Students Build a Habitat: A Dry Stone Wall in Iraggell

A freestanding dry stone wall is currently being built in the Iraggell area by apprentices from Liechtenstein. This joint project between the citizens’ cooperative and the municipality of Vaduz combines traditional craftsmanship with active nature and species conservation.

What at first glance appears to be a simple structure is in reality an ecologically valuable habitat and a challenging craftsmanship project. In Iraggell, a new dry stone wall is being built in two phases. The first construction phase covered 27.5 meters and was completed in 2025. This year, the second phase will follow, adding another 15 to 20 meters. The project is designed as an apprenticeship project of the FL Master Builders’ Association. Apprentices from Liechtenstein training companies—masons in their 2nd and 3rd years of training, aspiring gardeners, and engineers—are constructing the structure under expert guidance.

Traditional Craftsmanship

Dry stone walls require no mortar. Their stability comes solely from the careful layering and placement of the stones. The stones used are processed natural stones that ensure high durability and stability. The design is precisely adapted to the terrain, with the wall maintaining a uniform height along its entire length. It is precisely this seemingly “simple” construction that offers significant learning opportunities. The apprentices gain firsthand experience of the care, patience, and craftsmanship required to build a stable dry stone wall. At the same time, the result is visible, sustainable work that brings joy and long-term benefits.

A Valuable Contribution to Biodiversity

Dry stone walls are far more than just design elements. They provide habitat for numerous small animals, insects, and reptiles. Joints and cavities create ideal conditions for hiding places, nesting sites, and overwintering opportunities. The ecological significance was explained to the students in a lecture by Jürgen Kühnis. They gained in-depth insights into the role of dry stone walls in biodiversity and nature-oriented landscape conservation.

Broadly Supported Community Project

The project is supported by the citizens’ cooperative and the municipality of Vaduz, represented by the Forestry and Environment Commission.

The dry stone wall in Iraggell is not only an ecologically valuable structure but also a powerful symbol of youth development, collaboration, and sustainable development in the municipality of Vaduz.

Iraggell Dry Stone Wall

Phases

• 2025: 27.5 meters
• 2026: approx. 15–20 meters

Project sponsor

• Citizens’ Cooperative
• Municipality of Vaduz (Forestry and Environment Commission)

Project Management

• Beat Gassner, FL Association of Master Builders

Participants

• Apprentices (bricklayers, gardeners, and engineers in their 2nd and 3rd years of training)
• Köbi Steiger, President of the FL Builders’ Association
• Jürgen Kühnis (Ecology lecture, arranged by the Hilti Foundation)
• Gassnerbau AG, Vaduz (preparation)
• Marco Maierhofer (forestry/clearing)
• Alex Ospelt, Hunting Association (accommodation at the Iraggell hunting lodge)
• PAM Catering, Adler Gastronomie Vaduz (Catering)

Materials

• Partially from demolition of the old wall
• Most of it from the Hilti Brothers gravel pit
• Capping stones from the Balzers quarry