Dezeen Magazine

Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge

Perched on an Alpine ridge 3256 metres above sea level, this shiny steel cabin by Swiss firm Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes creates a starting point for mountaineers climbing the Bishorn, Weisshorn or Tête de Milon (+ slideshow).

Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge

Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes designed Tracuit Mountain Hut to replace an existing climbers' facility that had been constructed in 1929 in the Chaussy section of the Swiss Alpine Club.

Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge

The existing building had been subjected to a number of adaptions over the years and would have required extensive renovation to bring it up to modern standards, so a decision was made to simply knock it down and start from scratch.

Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge

Wrapping over the peak of a mountain and glacier, the building has an angular shape that is orientated south to make the most of solar heat and energy.

Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge

"The nature of the site, between a cliff and a glacier, defined the position and shape of the new hut, which is constructed along the ridge above the cliff, fitting in with the site's topography," said the architects.

Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge

Solar panels cover the south elevation and the roof, allowing the building to generate all of its own power. Larger windows are also located on this side of the building, where they can take advantage of solar heat gain.

Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge

The difficulty in transporting concrete to the remote location prompted the architects to use a timber frame for the building's structure, which had to be prefabricated and airlifted to the site by helicopter.

Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge

Corrugated stainless-steel panels clad the west, north and east elevations, creating a shiny surface that offers a distorted reflection of the surroundings.

Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge

Four storeys of accommodation are contained within the building, including sleeping spaces for up to 116 guests and large canteen.

Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge

"From the refectory, guests enjoy an uninterrupted, plunging view over the Val de Zinal," added the architects.

Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge

Photography is by Thomas Jantscher.

Here's some project text from Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes:


New Tracuit Mountain Hut, Zinal

The Tracuit Mountain Hut (altitude 3256 metres) belongs to the Chaussy section of the Swiss Alpine Club and is situated in the Val d'Anniviers, in the heart of the Valaisan Alps. Its superb position makes it the ideal starting-point for climbing the Bishorn, the Weisshorn, and the Tête de Milon.

Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge

The hut was built in 1929 and enlarged several times to cope with a constant increase in guest numbers and expected levels of comfort. Current requirements concerning health and safety, staffing, facilities, and environmental protection meant that the hut needed to be enlarged and completely refurbished. As transforming the existing hut would have produced a significant cost overhead, the club decided to build a new one. The design was chosen via an architectural competition.

Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge

The nature of the site, between a cliff and a glacier, defined the position and shape of the new hut, which is constructed along the ridge above the cliff, fitting in with the site's topography. The south facade of the building extends from the cliff and works like a large solar collector, being either glazed or covered with solar panels to make maximum use of solar energy. The other facades reflect the surrounding landscape. From the refectory, guests enjoy an uninterrupted, plunging view over the Val de Zinal.

Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge

At this altitude, the construction methods had to be adapted to the adverse weather conditions and to the means of transport available. As transporting concrete is particularly expensive, its use was minimised and restricted largely to individual footings.

Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge

The whole of the structural frame is of wood. The wall and floor components, consisting of studs/beams, insulation and cladding, were prefabricated in the factory and transported by helicopter for on-site assembly. Panels of stainless steel cladding protect the roof and outer walls from the elements.

Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge

The east, west and north walls have only a few openings, reducing heat loss while providing optimum natural ventilation. Larger windows on the south wall, which is exposed to the sun, enable passive solar energy to be stored, and this wall is also covered with solar panels.

Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge

During the work, the existing hut accommodated the usual guests and also the construction workers. At the end of the work, this outdated, energy-hungry building was taken down. The lower part of the walls remains, with the south wall delimiting the terrace and protecting its users from the wind.

Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge

Via its large area of solar panels and south-facing glazing, the building makes maximum use of solar radiation. The compact shape of the building and efficient wall insulation reduce heat loss. Low-tech ventilation is used to recover the significant amount of heat emitted by the building's occupants, while making it more comfortable and preventing any problems with mould growth in premises that are closed for several months of the year.

Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge

Client: Swiss Alpine Club, section Chaussy
Program: hut with 116 beds, (6 dorms with 12 places, 5 dorms with 4 places, 1 dorm with 24 places), refectory, professional kitchen, techniques
Civil engineer: Alpatec SA
HVAC engineer: Tecnoservice Engineering SA

Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge
Site map - click for larger image
Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge
Site plan - click for larger image
Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge
Lower basement plan - click for larger image
Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge
Upper basement plan - click for larger image
Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge
Ground floor plan - click for larger image
Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge
First floor plan - click for larger image
Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge
Section - click for larger image
Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge
South elevation - click for larger image
Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge
East elevation - click for larger image
Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge
North elevation - click for larger image
Steel-clad mountain hut by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes wraps over an Alpine ridge
West elevation - click for larger image