As snow sport enthusiasts, we are always intrigued by modern alpine architecture since the vast majority of mountain architecture is heavy timbered and rustic. This competition seeks to put a Swedish resort on the map with an enormous mountaintop complex featuring a hotel, 3500 seat auditorium, restaurants, spa, ski facilities, etc.
The winning entry called Biesse-Baenie by Swedish firm Wingårdh Arkitektkontor is a stunning topographic design that extends the slopes and ski lifts up onto an artificial roof landscape punctuated by organic crystalline mounds forming sky lights and the hotel building. The gondola sweeps from the town square at the foot of the mountain and up into the main lobby space of the new building.
The other proposals are also very interesting, but we agree with the jury; the Biesse-Baenie proposal is outstanding.
Link: Breath of Life
Firm: Wingårdh Arkitektkontor