Picturesque Green-Roofed Aquapark Rises Out of the Swiss Alps

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/unused-swiss-lot-transformed-into-glowing-eca-oai-cube-office-building/" target="_blank">Personeni Raffaele Schärer Architects</a> have built remarkable sustainable projects across Switzerland, and this picturesque, green-roofed <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tranquil-swiss-alps-shelter-renovated-into-a-cozy-solar-powered-retreat/" target="_blank">eco-retreat in the Swiss Alps</a> is another one to add to the list. The entry for a contest to design an Aquapark in the Alps incorporates their sophisticated design into a relaxing water park and spa. The best feature? Hidden under an elevated green roof is an enclosed pool!

Located in Crans-Montana, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/la-tonnelle-wine-tasting-room-tucks-into-swiss-terraced-cliffs/" target="_blank">Switzerland</a>, the water park retreat would combine indoor and outdoor venues, making it enjoyable year round. Outside, the aquapark is located on a picturesque lake. Visitors can sun themselves on a wooden dock, or on one of the provided lounge chairs.

The deck overlooks the serene mountain environment and nearby <a href="http://inhabitat.com/lavish-ngorongoro-lodge-is-perched-on-the-inside-of-a-volcano-crater-in-tanzania/" target="_blank">cozy lodges</a>, inviting visitors to relax and revel in the beauty of the area. They can also go for a dip in the lake, or even rent a boat to row around its perimeter.

Rising out of the grass, the interior park’s <a href="http://inhabitat.com/the-north-beach-residence-is-a-low-impact-green-roofed-summer-home-on-orcas-island/" target="_blank">roof</a> creates grassy hills that visitors can lay upon. A running trail snakes over the submerged buildings.

The buildings below are carved into the Alp’s hillside, and enclosed with glass. Inside, the glass façade provides visitors with beautiful views of the lakes, trees and neighboring mountains. A glass-enclosed indoor pool is designed to recreate the outside inside, flanked with smooth rocks, foliage and simulated mountain stream.

The pool space, which is partially submerged in the hillside, has a deck which is level with the exterior ground, while the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/perplexing-yucca-crater-will-be-a-deep-desert-pool-using-repurposed-materials/" target="_blank">pool</a> floor extends below. The locker room and fitness center are adjacent to the pool, while the lobby, daycare and restaurant are located on the floor above.

The interior of the aqua park maximizes natural light, with its <a href="http://inhabitat.com/olafur-eliassons-crystal-inspired-concert-hall-opens-in-reykjavik/" target="_blank">glass façade</a>. The lush grass planted roof minimizes environmental impact, as well as insulates the interior, absorbing <a href="http://inhabitat.com/double-skinned-arca-regler-facility-powered-by-geothermic-probes/" target="_blank">solar gain</a>. The idyllic retreat earned Personeni Raffaele Schärer Architects the 2^nd place price in the design contest.