A transparent mountain retreat designed to disappear into the snowy peaks of the Alps.
Perched on a precipice in Zermatt, the Ethereal Glass Residence seeks total integration with the Alpine landscape. The project challenged the traditional “heavy” mountain chalet archetype, opting instead for a lightweight, transparent volume that reflects the surrounding snow and ice. To handle the extreme climate, we utilized advanced triple-glazed structural panels with an integrated krypton gas layer for superior thermal insulation.
The interior is organized around a central stone core that houses the fireplace and mechanical systems, while the living spaces remain entirely open to the horizon. During the winter months, the white-lacquered steel frame becomes nearly indistinguishable from the snowdrifts, creating an illusion of a floating roof. It is a home designed not just to view the mountains, but to live within them.
