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Gouter Mountain Shelter
Groupe H + Decalaage
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Perched at 3,835 meters on Mont Blanc, the “mountain hut refuge” stands as a beacon of modern architecture and sus- tainability. Designed for mountaineers at the final stage of their climb, the shelter is a four-story, elliptical structure, crafted from local timber and alloy steel, perfectly integrated into the alpine environment. The refuge, with a floor area of 720 m², accommodates up to 120 people, offering a restaurant, dormi- tories, and essential facilities. The building’s design addresses the harsh meteorological conditions of Mont Blanc, with wind speeds exceeding 300 km/h. The structure is anchored by 69 deep foundations, ensuring stability against the mountain’s unpredictable weather. Constructed primarily from regionally sourced wood, the refuge utilizes glue-laminated Douglas pine and recycled wood fiber insulation, minimizing transportation emissions and ecological impact. The building’s facade is clad in low-reflectivity satin-finished stainless steel, harmonizing with its surroundings and ensuring durability. Energy efficiency is central to the shelter’s operation. It is entirely self-sufficient, using solar panels to generate electricity and thermal ener- gy for melting snow and heating water. A backup biomass co-generation system, running on rapeseed oil, provides emergency power. The refuge also boasts advanced venti- lation and a unique sanitation system, which recycles water using submarine-grade filtration technology, minimizing envi- ronmental impact. This sustainable design, created through prefabricated modules, combines technological innovation and natural resource management, making it a cutting-edge example of architecture in extreme environments.
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