WOOD. The Heart of the Forsthofalm
Amid the magnificent alpine meadows and forests of Leogang stands a hotel that is more than just a place to stay – it is a retreat where one can draw new strength and feel a deep connection with nature, especially with wood. Since its founding in 1972, Forsthofalm has grown from a small ski hut to a splendid wood hotel that breathes sustainability and a love of nature into every beam.
Why Wood?
The decision to choose wood as the foundation of Forsthofalm was a thoughtful and significant decision by our owners. Since childhood, they have been instilled with a deep appreciation for sustainability, aesthetic beauty, and health well-being, which serve as fundamental inspiration for today's Forsthofalm concept.
Wood, as one of humanity's oldest and most versatile building materials, not only combines sustainable, technical, and emotional aspects but also fits perfectly into the concept of our house, which focuses on nature. Particularly noteworthy is the ecological sustainability of wood. It is a renewable resource that stores CO₂ during its growth, significantly contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases. This CO₂ remains bound until the end of the wood's life cycle, closing the natural cycle and contributing to the reduction of global warming.
When selecting wood, we place great emphasis on regionality to keep transport routes short and support the local economy and forestry. This decision underscores our commitment to the region and the environment. However, the choice of wood was not made solely for local and sustainable reasons; its technical versatility also played an important role. Thanks to its excellent insulating properties, wood helps to naturally balance the temperatures. This ensures that the indoor climate of our wood hotel remains pleasant throughout the year, reducing energy consumption and significantly enhancing our guests' comfort.
Beyond the practical advantages, wood offers an unparalleled aesthetic and emotional quality. The natural warmth, texture, and scent of wood create a sense of comfort and peace that is unmatched. It is scientifically proven that wooden environments enhance well-being, reduce stress, and contribute to mental relaxation. Therefore, the use of wood in the architecture of Forsthofalm is not only a decision for ecological sustainability but also for creating an environment where our guests can naturally feel comfortable and rejuvenate.
Thus, choosing wood for the Forsthofalm is more than just a construction decision; it is a holistic concept that emphasizes sustainability, beauty, health, and the well-being of our guests. Through this philosophy, we aim not only to offer a unique vacation experience, but also to make a positive contribution to protecting our environment and to show that modern tourism and sustainability can go hand in hand.
The Architecture of Forsthofalm
The architect of our beautiful wooden hotel is Alfred Waltl, who, together with the visionary ideas of our owner Markus Widauer, designed the Forsthofalm. The vision was to create a clear, puristic architecture that allows an unrestricted view of the surrounding nature. The guiding principle was to design a hotel that does not distract from the beauty of the Alps, but rather brings it to the forefront and provides guests with space to breathe and the freedom to experience. The Forsthofalm subordinates itself to nature, it does not surpass it.
What is Moonwood?
The term Moonwood, as the name suggests, originates from the connection of when the wood is cut with the different moon phases. Particularly wood that is felled during the waning and new moon phases has a particularly high durability and resistance. The reason for this is that during the waning moon a tree is able to absorb more liquid, whereas the opposite happens during the waxing moon. This process is comparable to the rhythm of ebb and flow in the world's oceans. If a tree is felled during the waning moon, it contains more bound water inside, which evaporates during drying and results in the wood shrinking more and becoming denser, more pressure-resistant, and more resistant to fungi and many other pests. This means that Moonwood is more durable and long-lasting than wood that was cut during other moon phases, and it helps protect the Forsthofalm from weathering and aging for many more years.
Sustainability through Wood as a Guiding Principle
As mentioned earlier, sustainability and environmental protection are of paramount importance at the Forsthofalm. With the turn of the 21st century, the Forsthofalm took on a pioneering role in these areas. The use of regional wood for construction and furnishings, the persistent implementation of environmental standards, and the use of renewable energies are just a few examples of our commitment. The hotel, which is completely constructed of Moonwood, stands as a symbol of biological construction and ecological responsibility. A total of 210,000 beechwood dowels were used in the construction, thus holding our Forsthofalm together without the use of any glue or metals.
The hotel has since received numerous awards for its commitment to environmental protection and continues to set standards as an industry leader. Here you can find more information about it.
Healing Effects of Wood
But wood is also said to have a healing effect, which our guests repeatedly confirm with statements such as: "In the wooden hotel, you sleep particularly well." Or "Everywhere smells like wood, pure relaxation!"
The solid wood walls made of moon-felled wood create a unique room atmosphere that not only enhances well-being but also has a healing effect. Surrounded by natural materials and colors that are warm and grounded, you will find a place of peace and regeneration here, making you feel much closer to nature.
The vision of wood continues to grow: New construction and expansion
In 2013, the desire for more wood in the hotel was realized with the addition of a 1,200-cubic-meter wooden structure to the overall concept. Surrounded by mountains, it is now possible to unwind with an unobstructed view in the SKY SPA, bringing you closer to nature than ever before. Amidst forests and meadows, a vast wooden hotel now stands, drawing its inspiration directly from the natural surroundings.
A Half-Century of Wood for the Forsthofalm
Today, the Forsthofalm represents more than just a hotel; it is a flagship project for sustainable tourism. The consistent use of wood as the primary building material over the years has not only given our hotel a rustic charm but has also demonstrated that 50 years of wood can withstand the alpine climate with ease.
Random fact about wood
Damp wood conducts electricity, dry wood is an insulator.
