TRELLISES

The long grid-like structure you see against many Amana buildings is the trellis,  that in old Amana served to support grapes that grew there for winemaking and for jams. They stood to just above the windows of the first floor, were made of wood, some left to weather naturally, some painted white. This simple wood lattice work was nailed to the houses and also protected the mortar and stone houses from the vines. It also provided insulation and decoration to the house. The design of the trellis is an idea artist Prestele had, for he needed supports for his many plantings that inspired and were subjects for his many, beautiful litho prints of nature.