On Mountain Hut: the perfect zero-impact mountain hut in the Swiss Alps

Olivier Bernhard, Caspar Coppetti and David Allemann are three sports-loving friends with a dream: to change the world of running. That's why in 2010 they decided to find the brand On and, in eight years, conquer over 3 million runners in more than 50 countries.

In order to celebrate this success and the launch of the new collection that includes the debut of their first trekking shoe (Cloudrock Waterproof), the trio decided to go back to their origins and pay homage to the extraordinary landscape of the Swiss Alps that inspired their adventure. The result is On Mountain Hut, a minimal hut located at an altitude of almost 2,500 meters between the huge Piz Lunghin and the Lunghin Pass. The two-storey structure by Thilo Alex Brunner, has been designed with the minimum possible impact, including visual impact, on the surrounding environment. This is why the refuge, which will be removed at the end of the year, has been covered with undulating reflective material, as Brunner explains:

"We meticulously selected materials that were 100 per cent sustainable, that would keep with the alpine setting and make the mountain hut zero-waste. The hut is also powered by energy from solar panels and uses natural rainwater. This was achieved by installing a unique roof fixture that could collect and filter rainwater for use, along with water collected and filtered from mountain streams."

Inside, the same eco-friendly philosophy is respected. Walls, floors, ceilings and coffee tables are all made of plywood. This continuity of material is broken by the large windows that offer visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of the Alps. 

Accessible only by foot, the hut is designed for a peaceful holiday, where hikers can enjoy the Alps, get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax, reconnecting with themselves and nature.