Tag: Klanghaus

  • Opening of the sound house at Schwendisee

    Opening of the sound house at Schwendisee

    With the Klanghaus, Toggenburg has gained a cultural landmark that radiates far beyond the region. Built from wood and embedded in the pre-Alpine landscape, the Klanghaus is not only an acoustic space, but also a platform for encounters, creativity and sound research. Four specially designed sound rooms and two outdoor stages offer space for rehearsals, concerts, workshops and sound experiments, open to professionals and amateurs alike.

    From idea to reality
    The vision of a building that makes sounds audible and tangible was sealed in 2019 with a referendum. After intensive political and social preparatory work, construction work began in 2022. With investments of 23.3 million Swiss francs, a project was realized that embodies progress in rural areas in an exemplary manner. The Klanghaus is an expression of courage and appreciation for the cultural heritage and innovative spirit of Klangwelt Toggenburg.

    More than just a building – an impulse for the region
    The Klanghaus has an impact beyond the artistic sphere. It strengthens cultural tourism, creates resonating spaces for new guests, revitalizes local businesses and inspires people to engage with sound, space and identity. As a bridge between tradition and modernity, it promotes social dialog in the heart of nature.

    Opening with a variety of sounds and encounters
    The public is invited to the grand opening weekend on May 24 and 25, 2025. The highlight is a music marathon with twelve hours of live concerts, from yodeling and gospel to youth music and indie rock. Admission is largely free and the Klanghaus will be an experience for everyone.

  • Sound house: Walk-in instrument in the middle of nature

    Sound house: Walk-in instrument in the middle of nature

    At the Schwendisee in Toggenburg, a magical new building will be built between protected raised bogs: the so-called sound house, built as a walk-in sound box made of local wood, similar to the sound box of a violin. The aim is to create a house for the sound that itself becomes an instrument and resonance space, with acoustics that do not yet exist in this form.

    It is intended to address and attract very different target groups. On the one hand, it is intended to attract musicians, choirs and orchestras for rehearsals, courses and symposia. It should be a special place for practicing and singing. On the other hand, it will develop into a place for events, concerts and performances. It also wants to give companies, clubs, schools and other organizations space for their events and represent an attractive point of attraction for those interested in architecture and hikers.

    The sound house is to become the heart and architectural center of the tourist area around the Schwendisee. The President of the Foundation Council of Klangwelt Toggenburg said: “From the time the Klanghaus is put into operation, a functioning operation with a successful cultural and tourist offer should be ensured. This includes infrastructural, organizational, economic and content-related aspects that combine the needs of our guests and providers into a coherent ‹ecosystem of sound campus›. " The Toggenburg Sound World wants to establish a leading sound and resonance destination in Toggenburg.

    The Toggenburg Sound House was designed by the architect Marcel Meili, who died in 2019. In the meantime, the implementation of the project has been entrusted to the architect Astrid Staufer, who developed the sound house in 2010 in contractual collaboration with Marcel Meili.

    The former Hotel Seegüetli currently stands where the Klanghaus will be built. The canton plans to demolish it in the coming year. Today's street is currently being relocated. According to the current schedule, the sound house should be completed in autumn / winter 2024. In spring 2025, the canton of St. Gallen and the Toggenburg Sound World Foundation want to jointly open the unique wooden structure.