New refuge on 'l'arete du Gouter' by 2010
Chamonix architect, Paul Parizet, who was responsible for designing the new modern 'Cosmique refuge' 15 years ago has now been put in charge of designing the new 'Cabane du Gouter' refuge.
Working in conjunction with Christophe de Laage, from Argentiere; and Michele Avanzini, from Lyon; the new concept has an interesting and futuristic design (see photo inset). Parizet has designed the new building to work within the constraints of the site and parameters that weather and work at that altitude can present.
The new Gouter refuge is to be built about 200 metres south from the current hut, at an altitude of 3863m (in an area which apparently campers at the refuge would know well!). The architects and designers have tried to create an aerodynamic style that will result in the minimum collection of snow on the roof and building, and will be able to withstand winds that can occassionally reach up to 200km/h!
The new hut will be built over 4 levels and will include a modern interior. Occupants of the new refuge will not have to share one big mattress, as is common in high altitude refuges, instead alpinistes will have their own individual compartments, with arguably comfortable spacious surroundings at 4m2 per person! The new building design is set to have almost 3 times larger surface area than the old refuge which permitted only 110 places.
The 'voie royale' is one of the popular ascent routes up to Mont-Blanc where during the summer months the refuge can have traffic of up to 10,000 people. The new refuge is expected to cost in the region of €6m euros and is in part financed by the Club Alpin Francais (CAF).
Work on the new refuge is due to commence in June 2008, opening to the public in 2010, so it looks we might be putting off our first ascent of Mont-Blanc until then!!
Photo credit : Le Dauphine Libéré
