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The “Netzwerkstatt Alpen” is now open

Nov 13, 2020 / alpMedia
An international competence centre in Liechtenstein that strengthens the idea of sustainable development in the Alps: with the newly renovated “Netzwerkstatt Alpen”, CIPRA has made this vision a reality.
Image caption:
The newly renovated building in Schaan/LI is the new home of CIPRA International and serves as a centre for sustainable commitment. (c) Caroline Begle, CIPRA International

Even in early September the first removal boxes had begun piling up in the freshly renovated premises at Kirchstrasse 5, a house located in Schaan/LI that is over one hundred years old. In addition to CIPRA International, the LGU (Liechtenstein Society for Environmental Protection) and the VLGST (Association of Liechtenstein Charitable Foundations and Trusts) now work under its roof. Two further offices are still available for rent, and the “Peter Kaiser Think Tank” on the top floor can also be booked for seminars or events. “This is where our vision of becoming a place of international networking for environmental and Alpine protection will finally become a reality”, says Caroline Begle, CIPRA's project manager. The Alpine Network Centre offers space for work, meetings and exchanges, she clarifies.

Sustainable renovation

After the ground-breaking ceremony in May 2019, it quickly became clear that the building fabric was in worse condition than expected. In addition, building regulations demanded fire protection, equal opportunities for the disabled and earthquake safety measures. Thus, the aim of maintaining the value of the house required a comprehensive refurbishment, with many elements having to be replaced or extensively restored. In addition, great importance was attached to sustainable renovation: new wooden windows, plain tiles, connection to the district heating network, solid parquet floors made of FSC-certified wood and ecological wall paints are just a few of the solutions applied. Now the former “Kassensepp-Villa” shines with new splendour. The “Netzwerkstatt Alpen” also provides space for nature, with native and insect-friendly plants growing in the garden and a summer linden tree to provide shade. Planted by the Slovakian “Tree of Peace” foundation, it commemorates the horrors of the First World War and symbolises the international understanding that is so important today.