The Eagle – Mountain Top Restaurant

Viereck Architekten ZT GmbH

Short description

When first arriving at the site at 2000m above main sea level we were stunned by the panoramic views over the landscape and to the mountain range in the back.
There was a small, rather temporary building structure with a huge umbrella serving as an après ski bar, placed on a picturesque plateau. After removing that existing building, it felt like nature got its rightful piece of land back. Taking that beautiful landscape into consideration, we decided to create a less interfering design for the new structure. A design which relates to its surroundings and acts as a subtle addition to it. Since the project time frame from December 2019 to December 2020 was extremely tight, it was necessary to build an exact 3D BIM model for the entire structure and all façade elements in order to maintain delivery times without delays. Collaborating with a façade specialist as well as M&E planners, it was a great time saving asset to work on shared BIM model considering the short time frame.

In a way we decided to serve the stereotype of mountain huts to be built in timber, but interpreted in a modern and contemporary way: Large visible CLT beams define the restaurant space and provide, together with CLT ceiling panels, a warm and cozy atmosphere. The CLT beams are organized in a star- shape to add a dramatic ceiling design, changing constantly as you walk through the building. The triangular areas between the beams are filled with perforated timber acoustic panels which serve as false ceiling where ventilation systems and electric installations are hidden. The whole interior space is filled with, especially for this building designed, bird- like pendant lamps, which are entirely made of compressed felt to create a bird swarm flying through the building, as reference to its contextual wildlife.

Another highlight of the building is the “Eagle Fly- in” at the lower part of the building, where skiers which do not want to be seated at the restaurant area, can enjoy quick snacks and
drinks - even without unstrapping their skis.