Hochofen Olsa, Friesach
Objective: Revitalisation of an historic industrial site
Location: 9360 Friesach, Olsaring 2
Implementation: 2001
Development: 1840 (previous structure by Johann Sigmund Jarnigg, 1799)
Architecture: Probably Lorenz Baumgartl zu Brückl
Architecture/Refurbishment: —
Info/Scope: Around 650 m2 of historic building fabric on three levels (1st floor to 3rd floor) were rededicated and adapted for modern use as residential space.
Hochofen Olsa
Iron ore was already being mined in the Gaisberg and Minachberg ore mines in the early 17th century (prospecting by Sabina Stettner, documented in 1619) and processed in her hammer mill in Olsa as of 1633. The first blast furnace was built in 1799 and replaced in 1840 by the facility still in existence today, which itself was shut down in 1875 and then used as an electricity plant beginning in 1898. The historic structure (blast furnace made of quarry and natural stone blocks as well as the lift house, administrative building and factory hall) was revitalised in 2001 to create ten apartments, some of which are accessed via a large spiral staircase in the former blast furnace.
