Schwarzes Haus (Black House)

History: Textile finishing is an essential part of manufacturing, without which the raw materials are not suitable for processing. In an elaborate and closely guarded process, “Indienne” - textile prints - were produced in the Black House and exported to numerous countries.In the 17th century, Herisau was one of the most densely populated areas in Europe and an important industrial location for textile finishing and paper production. Numerous mills settled along the Glatt and Wissenbach streams. The Black House, which stands like a bridge across the valley on the Glatt stream, was once home to the “Laurenz Meyers” company, founded in 1814. The building was later used by AG Cilander, a specialist in textile finishing in Herisau.Architecture: The mighty timber construction extends over four storeys and rests on a brick base with a dominant hipped roof. Under the protruding roof, the lattice bars reveal that it was used as a drying tower for meter-long lengths of fabric. The interior rooms were used as a production facility where fabrics were printed. The Black House also served as a residential building. The stately apartments of the company owners were characterized by spacious rooms and fine parquet floors. Current use:Restoration of the listed building was completed in 1999. It is still used for residential purposes.