A contemporary return to the Alps

After decades of vacancy, the Umbrüggler Alm reopened in 2016 with a contemporary design by Ludescher Lutz. Positioned on a steep clearing below the Nordkette range, the timber building integrates into the terrain with minimal intervention. It houses a 100-seat restaurant, an operator’s apartment, and an information center, reactivating a historic site with a bold yet respectful form.

A roof that follows the slope

The irregular nine-sided floor plan responds directly to the sloped terrain, while the folding roof—clad in weathering larch shingles—creates a striking silhouette. Inside, untreated white fir defines the 385-square-meter space, with rough-sawn boards covering floors, walls, and ceilings. Slotted ceiling panels offer acoustic comfort without disturbing the natural aesthetic.

Framed by the surroundings

Designed for visual connection, the dining spaces face south with expansive views of the forest and mountains. A continuous strip of triple-glazed windows is shaded by the projecting roof, broken only by slim black columns. In contrast, service zones are oriented toward the shaded north side.

Built for low energy use

Highly insulated with wood fiber mats and fitted with triple glazing, the building achieves an ultra-low heating demand of just 2.7 kWh/m² per year. A heat pump provides primary heating, supported by wood stoves, while a ventilation system with heat recovery captures waste heat from kitchen operations.

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