Finstral supplied highly insulating window elements for the new construction of the Santner Pass hut in South Tyrol at an altitude of 2,734 metres. The Swisspacer Air ensured the optimum safety of the panes during transport by helicopter.
The refuge on the Santner Pass 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. Dormer windows on both sides of the roof provide the interior with daylight. The restaurant on the ground floor offers exceptional views of the high alpine landscape through large panoramic glazing and a terrace cut into the envelope. The interior is designed almost entirely in wood - simple and modern with clean lines. This futuristic-looking architecture caused a lot of discussion in South Tyrol, as the hut owners Romina and Michel Perathoner report, who now have 36 sleeping places available instead of the previous 17.
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.
This is where our exciting story begins: our windows have learnt to fly, says Finstral salesman Thomas Röggla, who managed the delivery and installation of the windows. Every step had to be planned and prepared in detail. It all started in our glass production facility in Scurelle near Trento. 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 - explains Röggla.
Finstral delivered the finished elements to the exact minute to the collection point, from where they were transported onwards by helicopter. We couldn't make any mistakes, especially with the large, very heavy window walls; the respective loads couldn't be too heavy under any circumstances. In addition, 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 - explains Kristin Oberrauch, head of Finstral direct sales South Tyrol to Verona.
The frames and elements were deposited in a storage area close to the construction site, then transported to the hut with a vacuum cleaner using a construction crane and assembled. The assembly work directly on the steep slope was carried out by Finstral fitters, who had to have a good head for heights and be physically fit as well as having the right equipment. In a total of 10 days, the assembly frames and window elements were installed with maximum concentration and efficiency.
Both the hosts and visitors to the Santner Pass hut now benefit from unique architecture as well as glass and window solutions that impress with their high level of aesthetics and functionality. The front door and the frames of the windows and window walls were fitted with aluminium on both the inside and outside. They blend in stylistically with the exterior facade and lend the rooms a modern and elegant character on the inside. The glass of the elements also had to offer stability, especially in the lower area: the triple glazing used was fitted with laminated safety glass on the outside to prevent the glass from breaking if snow should press on the surface from outside.
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.
The project was very complex and involved a lot of tension, but we mastered everything and are happy that everything went so smoothly, summarises Kristin Oberrauch. And we enjoy the wonderful view through the beautiful, high-quality windows - say Michel and Romina Perathoner with great satisfaction.
