This hut is owned by the Swiss Alpine Authority and was designed by professors and students of architecture and eco-design from Lucerne University and ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology).

The crystal-shaped building is designed to make sunlight spiral inside while redistributing thermal body heat from occupants to heat the lodge naturally. It combines a wooden interior with an aluminum and glass shell to reveal amazing views of the Gorner Glacier. Excess energy is stored in valve-regulated lead-acid accumulators, which will provide power in darkness. The water is produced from melting glaciers then collected and stored in a large reservoir 40 meters above the hut.

Partially, it is used as a research station and an example of how energy and resources can be used with maximum efficiency. If you book, you get all the good stuff for a pleasant hiking experience. Dinner and breakfast are included in the price, as well as tea for your thermos on the next day to get you started.