374.0 Gipfelgebäude Chäserrugg

The Chäserrugg is the easternmost peak of the Churfirsten Massif, rising gently from the Toggenburg to the north and becomes a steep cliff to the south. The existing 1970s summit station has remained, while a provisional structure was removed to make room for a new restaurant.

The new station is constructed in wood on a concrete foundation. The design of the roof responds to the extremely high wind and snow loads of the alpine heights. The structure consists of a supporting framework assembled conventionally, using prefabricated timber structural elements. Traditional carpentry connections were combined with innovative timber engineering.

Except for the crane, which was transported by helicopter, all of the construction equipment and materials were transported by the cable car in the course of its regular operation.

Located in a protected area, the project was closely observed by natural conservation agencies — a circumstance that impacted the choice of materials and building methods. Timber from the region was used as much as possible, for the structure, cladding, interior fit-out, and most of the furniture.

Excavated earth was used to produce the concrete on site and also as an ingredient of the gravel surfacing. The concrete slab of the terrace stands out from the mountain and the sloping roof shape follows the incline of the surroundings. The building cantilevers over the narrow ridge on which it stands.

This pioneer project to renovate the mountain infrastructure expands the winter ski resort into a year-round destination. It received the first prize of the Prix Lignum Award in recognition of its high-quality and pioneering use of timber in Switzerland. Toggenburg Bergbahnen received the «Landschaft des Jahres 2021» (Landscape of the Year) award for the overall tourism infrastructure landscape of Chäserrugg/Toggenburg.