home
Donate now

Menu

611Vintner's House

A vintnery is perhaps the most typical building in the Zurich landscape. The facade is a fine example of 18th century developments in timber frame construction.

Icon Museumsplan Nr. 611 Weinbauernhaus aus Richterswil ZH

Geometry on the Façade

The diagonal braces of timber frame buildings were for stabilising the structure. In the house from Richterswil they were more than guarantees for the safety of the construction. They were arranged in prominent geometric patterns and painted to serve as elements of design. More braces were used than were required by statics. The facade is a fi ne example of 18th century developments in timber frame construction.

Das Weinbauernhaus aus Richterswil, ZH im Freilichtmuseum Ballenberg.

Typical Vintner’s House

Among the older buildings in the region of Zurich there are examples of every kind of rural building that ever was: from stately country seats of wealthy urbanites to smallholder’s pre-alpine houses on the border to the Marches of Canton Schwyz. A vintnery is perhaps the most typical building in the Zurich landscape; this one was occupied by one, two or even three craftsman families who cultivated the vines on the side.

Das Weinbauernhaus aus Richterswil, ZH im Freilichtmuseum Ballenberg.

Clever Details

The characterising timber framing is reinforced at the corners by decorative iron strapping. The raised and decorated window shutters are also prominent. On the rear side, protruding sandstone lintels protect the windows from rainwater. Inside, a steep stair leads up to the attic. The chimney is fitted with a smoke chamber: a small house for hanging sausage and bacon. The smoke rendered the meat tasty and longer-lasting. There was a crane for lifting faggots (bundled twigs as fuel for heating in the tile stove) to the attic floor.

Abendstimmung im östlichen Mittelland.

What can you see now in Richterswil where this vintner’s house used to stand?

The timber frame struts have been replaced by multiple storeys.

Ballenberg
Swiss Open-Air Museum

Museumsstrasse 100
CH-3858 Hofstetten bei Brienz

+41 33 952 10 30
info@ballenberg.ch

Opening hours

11 April to 27 October 2024
10 am to 5 pm daily

Follow us