The Mi Chalet Gives New Meaning To Sustainable Architecture

Mi Chalet is the expression of everything we know and love about cozy cabin retreats but in a modern and sustainable form. It was completed earlier this year by renowned architect and hotelier Karl Heinz Castlunger. The chalet’s unique facade design helps it stand out but at the same time allows it to integrate naturally into its surroundings. The photographs taken by Luca Visciani definitely do it justice. Two types of local wood were used throughout the project. Larch was chosen for the wooden shingles on the exterior of the chalet thanks to its weather resistant characteristics. For the interior, the architect chose spruce wood.

Mi Chalet is a very quaint retreat which enjoys a very pleasant relationship with its immediate surroundings
Mi Chalet is a very quaint retreat which enjoys a very pleasant relationship with its immediate surroundings
The design is focused mainly on sustainability but doesn't neglect the aesthetics
The design is focused mainly on sustainability but doesn’t neglect the aesthetics
Instead of a typical pitched roof the chalet features soft curves which give it a very pleasant look
Instead of a typical pitched roof the chalet features soft curves which give it a very pleasant look

The main goal followed by the architect throughout this project was to reach the highest KimaHaus Standard which dictates that the heating energy requirement should be less than 30 kilowatt hours per square meter of living space per year. Another requirement was for the chalet to have extremely low carbon dioxide emissions. The goal was reached thanks to the architect’s visionary strategies when it comes to sustainable design.

The mountain views are breathtaking and best enjoyed from the outdoor deck
The mountain views are breathtaking and best enjoyed from the outdoor deck
The chalet disappears partially into the hillside, forming a small courtyard around it
The chalet disappears partially into the hillside, forming a small courtyard around it
The curved facade is interrupted by a large opening on the side which connects the interior spaces to a wooden deck
The curved facade is interrupted by a large opening on the side which connects the interior spaces to a wooden deck
The interior is just as pleasant and cozy-looking as the exterior, featuring expansive wooden surfaces
The interior is just as pleasant and cozy-looking as the exterior, featuring expansive wooden surfaces
The chalet is insulated with wooden fibers and maintains a very pleasant temperature throughout the winter
The chalet is insulated with wooden fibers and maintains a very pleasant temperature throughout the winter
The triple-glazed windows also contribute to a well-insulated space plus they also bring in all the gorgeous views
The triple-glazed windows also contribute to a well-insulated space plus they also bring in all the gorgeous views
The living room enjoys the best views and has direct access to the outdoors
The living room enjoys the best views and has direct access to the outdoors
The dining room is exquisite, being framed by full-height windows on two sides
The dining room is exquisite, being framed by full-height windows on two sides
Mi Chalet is an amazing expression of sustainability and modern design in every possible way
Mi Chalet is an amazing expression of sustainability and modern design in every possible way