The refuge on the Santner Pass, in Italy, is in a unique position in the Dolomites between the Rosengarten peak and the König Laurin wall. The hut, which was redesigned between spring 2021 and mid-2023, was conceived by Senoner & Tammerle Architects as a single-roof house with an outer skin made of galvanised sheet steel that reflects the ambient light and almost blends in with the impressive mountain landscape.
Organising the construction site was a particular challenge, as all the materials had to be transported by helicopter to an altitude of 2,734 metres and installed in an exposed location. The height difference was a particular problem when it came to transporting the triple-glazed windows and panoramic glass units.
But the South Tyrolean window manufacturer Finstral knows all about difficult projects and Swisspacer ensured the optimum safety of the panes during transport by helicopter.
“It all started in our glass production facility in Scurelle near Trento,” explained Finstral salesman Thomas Röggla, who managed the delivery and installation of the windows. “It is located at 375 metres above sea level, the hut at 2,734 metres. The higher the altitude, the less air pressure there is. To prevent the glass from bending and simply breaking or bursting due to this immense difference in altitude and air pressure, we installed the Swisspacer Air in the warm edge spacer bars between the panes during production to equalise the pressure.”
Finstral delivered the finished elements to the exact minute to the collection point, from where they were transported onwards by helicopter. “The helicopter had to ascend relatively slowly so that the air pressure in the windows was equalised and the elements did not burst. It was all timed to the minute,” said Kristin Oberrauch, head of Finstral direct sales South Tyrol to Verona.
Large windows on the ground floor and light colours provide plenty of light and a friendly atmosphere. All windows and glass units are equipped with the Swisspacer Ultimate spacer bar. This ensures that the glass edge remains optimally protected against heat loss even in the harsh climate of the Dolomites – saving energy and supporting a pleasant indoor climate.
Thanks to continuous pressure equalisation, the Swisspacer Air as a small component in the glazing edge reduces the risk of glass breakage during transport. Directly on site, it also minimises the climatic loads acting on windows and window walls at an altitude of 2,734 metres, thus ensuring greater glass protection.
