Located in the French Alps is the Refuge du Goter, a futuristic-looking mountain lodge that's the final stop for climbers as they ascend nearby Mount Blanc. Also known as the Goter hut, its exterior features stainless steel sides, creating a rigid form that's in sharp contrast to the snowy landscape and rolling mountainside.
Swiss architect Herv Dessimoz designed the 16-meter-tall lodge that juts over a precarious 1,500-meter drop. Despite this apparent danger, safety measures were taken to ensure that it can brave the elements: the hut is nestled 14 meters into the rock, ensuring sturdiness; it has the ability to withstand winds up to 300kph; and it's entirely self-sufficient for energy and water. The interior features communal living with bunk-style bedding and the ability to accommodate up to 120 guests at a time.
If you want to stay in this remote locale, it's imperative to plan ahead. Reservations are required to even enter the Refuge du Goter, and they're only available during certain times of year. For 2015, the last day to stay is in the middle of October.
Photo credit: Pascal Tournaire
Photo credit: Gudrun Berghadi, Lucien Fortunati, Pascal Tournaire
Photo credit: Gudrun Berghadi, Lucien Fortunati, Pascal Tournaire
Photo credit: Gudrun Berghadi, Lucien Fortunati, Pascal Tournaire
Refuge du Goter: Website
via [Lost At E Minor, Exe Magazine]
