In the middle of the Swiss Alps, at 2,260 metres high, stands the Chäserrug restaurant, sharing its name with the ski resort location.
The restaurant is situated within the magnificence of the mountains and designed by the architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron, who created an essential refuge to sit and enjoy the exceptional views.
Built on a steel frame with a base of concrete, typical of the 1070s, which has been entirely covered in solid wood by local artisans. This material was chosen due to its importance in the local tradition of the area. The transport and installation of the wood of 2260 metres was no easy task and a challenge that was overcome by using regular trips in cable cars, the crane however, was transported by helicopter.
The restaurant is located perpendicular to the ski resort and this allows the space to extend horizontally along the landscape. This quality creates a long flexible nave divided into two structures and connected by a covered area. The landscape is framed by a succession of windows with tables and benches placed on one of its sides in order to take in the breath-taking landscape.
In addition to the landscape and the predominant wood throughout the space, attention is drawn to the chosen succession of chairs and, in particular, to Chair B, by Konstantin Grcic for BD Barcelona Design. This chair, from the Silver Delta award 2011, is made from wood, which houses aluminium parts in the structure. The chair is also horizontally stackable and has a folding seat that facilitates storage. A perfect balance between aesthetics and function.
Photos courtesy of BD Barcelona Design.
