First residents move into Schilthorn Cableway’s new team house

At the beginning of December, employees of the Schilthorn Cableway Ltd. moved into 13 studios in the new team house in Mürren. The building was constructed in response to the lack of affordable housing for staff. Great importance was attached to sustainable construction methods right from the planning stage.

As you approach Mürren by cable car, the new chalet-style building immediately catches your eye: the Schilthorn Cableway team house. Just in time for the start of the winter season, the company has handed over 13 modern residential units to its employees. The studios, ranging in size from 27 to 35 square metres, feature a functional kitchenette and a spacious bathroom. Wood-effect flooring, anthracite-coloured tiles in the bathroom and white fittings and walls give the rooms a warm and bright feel. All studios are fully furnished and equipped with all the usual everyday appliances and utensils. Most units also have a balcony or a garden seating area. Moreover, each residential unit has a small basement niche. A spacious laundry room with several washing machines and a ski storage room complete the offer.

Response to shortage of staff accommodation

«All studios were occupied by existing employees», says Simon Sauter, Head of Facility Management and Construction Projects. «The new team house is not least a response to the shortage of affordable staff accommodation and the associated challenges in recruiting personnel – a problem that our company also has to contend with», explains Sauter. The rapid occupancy, mainly by seasonal workers, clearly demonstrates the demand.

Sustainable construction as a key requirement

The three-storey building features a solid ground floor, with the upper floor and attic constructed using prefabricated timber elements. Particular emphasis has been placed on sustainable elements. “Sustainable construction was a prerequisite right from the planning stage”, says Sauter. “The large photovoltaic system on the roof supports the heating system, which is fed by district heating from the pellet heating system in the neighbouring Chalet Schilthorn”, he continues. Thanks to the building's excellent insulation, heating requirements are low. “This means that solar radiation is also used as a passive energy source during the day”, says Sauter. The new building was constructed on the site of the former Chalet Felsli. Although building in Mürren is logistically complex and cost-intensive, a new build was preferred to renovation. “Thanks to the material cableway, which is installed for the cableway project, we were able to offset the costs somewhat”, says Sauter. “Emissions and vehicle transport were thus reduced to a minimum.” There is currently a lot of snow around the building. The landscaping and greening work will be carried out next summer. In addition, an equipment shelter will be built.