I guess originally it was supposed to collect condensation from the window panes and prevent it from dripping down the wall and onto the floor.
Mostly tradition. If the window leaks (lightly) then you want to contain the water on the window sills and not all over the place.
Also: In the good old times you could place a sandbag there to reduce draft during the cold months.
It’s called a windowsill (Fensterbank in German). It covers the wall underneath the window, and the insulation in the wall from mousture and creates a smooth barrier between the wall and the window.
Bus it’s also a bit of a cultural thing as seen on your photo with this very narrow winsowsill. That’s more for decoration purposes.
We tend to place some things on it. Or jusl like the look of it. In older Buildings (and also in ver recent ones) larger wndowsills were (and are being) used to sit by the window to enjoy the view or just have daylight to read a book.
And for the ventilation. It’s strongly recommended, that you open all your windows about 2-3 times a day for 5-15 minutes depending on the outside temperature. So you get enough fresh air but do not waste too much heating energy by letting constantly warm air out trough ventilation shafts. That’s not a thing anymore.
That said I wish you a happy stay in Switzerland.
This is made for cats, so they can look outside
I had thought it was space for your flowers. Well, I’ve only been here three months.
Your landlord needs to renovate your place. This is disgustingly neglected and reminds me of my old place, which was also mostly a dump. And of the bathroom joints are moldy, too.
How much do you pay for this and where?
They are for collecting the condensation.
You have to air a Swiss apartment at least twice a day for 15 mins now, and for maybe 5 to 7 minutes in the cold months, and then you won’t have these problems.
It’s annoying, but it is what it is.
One of the only things that hasn’t been carefully thought out here.
The rest of the place is perfection though, almost.
​
EDIT: My wife has just corrected me.
You should do it at least 3 to 4 times a day, for 5 to 10 minutes!
8 comments
What is the idea behind those grooves?
I guess originally it was supposed to collect condensation from the window panes and prevent it from dripping down the wall and onto the floor.
Mostly tradition. If the window leaks (lightly) then you want to contain the water on the window sills and not all over the place.
Also: In the good old times you could place a sandbag there to reduce draft during the cold months.
It’s called a windowsill (Fensterbank in German). It covers the wall underneath the window, and the insulation in the wall from mousture and creates a smooth barrier between the wall and the window.
Bus it’s also a bit of a cultural thing as seen on your photo with this very narrow winsowsill. That’s more for decoration purposes.
We tend to place some things on it. Or jusl like the look of it. In older Buildings (and also in ver recent ones) larger wndowsills were (and are being) used to sit by the window to enjoy the view or just have daylight to read a book.
And for the ventilation. It’s strongly recommended, that you open all your windows about 2-3 times a day for 5-15 minutes depending on the outside temperature. So you get enough fresh air but do not waste too much heating energy by letting constantly warm air out trough ventilation shafts. That’s not a thing anymore.
That said I wish you a happy stay in Switzerland.
This is made for cats, so they can look outside
I had thought it was space for your flowers. Well, I’ve only been here three months.
Your landlord needs to renovate your place. This is disgustingly neglected and reminds me of my old place, which was also mostly a dump. And of the bathroom joints are moldy, too.
How much do you pay for this and where?
They are for collecting the condensation.
You have to air a Swiss apartment at least twice a day for 15 mins now, and for maybe 5 to 7 minutes in the cold months, and then you won’t have these problems.
It’s annoying, but it is what it is.
One of the only things that hasn’t been carefully thought out here.
The rest of the place is perfection though, almost.
​
EDIT: My wife has just corrected me.
You should do it at least 3 to 4 times a day, for 5 to 10 minutes!
​
OK, Final Answer!
The Law says [at least 2 to 3 times a day, for 5 to 10 minutes](https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/de/home/gesund-leben/umwelt-und-gesundheit/wohngifte/gesundes-wohnen/korrektes-lueften-und-heizen.html)