Hubertus Alpin Lodges & Spa, Balderschwang

In the night of 14.01.2019, an avalanche hit part of the Hubertus Alpin Lodge in Balderschwang and damaged the hotel complex to such an extent that it had to be partially demolished. The design for the new replacement building is larger and includes more offerings for hotel guests. An infinity pool, a natural bathing pond embedded in a green garden with outdoor sauna and associated plunge pool place the highest demands on the construction of the ceiling above the underground car park. Each of the above-mentioned elements requires or gives the ceiling above the underground car park its very own stamp. Every guest experiences this sculptural impression of the split level ceiling and depressions as soon as they enter the almost 2,500m² underground car park. Split level ceilings were optimally positioned in terms of statics in order to be able to economically transfer the high loads from the pool facilities, the garden and the high snow load into the concrete supports. On the north side, the building is limited by an avalanche wall. In connection with the avalanche protection on the mountain side, this guarantees highest safety for the guests of the hotel complex. On top of the solid structure, a 3-storey wooden building with an all-round glass façade with a view of the surrounding mountain landscape is placed. Adapted to the mountainous building style, the timber construction was designed above all for the climatic conditions and the most consistent structural timber protection possible. A circumferential escape balcony on inclined and diagonal supports serves on the one hand as a canopy and on the other as sun protection. Except for a few areas, the timber construction remains visible on the inside. Wood-concrete composite ceilings allow for larger spans and guarantee the required high standards of sound insulation. The ceilings rest on beams and columns, and solid timber walls serve to brace and create space. The brushed wooden surfaces let the guest feel the sustainable and ecological building material wood. The acoustics are also realised individually in the different areas with the load-bearing composite ceiling by means of milled slats and inserted insulating materials. The structural fire protection is predominantly fulfilled and ensured by concealed node connections.