Monte Rosa Hut by Bearth & Deplazes
New Monte Rosa Hut is a five-story modern shelter built in the shadow of the Matterhorn and is Alpine hikers’ new lodge. With its aluminum sheath and asymmetric polygonal shape, the completely new building looks like a contemporary version of a medieval donjon.
Architects: Bearth & Deplazes Architekten AG
Location: Zermatt, Switzerland
Photography: Paulo dos Sousa
Inspiration from architect:
Contemporary version of a medieval donjon: Five-story wood construction made from prefabricated frame elements. The isolated mountain location mandates the greatest possible self-sufficiency. The ambivalence between a sense of security and being exposed defines the building’s structure: below are the communal areas with surrounding ribbon glazing, above the closed sleeping quarters. The cascading spiral stairway opens panorama views when ascending, follows the course of the sun, captures the solar irradiation, and distributes the warmth of the sun throughout the entire house.