Mountain summit restaurant, Stoos, Switzerland

In 1997, a fire triggered by lightning destroyed the mountain top Fronalpstock Stoos summit health resort restaurant. A new and modern restaurant has recently been rebuilt at the same location. The Fronalpstock Stoos health resort stands an impressive 1900 metres above sea level and with its breathtaking panoramic view across 11 lakes and the surrounding mountain landscape, it was a challenge for the architect from both a planning and construction point of view.

The new restaurant was designed to convey a relaxed cosy atmosphere, with sufficient space for 300 diners, both in the restaurant and on the terrace. The traditional mode of construction, with the basement in reinforced concrete and the floor above in timber, was combined with a significant volume of glazing. The architect’s idea was to have rooms flooded with natural light on all sides.

From the glass terrace, a stunning picturesque view of the mountain landscape fascinates visitors. The east and west façades are entirely glazed from ceiling to floor, allowing light to bathe through the building as the sun rises in the morning and sets in the evening. On the north-facing side, a two-storey atrium was constructed entirely in glass, allowing stunning glare-free views from the ground and top floors of the Schwyz basin with its spectacular panorama.

To counteract wind and snow loads during winter, the architect and developer chose wood and metal framed Pilkington Insulight™ Therm consisting of 8 mm Pilkington Optifloat™, a 12 mm air space filled with krypton gas and Pilkington Optilam™ Therm 8.8. The total IGU thickness was therefore 28 mm and the U-value in accordance with EN 1.0 W/m2K. The floor to ceiling glazing had to have wooden mullions fitted for reinforcement. The metal cladding gave sufficient protection from wind and snow thrown against the glass by wind, whilst the wood framing on the inside gives the feeling of a cosy mountain chalet.

Architektur & Ingenieurbüro Christoph Breu,

Rickenbach/Switzerland