2015 marks the 150th anniversary of the first exploration of the last major peaks in the Alps including the Matterhorn. This winter there will be various events throughout the Alps to commemorate the feats, the region and the culture of the area. The anniversary is also commemorating the impact that the Alps has had on modern architecture. There is evidence to suggest that modern attitudes to design originated in the region when German architect Bruno Taut sketched “Alpine Architecture” in 1917. His idea of castles and palaces made of glass nestled on snow covered mountains was inspirational in terms of looking at how buildings can blend with nature.

It is strange to think that Taut’s visions took almost a century to be explored further. In the last few years many more high-altitude properties have been built in the Alps, including many that make innovative use of glass and metal. There are several notable buildings to consider and celebrate for their modern designs and the way they harmonise with their incredible locations.

The Monte Rosa hut is a unique example of “Alpine Architecture”. It sits above Zermatt on a ridge 2,883 metres up the mountain, at the start of the trail to reach the summit, making the hut very popular with climbers. The building has steel cladding and is designed to reflect both the light and the landscape. It is also practically self-sufficient in terms of energy and recycles all waste water.

The Refuge du Gouter sits at an even higher elevation, situated 3,835 metres up Mont-Blanc. The building is a huge upgrade on the previous refuge, using a steel clad wooden frame and a space-age design. The interior is comfortable, warm and minimalist, giving climbers a place to rest during their climbs. The central focus of the property is a plant room that manages melt water so it is safe to consume and stores electricity in battery banks to power the building.

Not all the buildings on peaks are designed solely for climbers. The Chaserrugg lift station in Toggenburg, Switzerland is used by hikers, skiers and visitors who simply want to enjoy a stunning view across six different countries from the 2,260 metre plateau. Earlier this year the station was transformed when it was enveloped with a timber building made from locally sourced spruce.

All of these properties are excellent examples of how landscapes influence architecture and designs, as well as testaments to the ingenuity and skill of the architects. We take inspiration from the ways these architects have used materials, form and location to produce outstanding properties and incorporate these principles into our own work when creating residential and commercial architecture.