

Light from Murrhardt In 1955, AccuLux Witte + Sutor GmbH invented the first rechargeable lamp worldwide. This year, the beloved, millionfold sold classic, which also is now available as an LED, celebrates its 60-year anniversary.

TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS | PHOTOS: ACCULUX WITTE + SUTOR GMBH

Better known as AccuLux, the company based in Murrhardt is a global market leader in the field of mobile light. With an emphasis on professional work lamps which feature distress light functionality and explosion protection, AccuLux’s clientele consists of electronic whole sellers, specialised traders for fire protection and hunting, fire departments, car manufactures, chemical industries, oil companies and many more.

Moreover, all of the products can be bought by private people as well.

The classic rechargeable lamp is called LED 2000 and guarantees the user pre-focused lighting with a uniform cone of light. It can be recharged up to 1,000 times, has a burn time of 3.5 hours and the sustainable NiMH battery does not develop a ‘memory effect’, causing them to hold less charge. A robust shell makes the LED insusceptible to shock, giving it almost unlimited durability.

In conjunction with the integrated charging plug, the LED 2000’s robust plastic housing ensures high flexibility and mobility.

The Joker LED is the most compact LEDtorch. While most features resemble the LED 2000, the Joker’s burn time is 60 minutes.

Ideally for mobile use is the AutoLux LED, which can be charged at a car’s cigarette lighter. In addition, both lamps make use of a long-lasting LED illuminant, providing them with an almost unlimited service life. www.acculux.de Issue 38 | May 2016 | 83

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Building & Technology

Perfection – made in Germany

OTTO-CHEMIE’s award-winning façade It does not always need to be New York or London. Innovations that are acknowledged worldwide come from Fridolfing, a small town in the county of Traunstein in Upper Bavaria. Here, OTTO-CHEMIE has its office.

TEXT: HERMANN OTTO GMBH, TRANSLATION: NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTOS: HERMANN OTTO GMBH

As a market leader in producing silicone sealants, the company stands for exceptional quality and the development of trendsetting products – such as the UNIGLAS® | FACADE composite elements made out of wood and glass. These were awarded the Architektur+ innovation prize from the specialist magazines AIT and xia Intelligente Architektur on the Fensterbau Frontale 2016 trade fair.

UNIGLAS® | FAÇADE – more façade is not possible When experts from the areas of glass (UNIGLAS®), wood (Holzforschung Austria), research (ift Rosenheim, TU Vienna), as well as sealant and adhesives (OTTO-CHEMIE) come together and invest years in intensive research to bring a collective project to perfection, the outcome can only be unique: facades with an almost entire glass surface, optional opening elements and without the frames that were needed until now. This

becomes possible because the glazing is directly attached to a timber-undergrowth construction without profiles. The glass pane which faces the room is bonded to a patented post and beam construction with a special silicone, OTTOCOLL® S 660 and then it gets screwed together with the construction.

The best from different worlds In this system, two completely different substances – glass and wood – are united to form a perfect symbiosis which combines the best characteristics with regard to energy efficiency, naturalness and constructional flexibility. With UNIGLAS® | FACADE, the carbon footprint can consequently be reduced by 43 per cent compared with conventional all-glass facades. Furthermore, an improved thermal insulation is achieved (primary energy demands only 209 kilowatt hours per square metre in comparison with 407 kilowatt hours per square metre for

aluminium profiles). Further advantages are shorter construction periods and comprehensive cost opimisation.

The first project Of course, while building the new OTTO-logistics and training centre, nothing was more obvious for OTTO-CHEMIE than to use this innovation itself and to realise a visible milestone for the company at the same time. The management, marketing and merchandise planning departments, as well as the entire warehouse are also housed in this architecturally unique building. The facade speaks for itself – and for UNIGLAS® | FACADE. www.otto-chemie.com

Hermann Otto GmbH The medium-sized family business looks back on over 135 successful years of company history. Since the 1960s, the company has developed silicone sealants and is one of the European market leaders. Adhesives and sealants on the basis of silicone, polyurethane, silane-terminated polymers (hybrid) and acrylates form the product portfolio.

Thereby, OTTO’s corporate philosophy is paramount: offering quality which is exclusively and consciously produced in Germany.

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TACCEA® - Designer roof hoods with integrated security Pitched roofs are not just an eye-catching feature, they are also responsible for great ventilation and energy conservation by being thermally efficient.

TEXT: AXEL DICKSCHAT, TRANSLATION: EMMIE COLLINGE I PHOTOS: SCHULTE & TODT

The current crop of products on the market are all fairly similar when it comes to aesthetics and technical specifications, but the launch of TACCEA® by Schulte & Todt Systemtechnik GmbH & Co. KG marks a turning point. With its innovative design and whole new way of functioning, this inventive roof hood covering system is set to revolutionise the industry.

