This is just a summer cafe, but the historical, ecological and aesthetic (its landscape is extraordinarily beautiful even by Swiss standards) the value of this 11-hectare island made the architect turn to this task twice.
The first version was ready in 2006: very restrained both in size and appearance, it was supposed to replace a temporary structure - a tent, where tourists visiting Ufenau (Ufnau) could have a snack and rest. It was supposed to be located in the opposite direction from both the main architectural monuments - the chapel of St. Martin (7th - 8th centuries) and the Church of St. Peter and Paul (12th century), and no less valuable wetland area, distinguished by a unique variety of species of flora and fauna. But according to conservationists and historical heritage conservationists, there is no place on the island for a new independent construction, so in April 2007 the project was rejected by the authorities of the canton of Schwyz, in whose jurisdiction the island is located.
However, the owner of the island - Einsiedeln monastery - decided to try again. Now, together with Zumthor, representatives of public and state organizations, who initially opposed the project, worked. As a result, it was decided to move the cafe closer to the Haus tsu den zwai Raben house and include it in the buildings surrounding its courtyard. This dwelling (1683) was used from the end of the 19th century. As a hotel, now, as part of the general reconstruction and restoration of the island's buildings, it will return to its original purpose: the house of a farmer who leases the territory of Ufenau from the monastery. The buildings of the 20th century located next to it will be demolished, and in their place will be the Zumthor cafe, a winter cafe and sanitary facilities; the cowshed located right there will be retained but expanded to comply with the requirements of Swiss animal welfare legislation. This structure also contains utility rooms for the café: this function will also be expanded.
The design of Peter Zumthor's café itself remained largely the same: a flat roof covers the kitchen block made of tamped concrete; around is a glazed visitor hall with long wooden tables. But the size of the building has significantly decreased compared to the original (by about 30%), and its changed location has made its impact on the landscape of Ufenau minimal: not only due to the inclusion of existing structures in the complex, but also due to the transfer to the foot of the hill - now the horizontal roof the cafe will not "cross out" neither landscape views, nor perspectives of medieval churches. The architect himself is satisfied with his new work even more than the previous version, and hopes for a positive decision by the authorities, which should be made next winter.
