1 December 2026
Brussels, Belgium
#HPForum 2026
Award Ceremony
1 December 2026
SQUARE Brussels

Competing in the category:

Building Solutions Award
Vaillant_Group_Logo_2020_RGB-removebg-preview
Location: Austria
Year of submission: 2026
Organisation: a.Deutscher Alpenverein, Sektion Hamburg und Niederelbe e.V. - (Owner & Investor) b.Lüftenegger ARCHITEXTUR (Architect) c.HTPLAN GmbH (HVAC-Planner) d.KRAFT & WÄRME Heizung-Lüftung- Sanitär GmbH (Installer) e.BMT Taxer GmbH (Depht probe drilling) f.Vaillant Group Austria GmbH (Supplier Heat Pumps & System Components)
Sector of application: Commercial
Funding from: Deutscher Alpenverein, Sektion Hamburg und Niederelbe e.V.

This alpine project demonstrates that the transition to renewable heating is possible even in some of the most challenging environments. Located at 1,970 meters above sea level in the Alps, the mountain lodge represents a pioneering example for ski huts, alpine restaurants, and remote hospitality facilities facing increasing pressure to achieve climate targets. What makes this project particularly remarkable is the courage to transform a building originally constructed in 1935, with decades of historically evolved heating infrastructure, into a modern renewable heat pump energy system. Few comparable projects have been realized under such demanding conditions. Rather than discussing what might be possible in the future, this project proves what can be achieved today: we are taking action and leading by example. The installation of geothermal energy and two brine-to-water heat pumps demonstrates that heat pump technology is not limited to newly built single-family homes. Even in extreme alpine conditions, heat pumps can provide a reliable, efficient, and sustainable heating solution when properly designed. As a result, the project serves as a lighthouse initiative for the entire alpine region, showing owners, operators, and organizations a practical pathway toward decarbonization. It combines innovation, sustainability, and economic viability while inspiring others to follow the same path toward a climate-friendly future.

This project replaces an aging oil-fired boiler with a future-proof, heat pump heating system that ensures long-term renewable energy efficiency and low operating costs. The primary goal is to provide a sustainable and economically viable heating solution for a mountain lodge while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
The project faces several challenges: the building was originally constructed in 1935 and is located at 1,970 meters above sea level in the heart of the Austrian Alps. Existing heating infrastructure has evolved over decades and requires complete modernization. In addition, the installation of geothermal boreholes in mountainous terrain presents significant technical and logistical challenges but is leading innovative.
The solution consists of two brine-to-water heat pumps that utilize geothermal energy as a reliable and renewable heat source. The system will provide both space heating and centralized domestic hot water supply, ensuring year-round comfort and efficient operation. By combining modern heat pump technology with geothermal energy, the project creates a sustainable, cost-effective, and future-oriented energy solution that supports the long-term economic viability of the lodge operator.
Credits: Vaillant Group Austria, Markus Falkenhagen 

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