Speed Pre-mounted with the required and desired roof tiles, TACCEA® is delivered in one piece. Just like a regular tile, the roofer places the whole unit onto the roof covering. Given the rounded geometry, the TACCEA® is compatible with all roof pitches between 15 and 45 degrees without the need for compromise.

This new design eradicates the need for pre-mounting and vertical adjustment on

the roof. Moreover, having to use adhesive or sealant is a thing of the past.

Safety Naturally fulfilling the German Institute for Standardisation (DIN) requirements, the TACCEA® also meets all of the Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV) guidelines. Alongside the pre-mounted roof tiles, customers also receive additional insulation in the cold zone as well as routing for roof penetration.

A previously problematic design area, this innovative yet simple concept for mounting means the sheets are now tightly pressed together which prevents the transmission of cold, warmth and damp. Above all, the TACCEA® can now be delivered in one piece, and as such removes the need for collars and bushes on roof penetrations. The roof covering system fits securely and tightly in position for a lengthy period.

Savour the view The TACCEA® boasts a novel and stylish design, complementing the overall image of the roof. For ground-level observers, the TACCEA® on the pitched roof and the roof covering system form a natural part of the house’s geometry. Moreover, the hood is storm and UV-resistant. Created from PUR (polyurethane), the hood’s surface is built and painted to last with the client’s desired colour scheme. Special colours or tiles, such as thatch or slate, are available upon request.

The TACCEA® does not just mark a crucial step towards security and reliability for the future of your house, but it also gives your house a distinctive and individual character. www.schulte-todt.de

Issue 38 | May 2016 | 85

Discover Germany | Culture | Culture Calendar

Culture Calendar Save the date as there are plenty of great events scheduled for the weeks to come. From music festivals and exciting exhibitions to fantastic sport events and social highlights, Discover Germany’s Culture Calendar is your perfect guide to what not to miss in May. TEXT: INA FRANK

LUGA – Spring trade fair of Central Switzerland, Lucerne (29 April – 8 May) This year the Canton of Lucerne will showcase its diversity at the LUGA. The versatile shopping and entertainment programme for young and old alike will attract many visitors, while 450 regional and national exhibitors offer goods to suit all tastes. www.luga.ch 86 | Issue 87 | May 2016

Ski & Golf World Championship, Zell am See-Kaprun (4 – 8 May) Being a master at one sport is already quite demanding – for this competition, however, both skiing and golf skills are required. The championship starts with a giant slalom and during the next days, two different golf courses have to be played. www.skigolfworldcup.com

Hamburg Harbour Birthday (5 – 8 May) Amidst the impressive scenery of both the older parts of the harbour and the newly built ‘HafenCity’, Hamburg is celebrating its harbour’s birthday once again. You can stroll along the festivity mile, watch the famous ‘tugboat ballet’, visit historic ships and much more. www.hamburg.de/hafengeburtstag

Discover Germany | Culture | Culture Calendar

www.karneval-berlin.de/en

Zurich Tanzt (Zurich is dancing) (13 – 16 May) The dancing festival in Zurich offers many possibilities to watch fantastic dancers or to give new styles a try yourself. From Indian dance and Salsa to historical dances - there are many workshops for young and old alike. Furthermore, you can join a dancing-related city tour on the tram or watch engaging documentaries. www.zuerichtanzt.ch May Week, Osnabrück (13 – 22 May) The May Week is one of the biggest free open air events in the North of Germany. From blues to rock, pop or world music, you can find almost any type of music. Many market stalls with culinary delights or handicrafts, as well as rides for big and small, round off the programme. www.osnabrueck.de/maiwoche

Main image: Carnival of Cultures in Berlin. – Copyright: Daniela Incoronato Opposite page below: Programme on the water at Hamburg’s harbour birthday. – Copyright: HMC/NICOLAS MAACK Top: Carnival of Cultures in Berlin. – Copyright: Jurino Reetz Above: Zurich is dancing. - Copyright: Zürich tanzt Below: May Week. – Copyright: Joachim Viertel Foto

International Storytelling Festival, Graz, Linz, Vienna and Bad Schönau (11 – 29 May) The Storytelling Festival in Austria fully commits itself to classic storytelling from all over the world, as well as to other ‘narrative arts’ such as readings, music, pantomime, dancing and even clownery. www.storytellingfestival.at/eng.html Carnival of Cultures, Berlin (13 – 16 May) The carnival of cultures, taking place in the popular district ‘Kreuzberg’, is a free street festival which aims at reflecting the cultural diversity of Berlin. The carnival’s highlight is surely the colourful parade, where musicians, dancers and other artists make their culture perceptible for visitors.

Issue 38 | May 2016 | 87

Discover Germany | Culture | Culture Calendar

Wiener Festwochen, Vienna (13 May – 19 June) Considering itself as a ‘mirror’ of the city’s enthusiasm for culture, the Wiener Festwochen includes stage plays, opera shows and concerts.

