At the top of the Schnals Valley glacier, at an elevation of more than 3,000 meters, an observation deck invites excursionists to climb and take in some breathtaking views of the Tyrolean Alps and abrupt landscape. Following the natural topography of
The idea of ‘inhabited mountain’ inspires the design: while the hillsides accommodate the leisure program, the peak is excavated to harbor the station and is topped by a floating stainless steel sculpture that contains a cafeteria.
An arch system forms the four intertwined shells of the mountain terminal, while the lower terminal is a wood structure measuring between 10 and 25 meters, tautened with steel bars and with a dominant use of concrete and stone in the interiors.
The project replaces the old funicular and strengthens the connection between mountain and city by shortening the distance between them with a one-minute ride, making room for nature in the base station and creating an urban square in the top one. Th
Constructed with post-stressed slabs of concrete and clad with a subtle skin of glass and aluminum, the mineral forms of the new building echo the surrounding mountains.
