Perched at 1,450 metres in the Brenta Dolomites, Dosson Lodge is more than a scenic mountain retreat — it’s a showcase of precision timber engineering in a demanding alpine environment.

Located at the mid-station of the Andalo–Doss Pelà cable car and flanked by ski slopes that descend into the valley, the lodge is fully immersed in nature and designed to welcome athletes, families, and mountain enthusiasts alike.

Behind its warm, wood-rich aesthetic lies a robust and high-performance structure built with Sylva™ CLT Floors and Roofs and Walls, supplied by Stora Enso.

70 cubic metres of prefabricated Sylva™ CLT elements were used to realise the project — enabling fast, accurate assembly and exceptional thermal performance in a location where logistics and climate pose serious challenges.

Designing for Experience and Efficiency

The lodge replaces a smaller preexisting structure and introduces a new volume across two above-ground floors and a basement. The ground floor houses all guest-facing functions, while the upper level contains accommodation. Below, the basement is dedicated to technical rooms and a garage.

Expansive timber terraces wrap around three sides of the building, extending the experience outdoors and reinforcing the connection to the landscape.

The architectural language is distinctly alpine, with façades clad in larch — both sawn and round — and a mix of panelled surfaces, anti-slip timber flooring, and vertical cladding strips. The result is a building that feels rooted in its environment, yet engineered for performance.

Material Strategy and Structural Logic

The underground level is built in reinforced concrete, but the above-ground structure is entirely timber. The use of Sylva™ CLT Walls for vertical load-bearing elements and Sylva™ CLT Floors and Roofs for horizontal spans allowed the design team to maximise usable interior space while maintaining a compact structural footprint. Glulam beams complement the lodge in roof and canopy areas, adding strength and visual rhythm.

All timber used in the project is sourced from FSC or PEFC-certified forests, aligning with the project’s sustainability goals and ensuring traceability throughout the supply chain.

Envelope Performance and Detailing

The building envelope was designed with alpine conditions in mind. Wall and roof assemblies incorporate high-performance insulation using rock wool, while the roof is finished in sheet metal for durability and snow management. Timber detailing throughout — from joinery to surface treatments — was carefully selected to withstand the region’s freeze-thaw cycles and UV exposure.

Interior comfort was a key design driver, with spatial planning that balances technical infrastructure and guest experience. Circulation paths, service zones, and hospitality areas were all optimised to ensure smooth operation and a welcoming atmosphere.

Logistics at Altitude

Constructing at 1,450 metres required meticulous logistical planning. Access to the site was limited, and every delivery had to be coordinated with precision. The prefabricated nature of Sylva™ CLT elements proved invaluable, reducing on-site labour and enabling rapid installation. The project team worked closely with transport and assembly crews to ensure safety and efficiency throughout the build.

A Modular Extension

In 2021, the lodge was expanded to accommodate growing visitor demand. The extension built over existing terraces was completed quickly and with minimal disruption, thanks to the modularity and familiarity of the Sylva™ kit of parts. The result is a seamless addition that maintains the original character while enhancing capacity.