The Patscherkofelbahn ropeway runs from Innsbruck-Igls up to Patscherkofel mountain. Originally constructed in 1928, it was replaced in 2017 by a monocable aerial tramway with striking new station buildings by Innauer Matt Architekten at the valley, middle, and top of the ropeway. Constructed in concrete with wood elements, these new buildings are composed of vertical and horizontal elements derived from their functional requirements.
The use of concrete here provides a robust shell and is particularly suitable for alpine construction. The interiors, by contrast, are dominated by materials with ‘soft’ qualities such as wood, with local varieties such as ash, spruce, and Swiss stone pine.
At the valley level station, the main structures are set off against each other, creating outdoor areas of high quality and varying character north and south. The basement has a spacious forecourt with access to ski school and shop areas. On the ground floor, an assembly/meeting area in front of a restaurant, ticket office and shop leads to the ascent.
The technical heart of Patscherkofelbahn is located at the middle station, which accommodates the ropeway’s drive system and gondola garages. Following its function, the building exudes simplicity and efficiency.
At the apex, the top station features a clean and consistent design that is striking in its simplicity. A restaurant with covered terraces affords expansive views of the surrounding. The ropeway operating facilities, a space for the avalanche commission, and various utility rooms are located to the east. A small shop is situated directly at the visitor’s’ main route.
The three buildings are highly consistent in their use of materials. Overall, the outer shells in dark-coloured concrete show a subtle gradation of smooth and milled surfaces. For wooden elements, natural planed larch is used vertically, and natural rough-cut larch employed horizontally.
Stone floors in the interior are made of Trentino Porphyry and wooden floors are made of planed spruce/polished pine. Tables, chairs, and bar stools are made from untreated solid ash and designed for Patscherkofel exclusively.