Interview with Family Thoma, a special collaboration
In order to give our guests even more insight into the history of our hotel, we decided to interview one of the key contributors to the building of the hotel. The company Thoma Holzbau was not only an inspiration, but also the driving force behind the vision of making the hotel as sustainable as possible. Thoma's Holz100 construction method in particular has had a significant impact on the Forsthofalm and has contributed to the fact that wood is now the heart of the house.
1. What exactly is Thoma Wood Construction?
Thoma is a company founded in 1990 by Erwin Thoma and based in Goldegg, Austria. Thoma has developed the solid wooden house construction system, which is made entirely of solid wood and does not require glue, nails or chemical additives. It makes use of the natural powers and effects of wood by creating the solid wall structure through mechanical connections with wooden dowels.
2. What is behind the Thoma Wood Construction philosophy?
Thoma's philosophy is based on the deep conviction that building should be in harmony with nature. It creates health-promoting and life-energy-giving houses that are made from 100 percent natural, moon phase-cut, local softwood from sustainable forestry. Properly processed wood simultaneously offers health and living quality as well as energy independence and sustainability. Erwin Thomas' credo, which has become his life's work.
3. What is healthy and sustainable timber construction?
For Thoma, healthy and sustainable timber construction has to be good three times:
- Good for the health of the residents thanks to the absence of glue and chemicals.
- Good for our wallet in the long term through energy autonomy (heating and cooling costs)
- And good for our posterity - with our wooden houses we leave behind valuable reserves of raw materials that our children and grandchildren can reuse instead of disposing of them at high cost as hazardous waste.
4. Where did the idea of Thoma collaborating with the Forsthofalm Hotel come from?
Erwin Thoma and Franz Widauer met a few years ago, and Franz was convinced of the advantages of pure wooden construction. His son and current owner, Markus Widauer, was also enthusiastic, and so the first construction of the Forsthofalm was implemented. A few years later, the major expansion followed.
5. How much was the topic of sustainability in focus when the project started?
The Widauer family has always had a strong connection to nature and therefore a high awareness of sustainability. I think this is particularly why the collaboration with the hotelier family was in harmony with the importance of Thoma.
6. What was particularly important to you during the construction?
We are particularly proud of this flagship project in the Salzburg region. Of utmost importance to us was a smooth construction process and the satisfaction of our customers. The fact that we succeeded is shown by the renewed order for the second hotel expansion, which we happily accepted.
7. Were there types of wood that you preferred during construction and if so, why?
Our walls, ceilings, and roofs are made of spruce, fir, and pine – local, readily available woods that we source from PEFC-certified forests, meaning sustainably managed forest areas. It is particularly important to us that value creation remains in the region. For the interior, Markus Widauer consciously chose aromatic Swiss stone pine and other local conifers to create a natural, pleasant atmosphere.
8. Do you think that wood has a healing effect? If so, which one?
We don't just think so, we know it. A few years ago, it was discovered that the stress-reducing vagus nerve plays a crucial role in controlling inflammation. To combat insidious inflammation, a strong and active vagus is of great importance – the higher the vagal tone, the better.
In studies, we observed a significantly increased vagal tone and a reduced heart rate in test subjects sleeping in Swiss stone pine beds and in students in wood-paneled classrooms, compared to other materials. These positive effects became evident as soon as the individuals lay down in bed or the students entered the classroom.
In the Thoma House, your heart benefits from an additional hour of rest every night. The autonomic nervous system is demonstrably strengthened, and the immune system is positively influenced. Whether allergies, sleep problems, a weakened immune system, or the perennial nervousness of our time – our wood, in its purest form (without glue, chemicals, etc.), promotes the health of residents through the indestructible vitality of trees.
9. How durable are Thoma houses after their completion?
A high-quality wooden house can be used for generations and remains a timeless form of housing. Wooden houses have a long tradition and have been valued for centuries. Many of these old wooden buildings are still in use today and enjoy unbroken popularity. This is partly due to the robustness and durability of the natural material wood, and partly to the exceptional flexibility of wooden houses, which helps them better withstand earthquakes and other natural disasters compared to other construction methods.
The oldest wooden structure in the world that we know of is a Buddhist monastery in subtropical southern Japan. These impressive five-story pagodas are already 1,650 years old and still intact.
The durability of a wooden house depends on various factors, with the quality of the wood used playing a crucial role. Our high-quality moon wood, sourced from sustainable forestry and expertly processed, is particularly durable and resistant to weather influences and pests. Compared to wood that was not felled at the right time, it offers additional advantages. Careful planning and thoughtful wood protection are also essential for the long-term durability of a wooden house.
10. What stands out in your memory the most after the construction of the Forsthofalm?
All the neighbors, authorities, and the community were enthusiastic about the project. This support from all sides and the associated magic of the beginning remain strong memories for me personally. The press attention and positive feedback from many sides were also a very nice confirmation. For the builders, the individual trades, and also for us as a company.
11. Do you have a favorite spot at the Forsthofalm?
My personal favorite spot is the wellness area with this breathtaking rooftop terrace. Surrounded by mountains and forests, with the sun on my face, the pool... that's the ultimate vacation feeling and pure relaxation for me.
Discover the diversity of wood now at the Forsthofalm
The Hotel Story
For more than 50 years, the Forsthofalm has stood majestically in the Austrian Alps, evolving over the decades into a true hidden gem for nature and wellness enthusiasts. Behind the rustic facade of this family-run hotel lies a fascinating story filled with tradition, innovation, and passionate dedication. But how did a simple alpine hut transform into an award-winning wellness paradise that attracts visitors from all over the world? Immerse yourself in the captivating journey of a unique hotel that, at over 1,000 meters above sea level, bridges the gap between past and future.
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