ArchitectureFlorence LOctober 26, 2020Schnals Valley GlacierOtzi Peak, South Tyrol, Italy, Travel, Schnals Valley Galcier

ÖTZI PEAK 3251M || Viewing Platform at Schnals Valley Glacier, South Tyrol

ArchitectureFlorence LOctober 26, 2020Schnals Valley GlacierOtzi Peak, South Tyrol, Italy, Travel, Schnals Valley Galcier

Here, at more than 3000 meters above sea level, your mind is refreshed with the wide-open views.

There is something sublime about this special place, right at the top of the Schnals Valley Glacier ridge, where Italy's impressive alpine landscape soars high above the reservoir below, and Austria is around the corner.

The Hotel Grawand lies at the very top of this unique alpine intersection, which at over 3,000 meters above sea level, is one of the few hotels in Europe located at such an altitude. The summit is a stone's throw away at a distance of about 50 meters. The breathtaking landscape view of snow-covered mountain peaks makes time standstill. Hikers and skiers visit the peak to experience nature at its fullest: rugged, stony, with wind and weather – pure.

To allow visitors at the hotel and those day-seizing nomads learn more about the fascinating history of this alpine wonderland, noa* network of architecture designed a unique architectural structure offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountainous terrain.

The viewing platform was developed based on a light structure made of Corten steel, giving a modern touch that also blends in with the landscape. The design incorporates the pre-existing summit cross, and the platform only touches the ground where there is a static necessity - creating a detached, almost floating construction that lets you become one with the mountains and breathe in the freedom.

The platform follows the natural topography with a plateau grid placed on top of slender crossbeams, which are enveloped in vertical lamellas of Corten steel. The parapet-high, vertical elements trace these gentle curves in their sequence. This creates a magical effect: an opening and closing of views that follow the movement of the viewer - an invitation to discover new perspectives time and again. This unique dynamic creates a fully immersive, sensual experience in which time stands still for a moment, and every other souvenir is eclipsed.

Speaking of time, a geometric funnel was cut into the undulating viewing platform to direct viewers’ eyes towards something timeless - the place where Ötzi was found. Only a few meters from the Austrian border, the angle of the viewing funnel takes the visitor on a carefully crafted, intellectual journey to the Iceman. The viewing funnel was designed with Corten steel, and like the slats on the railing, the steel turns dark brown, grey, and black as it yields to the elements and becomes one with its surroundings. The funnel end is completed with a glass railing which suspends your thoughts in breathtaking suspense – it seems as if you are walking on air.

*A geometric funnel directs the viewers’ eyes towards the place where Ötzi was founded*

*Step inside to become one with the mountains*

noa* network of architecture’s Ötzi Peak 3251m project highlights the natural beauty high at the soaring peaks, and shares the story of the region with travellers, guiding their exploration and experience through thoughtfully designed elements.