Architecture description. Situated on the Livar Plateau at 1,400 meters above sea level, the center is set in open land, with cross-country ski trails in winter and meadows in summer. The choice of a compact volume based on a simple, monolithic, square shape was imposed. With a large three-pitched roof and a semi-hipped roof on the side facing the ski slopes, the building is protected from the weather by a wide roof overhang inspired by the barns of the Vosges. Low eaves minimize the structure's impact on pedestrian and skier scale.
Approach to the environment. Material selection is frugal in design, with an emphasis on geographically and biologically sourced materials. The frame is made of solid wood divided into small sections to allow for the use of wood from local forests labeled 'Alp Forest'. The walls, over 2.80 meters high, are made of wooden frames covered with solid larch boards.
The exterior walls are made of local Grecy stone and the interior is double walled with concrete to withstand the impact of ski equipment and the humid environment of a cross-country ski center. The underside of the ceiling is made of locally sourced solid spruce wood.
Technical explanation. The external masonry is made up of internal concrete double walls and insulation Gresy stone (a local sandstone), making the building highly energy efficient. These walls support a solid spruce frame. The design in small sections created mortise and tenon joints, creating a large lattice that freed up large ground spaces.
Heating is provided by radiant floor heating, which evaporates moisture produced by melting snow and limits heat loss through ingress and egress. It is also enhanced by a heated buffer space up to 17°C. Energy production is ensured by a solar power plant, and air treatment units complete the heating with thermodynamic production and heat recovery.
