It was inaugurated in early spring 2010 on the Gornergrat icicle, in the Swiss part of the Alps, at a height of 2883 meters. It is probably the most futuristic and particular mountain refuge in the world; we are talking about Neue Monte Rosa Hutte.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
It was inaugurated early in the spring of 2010 on the Gornergrat glacier, in the Swiss part of the Alps, at a height of 2883 meters. It is probably, the most futuristic it's particular mountain retreat to the world; we are talking about Neue Monte Rosa Hutte.
The most shocking aspect of the building is its architecture. It is not quite the classic chalet or the wooden bay. The Neu Monte Rosa Hutte is a 5-storey building which offers a unique panorama, able to take your breath away. There facade, in fact, it shows up with a faceted rock crystal texture in perfect balance between design and high technology. The project, conceived by some researchers of the EMPA - Swiss National Institute for research in the field of materials - it is also innovative in terms of eco-sustainability, being 90% self-sufficient.
This particular shelter has structural elements in wood, produced with numerical control machines, thus managing to optimize costs and transport. A preliminary estimate has, in fact, made it possible to apply the logic of sustainability also in the organization of transport, assembly and general construction site. The main feature of the project, however, is the ability to modulate natural light. The facade, consisting of a large window, allows you to enjoy the surrounding landscape directly from the dining room. There are also numerous other openings that also allow the internal rooms to take advantage of all the light generated by the sun. The situation is different for the roofs on the façade. They are integrated into the roof in diagonal sections and, given their positioning, have undergone special wind resistance tests. Obviously, the structure is externally covered with solar panels that allow energy self-sufficiency for hot water.
Not only solar power. Also present 85 square meters of photovoltaic panels capable of allowing the treatment of dirty water, lighting and the use of appliances. On the other hand, as regards excess energy, an intelligent method of reuse has been studied. By means of accumulators, a continuity of supply is preserved and guaranteed in the absence of light. By means of an integrated system, the resource is managed which, through a preventive meteorological analysis and the number of guests expected, allows a reduction in CO2 emissions of about one third per night per user.
The refuge was not a low budget project. They were spent about 5,7 billion Swiss francs. It has a capacity that allows it to accommodate up to a maximum of 120 people and, in addition to the tourist function, it comes used as a basis for university research on home automation and energy. Although it has existed for a few months, it has already been able to boast an important recognition: the Holcim Award Bronze Europe. One of the most important awards in the world for sustainable construction.
even waste disposal, used in construction, it was thought in such a way that find a totally efficient solution. It was enough to use easily disposable and recyclable materials that did not emit substances harmful to the environment, without altering the ecosystem in which they were inserted.
Neue Monte Rosa Hutte is, therefore, a mountain refuge that is the pride of eco-sustainability. If this year the white week you think of to do it in the Swiss Alps, a visit for a rest in an environmentally friendly place is at least a must.
Alessandro Ribaldi
