Location | Pilatus Kulm, Alpnach OW |
Client | PILATUS BAHNEN AG, KRIENS |
Commission | Competition on invitation 2008 |
Planning | 2008–2010 |
Construction | 2010–2011 |
Architects | Graber & Steiger Architekten, Project Architect: Philip Käslin |
Consultants | Construction manager: Jürg Gabthuler, Structural engineer: Dr. Schwartz Consulting, Cost management: Büro für Bauökonomie, Façade engineering: Metallprojekt GmbH |
Photographer | D.M. Wehrli |
The impressive, crystalline silhouette of the Pilatus massif was integrated into the design for the panorama gallery and developed further in an architectural form. The new structure is subtly fitted into the Alpine terrain and develops between existing buildings and striking rocky outcrops into an artificial topography. The polygonal, meandering ground plan and the gentle cross-sectional modulation are spatial strategies that evoke gentle transitions between the developed and undeveloped landscape. The polygonal connecting section choreographs a series of spectacular perspectives and breath-taking viewpoints, while also acting as a perceptive amplifier that stages the reference to the landscape to the fullest extent. The underlying crystalline theme of the volumetrics is also reflected in the structure, construction and materialisation, and is based on a hybrid steel and concrete composite system.
Every year for the past 20 years, Archithese magazine has published a special selection of buildings in its "Swiss Performance" issue. As the editors write, Swiss Performance has become the unofficial yearbook of Swiss architecture. The 2021 issue of Swiss Performance features our design for the "Vertical Factory" at the head quarter of Komax AG in Dierikon in text, plan and image. In her article "Verticality for flat Hierarchies," author Aglaia Brändli highlights how synergies of administration, research and production can be used profitably in vertical production buildings: "Architecture offers the prerequisite for breaking down conventional divisions of manual and office-oriented work and promoting exchange between all the people working there."