The existing hut retains its full value within the alpine landscape and remains the central feature of the project. As the embodiment of the site’s identity, it is preserved in its original form, whilst the technical annexes and subsequent additions are removed to restore a clearer and more coherent overall appearance. The new spaces required for the hut’s operation are housed in a second, independent volume set slightly offset from the existing structure. This new, slender and vertical building asserts its presence through simple, abstract geometry reminiscent of the mountain chapels that dot the Alpine landscape. Its gabled roof and light-coloured cladding engage with the historic hut without ever seeking to imitate it. Despite the contrast in forms and materials, the intervention finds a natural balance within the mountain’s rocky landscape.
The project is based on the coexistence of two buildings with complementary characters. The original hut houses the caretakers’ private quarters and domestic facilities, whilst the new volume accommodates the public spaces and guest accommodation. The two structures are connected at ground floor level by a discreet transitional space treated as a reflective airlock, deliberately designed to fade into the background. This layout establishes a clear relationship between the historic building and its extension: the new volume acts as a functional complement whilst allowing the existing hut to retain its central role in the composition. Verticality thus becomes the project’s central theme. The sense of ascent experienced in the landscape continues inside the new building, where circulation routes and living spaces guide the gaze towards the peaks, the glacier and the valley. This compact layout also helps to minimise the building’s footprint and preserve the existing natural terrain.
The project also develops a sensitive relationship with the seasonal variations of the alpine landscape. Through the contrast of its materials, the complex changes in appearance throughout the year, at times a visible landmark in the vast snowy expanse, at others a more discreet presence blending into the mineral hues of the site. The hut thus functions much like the rock ptarmigan, whose plumage changes with the seasons to appear or disappear within its environment. In winter, the light-coloured façades of the new volume emerge from the white landscape as a landmark visible from the valley and the climbing routes. In summer, when the rock and terrain reappear, the historic hut regains a dominant presence whilst the new volume becomes more abstract and unobtrusive. This duality reinforces the dialogue between architecture, climate and the mountain landscape.
The interior layout prioritises a simple and efficient distribution of functions. The dining hall becomes the living heart of the hut, directly connected to the entrance, the kitchen and the outdoor terrace. Opening out onto the vast landscape, it establishes a permanent link between the interior spaces and the alpine environment. The dormitories, spread across the upper levels, enjoy generous views and abundant natural light. The technical and service areas are grouped on the lower levels to ensure efficient operation suited to the constraints of the high mountains. Finally, the construction adopts a lightweight and rational approach thanks to a prefabricated timber structure and durable metal façades, designed to withstand extreme conditions whilst minimising the impact of the building works on this high-altitude environment.
