Modern chalet-style living
Unmistakably Alpine
You want your mountain home to look and feel unmistakably Alpine. Built from the noblest of locally-sourced materials, Elva’s ten residences and The Penthouse offer the best of modern chalet-style living, blending Swiss craftsmanship and classic Alpine design features – timber touches, fireplaces and balconies – with a sleek aesthetic and airy feel. Chic, contemporary and thoughtfully designed with its nature setting in mind.
“Elva beams with serenity, like a rock that’s always been there.”
– Oliver Brandenberger
In conversation with Oliver Brandenberger
Basel-based Oliver Brandenberger and Adrian Kloter, in collaboration with Siebnen-based interior designer Herbert Bruhin, are the lead architects on Elva, where they manifest their penchant for putting a contemporary spin on traditional craftsmanship.
What was your ambition when designing Elva? Andermatt is full of impressions, from the mix of old and new architecture to the spectacular natural setting. It’s a place that’s constantly changing, that’s why I wanted Elva to be a calm building, a house that beams with serenity, like a rock that’s always been there.
Speaking of rocks, did the surrounding mountains act as an inspiration? It’s impossible to build something in Andermatt without looking toward the nearby Schöllenen gorge with its beautiful rock formations. There are many ancient legends surrounding this place of natural drama and it’s understandable why. Its natural beauty is still incredibly fascinating today.
How did this influence the construction materials? The building has a prefabricated timber frame, but the façade has plaster elements which remind of the mountains of the Saint-Gotthard Massif. The building surface feels rough and natural, giving the structure an authentic feel. The timber elements, found on the balconies among others, add a bit of softness and play on the typical features of chalet architecture.
Tell us more about the sourcing of building materials The inside features natural stone from the Valais, as well as larch wood for the floors. There are still some larch forests in and around Andermatt, so this material creates a nice link to the surrounding landscape, plus it smells nice because we use untreated wood.
What is it like to work in a country with such a rich building tradition? Here in Switzerland we highly value the work of carpenters, plasterers and other craftsmen. Their skill is passed on from generation to generation, so the knowledge in these fields is still vast. Elva is full of details where we reinterpret traditional craft methods in a modern way. In the old days, for example, façades had to be symmetrical but we were able to be more creative with proportions, which is visible in the bigger-than-usual window sills and the arches.
Andermatt Responsible
We’re committed to creating a sustainable future for Andermatt and the region beyond. Andermatt Responsible is our campaign for sustainable, climate-friendly tourism in the region. We incorporate the community in mountain cleanups and keep the consumption of resources as low as possible.
About us
Andermatt Swiss Alps AG is transforming Andermatt to become the new height of Swiss Alpine living. With its hotels, sports infrastructure, events programme and real estate, ASA is creating a vibrant community for guests and residents to enjoy, building to the highest possible sustainability standards.
Samih O. Sawiris Chairman Orascom Development
Creating destinations
“The first time I visited Andermatt, I encountered something special: the unadulterated natural beauty of a Swiss mountain village in the heart of the Alps. I was captivated, not only by the village of Andermatt, but by the whole valley. The expansive high mountain Ursern Valley, with its wild and aromantic natural landscape, inspired my vision of Andermatt Swiss Alps. Even then, it was clear to me that the soul of this region lies in its untouched nature. I see sustainability as the cornerstone upon which the development is based. I warmly invite you to discover the charm of the Swiss Alps. Step into a world that is closer than you think.”
Begin your new life at Elva in Andermatt Swiss Alps...
