Mountain hut Briula | Cavigelli & Associates

There are not many places like this. The project plays on the border between inside and outside, old and new, visible and invisible. The picturesque beauty of rural life is paired with modern comfort and the wide view of the Lenzerheide heath.
The alpine hut Briula is situated overlooking the municipality of Valbella on a hill about 1,800 metres above sea level. The original facility consists of a cowshed with a living area and hayloft above, as well as an attached shed with two untouched servants' chambers.

The residential section was once used by Hotel Schweizerhof in Lenzerheide, founded in 1906, as a venue for day trips with guests from all over the world, who came to enjoy the fresh mountain air and the wonderful view of the Julier pass and the lake Heidsee.
 
The building’s exterior remained untouched by the renovation and expansion works so as not to disturb the harmonious location and at the same time not to give prominence to the new interior. Then came the idea to extend the living space inwards, opening up to the landscape through a new gateway to the south, thus exposing the interior to the exterior space.

«The consistent use of timber enabled the construction of the building to take place through collaboration between family and friends.»
– Christoph Cavigelli

the house in the stable
The new structure with its geometric form is striking and yet distinct from the stable, and creates a harmonious barrier between hall and sculpture. The interior arrangement of the rooms makes use of two orthogonal lines of sight, which combine the low ceiling height with a generous amount of space.

The modern furnishing of the Maiensäss includes two large bedrooms, a smaller bedroom with two bunk beds, and a spacious dining area with an open kitchen and a small sitting area, which is characterised by the new soapstone stove.

project information
project
renovation mountain hut

construction start
2018

construction end
2018

scope
architecture, interior design, creative management


construction management
Christian Parpan

heating and sanitary
Vitali Haustechnik AG

engineer
Toni Cavigelli

carpenter
Gebrüder Möhr AG

reclaimed wood furniture
manum, Ralph Steiner

lighting
Werhonig GmbH

photos
Bruno Helbling