Foster + Partners‘ project restores the existing 1905 eispavillon which played host to the 1928 and 1948 Winter Olympics. The building had been abandoned for many years, and had fallen into a state of extreme disrepair. The new scheme brings the building back to its original state with the ice skating rink as the focus, also introducing a new club restaurant, patisserie, and sun terrace for visitors and the local Engadin community to enjoy.
To expand the old eispavillon’s capacity to host events, a new multipurpose pavilion has been incorporated with links to the historic structure.
Designed in the spirit of a mini-stadium, it is set to be the focus of the annual calendar of sporting and cultural events including the medal ceremonies at the Ski World Championships to be held in St Moritz in February 2017, as well as music festivals and shows of classic cars.
Located on the northern edge of the Davos Plaun, which forms an ice rink in the winter and a wide lawn for outdoors exhibitions and events in the summer, the new extension is a flexible structure that will provide a platform for a wide variety of activities throughout the year, from a sun terrace to a concert stage.
The design of the new pavilion continues the Engadin tradition of woodcraft, with a cantilevering canopy that extends from the street edge to form a partially covered space, sheltered from rain and snow.
The 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 at the other end. This allows for views towards the skating rink and the surrounding mountains from the street, while protecting the site from the cold winds that blow into the valley.
Adjoining the new pavilion, the historic eispavillon has been regenerated, reinstating not just the architecture, but the historic spirit of the place – a celebration of skating, sport and sun. There is a new restaurant and exhibition area on the first level, showcasing various memorabilia that evoke the alpine tradition of the valley, so in that sense it is also a museum.
The refurbishment is faithful to the original style, preserving the historic features, along with a sympathetically designed ‘Orangerie’ as an indoor-outdoor space with picturesque views of the valley. Facilities for skating and curling equipment hire can be accommodated in the future and an outdoor bar is located on the lower level with direct access to the Davos Plaun.
Plans
Facts & Credits
Architecture Foster + Partners
Year 2016 – completion
Location St Moritz, Switzerland
Area 790m²
Client Kulm Hotel, St. Moritz
Collaborating Architect Kuchel Architects AG
Lighting Engineer Foster + Partners
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
READ ALSO: House in Matsuyacho / Shogo ARATANI Architect & Associates