summit experience schafberg

urban design concept
the schafberg summit experience integrates seamlessly into the alpine landscape while developing a distinct, recognizable architectural character. the new building volume is fitted into the footprint left by the existing hotel, allowing the compact structure to be enveloped by alpine terrain on three sides and become part of the topography itself. boundaries between building and landscape are deliberately blurred. the architectural integration of the planned funicular station ensures optimal incorporation of technical infrastructure into the alpine environment. the accessible roof landscape naturally forms multiple viewpoints of the surrounding mountains, providing both non-commercial and gastronomy-related outdoor areas. this offers all visitors attractive, organized spaces, reducing uncontrolled resting and helping preserve alpine flora and fauna.

architectural concept
to the south, the building opens under a shell-like roof across all levels, creating a striking, inviting gesture toward arriving visitors. internally, this design frames spectacular mountain and lake views on every floor. the embedding into natural topography blends interior and exterior spaces throughout. each functional area has independent connections to the outdoors, allowing flexible or temporary exclusive use of certain zones, for example for corporate events.
the new visitor areas are organized over four levels, connected by a central vertical circulation core. interstitial air spaces create multi-level spatial and mountain experiences, allowing continuous visual connections across levels and areas.
level e0 hosts the self-service restaurant with kitchen, storage, and technical areas. the dining area faces south with a generous glass facade, offering impressive views. its location on the lowest level allows the creation of large adjacent outdoor terraces using existing site terracing. visitor access is short and direct, both from outside and via internal circulation.

level e+1 contains the main exhibition area with central reception and info desk. the exit of the planned funicular is directly connected to the vertical circulation, ensuring short, unobstructed visitor flows. exhibition spaces are intentionally functionally open and neutral to allow high flexibility in use.
level e+2 accommodates guest rooms with a small reception and staff rooms. all guest rooms have south-facing balconies with mountain views. staff rooms are accessed separately from guest areas.
level e+3 / roof features the à la carte restaurant with panoramic views in all directions. a dedicated service elevator links the rooftop restaurant to the self-service kitchen on e0.

energy concept
the building is designed as a timber-concrete hybrid structure. elements in contact with the ground are cast in-situ concrete. the short transport distance via material cable car allows efficient concrete placement using a pendulum system and fast-erecting crane on the summit.
floor slabs and roofs are prefabricated timber-concrete composite slabs between timber trusses, enabling rapid and cost-effective construction. timber and engineered wood components are used in tension zones, minimizing ecological footprint, while slim concrete sections in compression provide optimal acoustic, fire, and vibration performance.
thermal mass is activated for energy-efficient operation. photovoltaic and solar thermal modules are integrated into opaque facade areas, reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs. summer overheating is mitigated by internal thermal mass, green roofs providing buffering, and deep south-facing overhangs, while low winter and spring sun allows passive solar gain.