British architecture studio Foster + Partners have been commissioned to restore a historic pavilion in Kulm Park, Switzerland so that it can be used at next year’s Ski World Championships.
The two-storey Ice Pavilion, which is owned by ski and spa getaway Kulm Hotel St. Moritz, was constructed in 1905 in a traditional Swiss Art Nouveau style. Despite being listed for protection, the structure is on the verge of collapse and the hotel is funding a CHF8m (US$8.1m, €7.2m, £5.4m) restoration and extension programme.
The pavilion, which was used in the 1928 and 1948 Olympics, stands between the main hotel building and a golf clubhouse and faces the hotel’s outdoor ice rink and tennis courts.
Hotel owners the Niarchos family have pledged to open up the facility to the local community when the restoration work is complete, making it available for sporting and cultural events. The pavilion’s grandstand has already been lined up to host the medal ceremonies of the Ski World Championships, which will take place in St Moritz in February 2017.
Work on the wooden refurbishment will begin in March 2016. Some demolition will take place but as much of the original building as possible will be salvaged, including its foundations.
Foster + Partners – who are led by British architect Norman Foster – have included a craft shop, sports equipment rental centre, wood-panelled restaurant and large sun terrace in their design.
The Kulm Hotel opened in 1856 and became a popular destination for summer spa and painting holidays and winter tourist breaks.
The hotel has 172 rooms, five restaurants and a fully-equipped gym.
The Kulm Spa St. Moritz – which looks out towards the resort town’s lake – features a 20m indoor pool with underwater music, various saunas, a steamroom, a hot tub and spa treatment facilities.
