Europe’s got some seriously spectacular mountainous regions. And the striking design (as in the featured image by Hans Murman) of these mountaintop buildings is the perfect ode to their beauty.
The Timmelsjoch Experience Pass Museum – Austria
This cantilevered curiosity commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road (pass) in Austria. It’s perched at the summit of the stunning Timmelsjoch mountain pass, 2,509 metres above sea level.
Architect: Werner Tscholl
Restaurant Tusen – Sweden
Traditional Sami tents inspired this mountainside restaurant. Situated 1,000 metres above sea-level in the Swedish ski resort of Ramundberget, its circular shape constructed of towering birch logs is designed to buffer the strong and icy Nordic winds that batter this region.
Architect: Murman Arkitekter
Climbers can now shield themselves from the tough, high altitude elements on the Freboudze glacier (Mont Blanc Range in Italy) in this giant metal tube. Inside the refuge is a bit like a nuclear bunker, with a kitchen, bunk beds and a computer giving access to detailed weather reports.
Architect: LEAPFactory
Norwegian Wild Reindeer Centre Pavilion – Norway
This gorgeous pavilion is used as an education centre by the Norwegian charity the Wild Reindeer Foundation. On first appearances it has just a simple rectangle shape. But up close it has a number of intricately curvaceous features fashioned from timber – a tribute to surrounding Dovre Mountains.
Architect: Snøhetta
Unfortunately you can’t visit the Alpine Capsule, because this vision is yet to become a reality. We love the idea so much we’ve included it anyway. The eight-metre wide capsule (hugely reminiscent of The Bean in Chicago) is described as a self-sustainable alpine retreat, designed to exist in harmony with its surrounds. We’ll be among the first to sign up if it ever makes its way off the drawing board.
Architect: Ross Lovegrove
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
