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Swiss architect Tilla Theus has designed an aluminium-clad restaurant named Gipfelrestaurant, which has recently opened at Weisshorn, Arosa, atop the Alps in Switzerland.

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Gipfelrestaurant is located 2650 meters (8700 feet) up atop the Arosa Weisshorn in the Swiss Alps. The irregular hexagon restaurant boasts of a pleated and folded facade which has been created using anodised aluminium by facade specialists Scherrer. Located on the centre of the plateau, the design is characterised by sloping walls and sloping roof. The anodised aluminium façade creates a scaly skin,which enables the building to mingle with its surrounding snowy mountains. Its archaic form and materialisation enables it to mix with the overall natural landscape.

Inside, the restaurant mimics the atmosphere of a cozy mountain home. The designer has used an assortment of simple, natural and warm materials to create the interiors. These include raw pine ceilings and walls, dark crumb rubber on the ground, and fresh red body in the kitchen.

The design is punctuated by revolving band of windows, which allows guests to enjoy outside views. Seating 220 patrons, the restaurant is constructed using prefabricated timber components, which facilitated faster construction, low transportation costs and efficient assembly. The construction of the restaurant was strategically planned so that all materials could be transported up the gondola. Materials were chosen based on size and weight. The prefabricated timber was loaded on the existing cable car system and allowed for rapid construction. The anodized aluminum was then quickly laid over a waterproof exterior structure to protect the building from the Alpine conditions.

The restaurant also provides overnight accommodation.