Schwarzes Haus (Black House)
The „Schwarze Haus“ (Black House) at Cilanderstrasse 5 in Herisau is in the middle of the town’s oldest industrial neighbourhood. It immediately stands out due to its material, age, size and unique bridge shape.
In the 17th century, Herisau was one of the most densely populated areas of Europe and a key industrial site for textile finishing and paper production. Countless mills were dotted along the rivers Glatt and Wissenbach. The „Schwarze Haus“, too, stands at a right angle to the valley direction like a bridge. The imposing, long, four-story building was built on a stone base and given a dominant hip roof.
Textile finishing is a key part of manufacturing, without which the raw materials are not suited for use. „Indiennes“, textile prints which were exported to many countries, were created in a complex and highly secret process. Today’s AG Cilander, a specialist for textile refinement in Herisau, dates back to the company Laurenz Meyers which was founded in 1814. The latter was originally based in the „Schwarzes Haus“.
In 1999, the restoration of this memorial building was completed. It is still used for living purposes.
Textile finishing is a key part of manufacturing, without which the raw materials are not suited for use. „Indiennes“, textile prints which were exported to many countries, were created in a complex and highly secret process. Today’s AG Cilander, a specialist for textile refinement in Herisau, dates back to the company Laurenz Meyers which was founded in 1814. The latter was originally based in the „Schwarzes Haus“.
In 1999, the restoration of this memorial building was completed. It is still used for living purposes.