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Cascading Facade of Local Stone and Timber Integration in Mountain Hospitality Design

Authors:
Tomasz Mateusz Budnicki, Christina Stefanie Van Baal
Cascading Facade of Local Stone and Timber Integration in Mountain Hospitality Design

Project in-detail

Constructed with a cascading facade of local stone and sustainably sourced timber, the design integrates into the mountainous landscape while providing a sophisticated retreat for wellness and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cascading design reflects local topography for seamless integration with the landscape.
02
Extensive use of locally sourced stone enhances durability and reduces environmental impact.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural efficiency while maintaining aesthetic warmth.
04
Charred wooden shingles contribute to fire resistance and a modern rustic appearance.
05
Bespoke wellness facilities emphasize a connection to nature through outdoor spa integration.

### Project Overview

The Alpine Hotel & Spa is a comprehensive renovation of a structure originally established as a restaurant in 1968. This project aims to convert the site into a luxury mountain hotel and spa, incorporating modern hospitality features while maintaining sensitivity to the natural landscape. The design focuses on enhancing the guest experience through architectural strategies that promote comfort, accessibility, and a strong connection to the surrounding environment.

### Spatial Integration and Form

Central to the design is a commitment to harmonizing with the mountainous context. The building's cascading form is inspired by the natural topography, allowing it to blend into the landscape while offering expansive views. Varying elevations throughout the structure facilitate natural light and ventilation, creating a dynamic interior environment. The overall layout prioritizes functional movement patterns, with common areas, guest rooms, and wellness facilities thoughtfully arranged to enhance accessibility and user experience.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

A significant aspect of the architectural approach is the careful selection of materials that reflect both functional and aesthetic values.

- Local stone is prominently featured in the façade, contributing to the building's rugged appearance and ensuring durability against environmental elements essential for high-altitude conditions.
- The use of sustainably sourced wood throughout the interiors and exteriors introduces warmth and texture, creating a cozy atmosphere while reinforcing the project’s commitment to eco-friendliness.
- Extensive glazing creates unobstructed views, enhancing the connection between the interior spaces and the alpine environment, while also maximizing natural light to reduce artificial lighting requirements.
- Steel elements provide necessary structural integrity, especially where significant load-bearing is needed.

Incorporating innovative practices, the project utilizes geothermal heating and rainwater harvesting systems to minimize ecological impact, thus aligning with contemporary sustainability trends in architecture. Moreover, the design reflects the cultural significance of the region, incorporating traditional Alpine architectural elements with a modern interpretation, ultimately achieving a balance between heritage and luxury.

Unique features, such as cantilevered terraces and outdoor spa areas, are strategically designed to provide privacy while allowing guests to engage fully with the stunning natural surroundings.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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