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New Mountain Hut
Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes
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The Tracuit Mountain Hut, perched at 3256 meters in the Val d’Anniviers, is a vital refuge for climbers in the Swiss Alps. Originally built in 1929 by the Chaussy Section of the Swiss Alpine Club, the hut’s increasing guest numbers and modern safety and environmental requirements prompted the need for a significant upgrade. Rather than renovate the outdated structure, the club opted to construct a new, eco-friendly build- ing, designed through an architectural competition. The new hut is strategically positioned along a ridge between a cliff and a glacier, with the south-facing façade acting as a large solar collector. This innovative design features extensive glazing and solar panels to maximize energy efficiency and harness passive solar heating. In contrast, the other façades blend into the landscape, with minimal openings to reduce heat loss and optimize natural ventilation. The building’s structural frame is made entirely of wood, with prefabricated panels transported by helicopter to the site. To combat the challenging alpine weather, concrete use was minimized, limiting it to individual footings. Stainless steel cladding shields the roof and walls from harsh conditions, while the south-facing walls ensure the hut benefits from natural sunlight. The design also incorpo- rates low-tech ventilation systems that reduce mold risk and optimize thermal comfort, making it a sustainable and efficient alpine refuge. This carefully planned renovation combines modern design with the natural landscape, creating a func- tional and environmentally responsible retreat for climbers and mountaineers alike.
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