The border crossing near Tisis on the road from Feldkirch into Liechtenstein is one of the most highly frequented in Vorarlberg, Austria. The new island structure, which replaces a number of scattered container offices, was erected to allow border controls to be carried out centrally for two entry and exit lanes respectively. Glazed facades ensure an unimpeded view in all directions for the officials working there. The broad cantilevered roof is raised above the actual building and provides protection against bad weather. The roof construction is surprisingly slender. Approaching from the Austrian side, the structure remains virtually invisible for a long time, hidden as it is between the solid customs buildings and the impressive mountain silhouette in the background. Only when viewed from the underside do the full dimensions of the roof become apparent. It is like a floating platform. The 38 x 22m structure is raised on two steel columns that are situated within the building and are scarcely visible externally. This minimal appearance was achieved, however, only by omitting sealing layers, metal coverings, etc.