Its focus lies on new productions of classics and contemporary plays by international directors.

The opening takes place on the town hall square, which is open air and free of admission. www.festwochen.at/en Bern Grand Prix (14 May) This ten-mile run is a classic of the Swiss sports scene. The runners can look forward to passing all of Bern’s important sights, while being cheered on by 100,000 spectators and music groups. For beginners, there is a shorter run through the old town, and kids can have their first running experiences by joining the ‘Bear Grand Prix’. www.gpbern.ch 88 | Issue 87 | May 2016

Discover Germany | Culture | Culture Calendar

International Jazz Festival, Bern (12 – 21 May) Established more than 40 years ago, the festival distinguishes itself by its personal ambiance.

Every year more than 20,000 visitors enjoy around 200 concerts, where international jazz stars and newcomers alike perform on stage. www.jazzfestivalbern.ch Schafberg Run, St. Wolfgang (22 May) The runners’ opponent in this competition is nothing less than a steam locomotive. 1,240 metres of altitude difference and a gradient of up to 26 per cent have to be defeated to reach the top before the train does, but participants are rewarded by a stunning Alps panorama. www.schafbergbahn.at/de_at/erlebnisse-events/ veranstaltungen/schafberglauf.html Punt race, Tübingen (26 May) Punts have been an inherent part of Tübingen for more than a hundred years. But it was not until 1956 that a race was hold on the Neckar river. Today, the winners can look forward to the challenge cup and a barrel of beer, whereas the losers have to drink half a litre of cod liver oil and organise next year’s race. www.tuebingen.de/veranstaltungen eco.festival, Basel (27 – 29 May) The eco.festival in Basel presents sustainability in all of its facets. A diverse programme, including sustainable cooking, readings, upcycling workshops and an exchange platform for clothes, makes sure that young and old alike can have an entertaining weekend. www.eco.ch/festival OPPOSITE PAGE: Both images: Bern Grand Prix. – Copyright: Andy Mettler / swiss-image.ch Top: Swiss Jazz Orchestra at the Jazz Festival Bern. – Copyright: Jazz Festival Bern Middle: Schafberg steam locomotive - the runners’ opponent in the Schafberg Run. – Copyright: Schafberg Bahn & Wolfgangsee Schifffahrt Bottom: Punt race on the Neckar. – Copyright: Ulrich Metz

Issue 38 | May 2016 | 89

Discover Germany | Culture | Barbara Geier

The truth about German wine TEXT & PHOTO: BARBARA GEIER

Let me introduce you to one of my quirks, which is sauntering along the wine racks in supermarkets, checking their offer of German wines. From my point of view, there are too few of them in between all the French, Italian, South African or South American ones. I have always been a bit peeved about the fact that wines from my home country suffer from a bad reputation in the UK. Even more so since I’m from the Pfalz, the Palatinate region, which is Germany’s second biggest wine-growing district.

When you’ve grown up in a direct neighbourhood of the German Wine Road, meandering on 85 kilometres from Bockenheim in the north down south to Schweigen on the French border, with its many lovely wine villages, excellent vineyards and numerous wine festivals, you take it for granted that everyone knows about the quality of German wines.

Hence, it was a bit of a shock for me when first being confronted with the UK’s perception of German wine and the enduring cliché about Germany producing Liebfrauenmilch et al and basically nothing else. No one drinks that in Germany! German wines being mentioned with a smile of gentle deprecation? I almost felt obliged to be outraged

on behalf of all the winemakers in the countries 13 different wine-growing regions, from the smallest in Saxony to the largest in the Rheinhessen region. I have learned in the meantime where it all went wrong since in the 1970s, many of Germany’s best wine-growing regions were cultivated for mass productions with Blue Nun and the like particularly aimed at the British market.

However, things have changed. From the 1980s onwards, a new generation of wine makers, who had studied wine making not only in Germany but also abroad and learning from the best, took over the family estates. Apart from Riesling, which has traditionally been a major grape variety (and is a top seller in the USA), they also started introducing international grapes such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

The cultivation of red wines has risen too, and in a blind tasting of Pinot Noirs from ten different wine-growing nations a few years back, that was organised by the German Wine Institute in London, seven of the judges’ top ten Pinot Noirs came from – Germany.

Maybe I don’t need to be outraged for much longer. The perception of German wines in the UK is changing, helped by the fact that well-known British wine

writers actually endorse German wines now. Needless to say, I’m also taking every opportunity to tell everyone what German wines are really about. So, next time you come across a German wine, give it a try, it might be better than you think. Just stay away from the Blue Nun, please …

Barbara Geier is a London-based freelance writer, translator and communications consultant. She is also the face behind www.germanyiswunderbar.com, a German travel and tourism guide and blog that was set up together with UK travel writer Andrew Eames in 2010.

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