Moreover, the hut was far from compliant with the latest environmental, hygiene, safety and energy self-sufficiency standards. The intervention consisted of a remodelling of the major spaces, dining area and dormitories in the old hut to preserve its substance, and an extension to house all the functions it lacked. The timber-framed, wood-floored enlargement comprises volumes on three levels and calls to mind a compact, functional rucksack housing the hut’s administrative functions, fuel store, sanitary facilities and private quarters of the warden.

Its volumes are marked by the inverted angle of the parapet, which is in response to the movement of the existing roof. The two roofs, every façade of the extension, and the doors and shutters, are clad in profiled and polished stainless steel sheeting. The new annex also sports thermal and photovoltaic solar panels in support of the hut’s energy self-sufficiency. The contextual choice of materials and construction principles were dictated by the twin imperatives of helicopter-only transport at high altitude and climatic extremes.

The dining area offers enhanced views of the alpine panorama thanks to the creation of a large horizontal window, obtained by merging three small existing windows – the sole modern intervention to affect the appearance of the stone façades.

Photographer: Diogo Marques

Credits: - Photographer - Diogo Marques