Medieval mill in Lambach soon delivers electricity for cultural companies

The Hofmühle in Lambach has been documented since 1370, most recently it was operated as a sawmill – in 2004 it was over. Now “Prodiagonal”, the Center for Cultural Education, the area from the Sleeping Beauty sleep: A water wheel will in future supply the educational center of Prodiagonal as well as the work school, in which the association regularly offers blacksmiths, turning, potter and textile courses. This is made possible by the water law, which has existed since the Middle Ages. In addition, a new oven is being built in an annex, which is to be used together.

The association bought the area two years ago, says chairman Peter Deinhammer: “I think it is important to preserve such jewels. Such a mill may be expected somewhere in Carinthia or in Tyrol, but not in the central area, where a lot has been destroyed by industrialization.” The association originally wanted to use the electric turbine that previously operated the sawmill for electricity generation. “We asked some specialist companies that the facility could no longer be saved,” says Deinhammer. This gave rise to the idea of ​​creating electricity with a less complicated water wheel. A German association that had implemented a similar project made his concept available to the Lambachers.

Bake bread together

In the meantime, the renovation is progressing with great steps, the project is supported by members and friends of the association. Professions are committed to some work, but the members can do a lot on their own work. “The Mühlgraben has been badly muddy in the past 20 years, we have already dug up there. Now we are working on storage for the water wheel, which is also tailored,” says Deinhammer. He expects a degree in November 2026.

The annex of the mill has already received a new shingle roof. “It was very nice, many people were very curious about what was happening there,” says the club chairman. A wood oven is built in the approximately 25 square meter room. “The idea is that people can come with their own dough on certain days and be baked together.” The work school could also use the oven.

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