Conference Crystal Iselsberg is a Glimmering Gem-Shaped Building Set High Up in the Austrian Alps

Like a glass gem jutting up in the Austrian Alps, the Conference Crystal Iselsberg reinvents the dramatic landscape with its modern, angular form. The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/torontos-pwc-tower-is-a-smart-office-building-with-an-8000-square-foot-urban-forest/">monolithic face </a>of the building designed by Austrian design firm <a href="http://www.mhm-architects.com/index.htm">MHM Architects</a> is much more active than at first glance. Light streams in from all sides, setting the stage for a brilliant interior space with jaw dropping views, and a rainbow of lights inside makes the building <a href="http://inhabitat.com/un-studios-korean-mall-kinetic-translucent-skin/">glow different colors</a> from outside.

The ‘crystal’ effect is achieved by glazing slices of the buildings faceted volume with very dark tinted glass.

Only when the interior star shape is illuminated in the assembly room and entrance...

...does the secret of the building’s construction become clear-- the glass hides the separation of floors and their function.

Used as a small 600 square meter event center the top floor is crowned with a prismatic <a href="http://inhabitat.com/stadel-museum-updated-with-a-gorgeous-polka-dotted-green-roof-in-frankfurt/">skylight</a>, drenching the interior’s core with daylight.

Expansive views of the Austrian Alps’ <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolomites">Dolomite mountain chain</a> can be had with the floor to ceiling glass walls.

The funky multi-colored light source from the star pattern on the ceiling is mirrored by the same shape laid into the wooden floor, emphasizing the building’s geometry.

The lower floor contains small housing with kitchen, bath, and a couple bedrooms for lecturers to stay.

Restrooms for outdoor events are also in the ground floor expanding the use of the building's patios dramatically in the warmer months.