A mountain on the mountaintop

Answering the needs of the growing tourism sector, the government of the Province of Bozen assigned € 10 million for construction of three new huts and renovation of the other 22.

A 2013 competition among eight invited architecture offices from the region was won by Stifter+Bachmann. The project divided public opinion - but a year later, the architects could begin working on the execution design. The construction started in June 2016 and continued with great efficiency during the short alpine summers until October 2017.

In June 2018 the new Sasso Nero mountain hut opened its doors, causing stir both in the architecture and construction circles and among the stunned hikers.

Structure, both floors and ceilings, are made of Cross Laminated Timber panels. The entire interior, including furniture, is made entirely out of untreated spruce wood.
The architects combined their know-how with the experience of the manager of the old hut. His inputs led to a spacious entrance with wardrobe allows alpinists to untangle their equipment inside.

Ground floor contains a kitchen and a large living and dining area. The 2 meter high windows let the sunlight in the depth of the room.

Bathrooms, drying and service rooms are on two levels below the entrance, while the sleeping accommodation opens up on two storeys towards the surrounding peaks. The ribbon-like arranged windows provide each of the sleeping cots - withtwo to five bunk beds in each - daylight and ventilation.