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Shining Solar Beacon Lights the Way for the Weary Traveler
Written by soniaydong 
Photo:
All images via Holcim Foundation
Avid skiers may soon find a shining new example of sustainable shelter on their next trip to the Swiss Alps. The Monte Rosa Hut, developed by the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) and winner of Holcim Awards Bronze 2008 Europe, is an alpine shelter that uses state-of-the-art technology to self-sufficiently produce energy, collect water and treat both solid waste and waste water - all at 2,883 m above sea level. As a result, the Monte Rosa Hut will be quite superior to existing alpine huts, as it cuts CO2 emissions by one third compared to older buildings.
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Like a shining beacon that beckons the weary traveler home, the Monte Rosa Hut is revealed as a gleaming, metallic structure sheathed in photo-voltaic cells on closer inspection. Upon entry, guests will find five stories of segment-shaped, wood lathe constructed living space that includes ample dining areas as well as shared spaces to rest weary limbs.
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In addition to the capture of solar energy for electricity, the building includes a spiral-shaped band of glass around the whole structure, conducting passive solar energy into the dining room and a wrap-around staircase. Guests will be treated to warm sunlight and expansive views of the surrounding mountains at every step.
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A computer-aided mechanical production process was used to design the shelter to cut down on on-site building requirements, maximize the efficient use of materials and reduce transportation weight.
Dining Area Floorplan
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Room Floorplan
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However, even as a bronze medalist, the project is not without some drawbacks. High construction costs will be associated with transport of materials to the remote mountain-top location, and jury members of the Holcim Awards were concerned with the transferability of the project as a whole. Planned for inauguration this summer, it remains to be seen whether this futuristic new shelter will come to fruition. We'll be watching!
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Comments
Richard (not verified) says:
Oct 23rd, 2009 at 7am
At any rate, solar power is still the way to go because it does no harm to the environment and is low-priced.
1. It won't require us to disturb ecological systems.
2. It requires the aid of the sun which, until it dies in the next, oh say, billion years, is limitless.
3. It's cool. Makes our homes look like robots but live like plants!
solar man (not verified) says:
Mar 26th, 2009 at 12pm
I'll be watching also. I'd love to pay it a visit. I love that part of the world.
Courtney (not verified) says:
Mar 27th, 2009 at 3am
This is an amazing and sleek building. I would definitely want to stay here if I ever get a chance to visit the Swiss Alps. It was interesting to learn the innovative ways people come up with to make buildings and living more environmentally friendly. It is sad though that the price for being kind to the environment is so high. Hopefully one day the demand for "green" gadgets and buildings will increase so that the prices would decrease.
Home Solar Systems (not verified) says:
Now that is a true ski lodge loaded with green tech. Way to go!
John