The new, one-of-a-kind museum is devoted to the cultural heritage of the freshwater pearl mussel, traditional pearl fishing, and the craftsmanship of mother-of-pearl objects. The architectural concept draws directly from the morphology of the mussel: the tension between its rough exterior and precious interior is translated into a unified spatial experience. The building envelope, a deliberately skewed and warped shell, abstractly reinterprets the form of the mussel and asserts itself as a sculptural landmark within the public realm. A continuous flow of water cascades over the exposed concrete surface into a fountain, symbolizing the vital connection between the mussel and its fluvial habitat.
Photo: Gustav Willeit.
Adorf faces the typical challenges of rural regions: an aging and declining population, a loss of attractiveness as a place to live and work, and the resulting economic difficulties. In response, the city is actively countering this transformation through investments in infrastructure and educational opportunities.
Photo: Gustav Willeit.
The new Mother-of-Pearl Museum serves as a beacon project for both the town and the wider region—intended as a point of identification and a catalyst for positive development. Nowhere else in the world exists a museum dedicated to the freshwater pearl mussel, pearl fishing, and the craft of mother-of-pearl production. This unique feature positions Adorf with a distinctive identity, offering a compelling and authentic asset to shape structural change with cultural and economic momentum.
Photo: Gustav Willeit.
The site of the new building was previously a derelict area, lacking both visual quality and potential for public use. The existing older buildings on the plot were partly vacant and at risk of falling into disrepair. Their preservation and adaptive reuse contribute to the stabilization and strengthening of the local urban fabric.
Plans.
This architectural intervention generates a vibrant place that enhances not only its immediate surroundings but, due to its proximity to the town square and city hall, uplifts the entire historic center. The integration of the historic city wall into the museum’s inner courtyard creates a tangible connection to Adorf’s history. A green courtyard at the rear, in combination with a planned café, significantly improves the outdoor quality of stay and invites public engagement.
Photo: Gustav Willeit.
The new building links the existing structures into a unified museum complex dedicated to the preservation, research, and communication of the cultural heritage of mother-of-pearl. Its architectural expression is inspired by the morphology of the mussel: the contrast between a rough shell and a precious interior becomes the central design narrative, forming a cohesive whole.
The skewed, sculpturally warped building envelope reinterprets the image of a mussel shell and creates a distinctive landmark within the public space. A continuous flow of water runs over the concrete shell into a fountain, referencing the element of flowing water as the essential basis of life for the freshwater pearl mussel.
Photo: Gustav Willeit.
The existing buildings, which account for approximately four-fifths of the total floor area, are preserved and meaningfully repurposed through their integration into the new museum complex. The new construction is built without a basement in order to reduce the use of concrete. Technical service spaces are accommodated in one of the adjacent historic buildings.
Photo: Gustav Willeit.
The curved façade is formed by a materially minimized concrete hypar shell. The structural reinforcement within the existing buildings is carried out using solid timber sourced from local forests; native woods are also used for windows and custom furnishings. Natural stone flooring comes from a nearby quarry.
Heating and cooling are provided via a ground-source heat pump system powered by solar energy. The central ventilation system operates with heat recovery, ensuring energy-efficient climate control throughout the building.
Photo: Gustav Willeit.
The new building is very compact with a minimal enclosed volume, as it adopts the floor-to-ceiling heights of the existing structures. The high thermal insulation standards of the new construction, combined with the internally insulated envelopes of the historic buildings and the limited number of façade openings, result in low heat loss, optimized solar gain, and a stable indoor climate crucial for the exhibition pieces.
The exposed solid construction of the new building, along with the use of clay bricks and clay plaster surfaces in the existing structures, provide significant thermal mass that helps regulate comfort and humidity levels inside. Continuous irrigation of the façade with rainwater enhances the microclimate of the site during summer by leveraging the principle of evaporative cooling.
Photo: Gustav Willeit.
The partial greening of the rear courtyard and the moss that develops on the irrigated façade contribute to improving the ecological conditions of the site, for example by creating new habitats for insects. Furthermore, the museum plays an important role in regional nature conservation. Through research, education, and awareness-raising about the freshwater pearl mussel and its natural habitat, the museum supports local conservation projects focused on reintroducing the mussels into the surrounding forests.
A key mission of the museum is to raise public awareness about the native freshwater pearl mussel to ensure its long-term survival.
Photo: Gustav Willeit.
