norman foster renovates and extends the kulm eispavillon in st moritz

norman foster has renovated and extended a historic structure in the swiss resort town of st moritz, which had previously been abandoned for several years. originally built in 1905, the ‘kulm eispavillon’ had fallen into severe disrepair. now open to the public, the building has been given a complete overhaul, with the addition of an ice skating rink, a new club restaurant, and a sun terrace.

all images © nigel young, courtesy of foster + partners

to expand the old pavillon’s capacity to host events, foster + partners incorporated a new multipurpose building with connections to the historic structure. conceived as a mini-stadium, the venue is set to be the focus of the annual calendar of sporting and cultural events, including the medal ceremonies of the world ski championships held in february 2017.

a new pavilion has been added to the historic structure

the project is located on the northern edge of the davos plaun, which forms an ice rink in winter and a lawn for outdoors events in summer. the design pays homage to the region’s long history of woodcraft, with a cantilevering roof that extends from the street edge to form a partially sheltered space. this canopy is made of horizontal wooden slats which allow for views through to street level. the structure extends into a wall that curves around the northern corner of the site, terminating in a smaller sun canopy.

the venue is set to be the focus of the annual calendar of sporting and cultural events

adjoining the new structure, the renovated eispavillon preserves the original building’s historic features. the site includes a new restaurant on the first level, and exhibition area that showcases various alpine memorabilia. an ‘orangerie’ forms an indoor-outdoor space with views across the valley, while an outdoor bar at the scheme’s lower level offers direct access to the davos plaun.

the design pays homage to the region’s long history of woodcraft

‘I approached this project not only as an architect, but as a sympathetic resident of st moritz; to me it was all about bringing the historic structure and the davos plaun back to life, to recreate a space for the local community,’ says lord norman foster. ‘the restoration of the old eispavillon and the new extension seek to re-establish kulm park as the social focus of this part of the town, providing a new destination for visitors and residents of the engadin valley alike. using the local tradition of wood, the entire ensemble is designed to be of the place, both in spirit and materials.’

various alpine memorabilia is displayed throughout the scheme

the renovated eispavillon preserves the original building’s historic features

a new restaurant is found on the first level

a cantilevering roof forms a partially sheltered space

the project is located in the luxury swiss alpine resort of st moritz

project info:

architect: foster + partners
collaborating architect: küchel architects AG
timber construction: blumer – lehmann AG
steel manufacturer: pfister metallbau AG
stonework: edilstone AG
civil engineer: edy toscano AG
builder: nicol. hartmann & cie. AG
electrical installation: arge merz AG / elektro RES AG
heating and ventilation: hälg & co. AG
refrigeration plant: kälte 3000 AG
roofing: nani gregor
windows: holzmanufaktur swiss AG

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