What they see is the new Schwarzenstein Refuge (Rifugio al Sasso Nero). Despite its form and materiality, however, the structure does not feel like it does not belong in the alpine surroundings. The architects have managed to harmoniously integrate the building into the landscape. The light bands and Velux skylights play a key role in this - also because of where they are placed.
Windows set the scene for the alpine panorama
In the tower-like hut, which extends over a total of six storeys, the kitchen and a large sitting and dining area are on the ground floor. A continuous band of two-metre-high windows stretches across the entire width of the building here, allowing sunlight deep into the room. At the same time, it provides guests with a 180° panoramic view: The arrangement and dimensions of the window surfaces showcase the alpine landscape and make it look like paintings, for example in the spectacular view over the Hohe Tauern and the Rieserferner group to the Dolomite peaks of the Marmolata.
No separation between facade and roof
Velux / Stifter + Bachmann / Oliver Jaist
The windows on the floors above also perform this dual function. Arranged in a band shape and optimally placed for this purpose, they not only provide daylight and ventilation, but also open up the view of the surrounding mountain peaks.
"In this building, there is no separation between the facade and the roof. It is a large roof, so Velux roof windows were our first choice," emphasises architect Helmut Stifter.
Velux specialists had already assured the architects at an early stage of the project that their regular windows would also meet the requirements at an altitude of over 3,000 metres above sea level and that neither underwater windows nor other extreme solutions would be needed. Apart from the gas pressure equalisation required due to the difference in air pressure between the lowlands and the high mountains and a minor change to the seals, there were no further adjustments to the Velux windows. And sun protection was unnecessary with them: Mountaineers tend to go to bed at dusk and get up at or before dawn.
Through their advice on the work process, the landlord and landlady also provided the impetus for the unconventional use of a standard product: The continuous bar counter in the direction of the restaurant terrace is combined with a larger Velux skylight - when opened, it allows service from the inside and at the same time forms a protective glass roof over the bar for the guests in the outdoor area.
Velux / Stifter + Bachmann / Oliver Jaist
Velux / Stifter + Bachmann / Oliver Jaist
