The village of St. Antönien is located in a side valley of the Prättigau in the Canton of Graubünden. For centuries, it has been affected by devastating avalanches. Following the catastrophic avalanche winter of 1951 and the widespread decrease of the protective forest, one of the largest avalanche protection structures in Switzerland was built at the Chüenihorn. Through these concrete structures and years of experience in dealing with the "white death," the valley is now relatively safe from avalanches.
Due to the avalanche risk, the region's use is limited even in summer. The forest serves as a critical barrier against avalanches. Thus, it cannot be commercially used and requires constant maintenance. Furthermore, the protective infrastructure limits the territory. Because of the alpine climate, high altitude, and challenging topography, growing crops is economically unviable. Therefore, meat and dairy farming is predominant. Villagers rely on the tradition of Sömmerung where livestock is moved to alpine pastures from June to September to graze on the barren meadows.
A few years ago, maintaining individual pastures became too laborious. Consequently, the local alpine area is now organised as a cooperative, resulting in fewer individual sites. Redundant buildings have been repurposed as holiday homes or are slowly decaying. The tradition is struggling as fewer people are willing to spend the summer on the Alps, leading to overgrown pastures and lost potential.
This project aims to create a shelter of care, linking the problem of traditional transhumance with modern mental health challenges. Due to the fast pace of life and sensory overload, an increasing number of people suffer from emotional fatigue and burnout syndrome. The Alp offers a place of refuge for affected individuals. The traditional Alpaufzug becomes a ritual and preparation for the three-month stay. Patients perform simple tasks under local guidance, gaining a sense of purpose and achievement. This activation therapy provides enough manpower to restore alpine pastures. Caring for cattle and goats acts as a form of animal therapy. The pasturing of the meadows promotes biodiversity whilst also being a form of avalanche protection. As grazing prevents smooth snow surfaces by creating uneven ground, while footpaths increase snow stability, both of which help mitigate avalanche risks. Daily group sessions guided by a therapist and a clear timetable provide support and structure. Additionally, the remoteness and closed group foster a safe space for healing.
The old Maiensäss on the Meierhofer Alp is too small to house the new group. During the winter the building is not accessible making its use seasonal. The local typologies of buildings are all in block construction, from the farm building in the valley up to the hay Bargen in the mountains. It is a closed and stable building system. The new structure follows the traditional volumetric form. By spanning steel cables from the existing rafters, a thin translucent canvas can be fixed on top, providing wind and rain protection. Contrasting the timber intensive solid Blockbau the new system is lightweight, flexible and temporary. The modules are inspired by Histen, traditional racks to dry hay and crops. The wooden beams are fixed with wedges, creating a rigid frame that can absorb movement without weakening the details. Warm wool tents between the Histen create a comfortable sleeping retreat. The low dry-stone walls serve as foundations and softly terrace the steep hill, shaping the landscape and marking the structure's impact permanently.
During hot summer days, the canvas and tents can be opened for ventilation. Whereas on rainy days, the appearance changes as the canvas is tensioned to the ground. If temperatures drop below zero, the group can seek temporary shelter by bringing their mattresses and sleeping bags inside and gathering around the warm oven.
At the end of the season, the structure can be partly deconstructed and hung to the facade. Canvas and textiles are kept inside the house, while shelves and beams are stored in the stable below. With the next season the full structure can be reassembled again to its full capacity. It is also possible to limit its size by leaving some walls unbuilt or by constructing only a single wing. The individual parts are based on uniform dimensions and are easily handled by two people.
As shown, local avalanches limit the territory. Through sheltering the tradition of transhumance, the basis of the village is preserved. The project is all about care. To care for the Alps and animals, but also the built environment and, by doing so, taking care of one’s mental health.
