Alpen Wellness Hostel 4000 and Aqua Allalin

Innovative Eco-Friendly Design Wins Award

The Alpen Wellness Hostel 4000 and Aqua Allalin complex in Saas Fee, Switzerland, is a pioneering project that merges sustainability with Alpine construction to create a long-term, eco-friendly vacation destination. This notable project, which includes a four-story wood building with a ventilated wood façade, earned 3rd place in the 'Prix Lignum 2015' for its innovative use of wood.

Comprehensive Wellness Amenities and Construction Timeline

The complex features a variety of wellness amenities, including a Finnish sauna, a bio sauna, a steam bath, a glacier balcony, and a public bar. The construction utilized 310 m3 of Cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels and 980 m2 of wooden façade. This approach not only highlights the project's sustainable focus but also its commitment to high-quality Alpine construction standards. Key phases of the project spanned from planning and prefabrication in July - October 2013 to the installation of prefabricated elements in November 2013, with the structure completed by May 2014.

Sustainable Energy and Minergie ECO Standard

A significant aspect of the project is its commitment to sustainability. The complex is built to the Minergie ECO energy standard, with careful calculation of grey energy throughout the planning and construction processes. Energy demands for the spa zones and swimming pool are met by a specially created solar-thermal local heating network, complemented by a photovoltaic system on the roof, which generates some of the required electricity.

Key Project Stakeholders and Budget

The construction was managed by multiple companies, including Schweizerische Stiftung für Sozialtourismus as the building owner, Steinmann & Schmid Architekten AG as the architects, and Amobe Baumanagement overseeing construction management. The total construction volume was valued at 1.2 million CHF. The project successfully demonstrates an innovative use of prefabrication techniques, sustainability in construction, and efficient energy management, making it a benchmark for future developments in similar settings.