Architectural challenge at the volcano’s summit: The Department of Réunion launched a competition to design an autonomous lodge at 2,240 meters in the heart of the National Park, while ensuring the existing lodge remained operational. This project goes beyond the simple act of constructing a building. It is brought to life within a unique setting, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and aims to restore space to nature while meeting the expectations of an increasing number of visitors.
Fastening solutions at the summit of a volcano
SFS supported the construction of “Gîte du Volcan”, an environmentally friendly lodge in the heart of La Réunion National Park, by delivering stainless steel irius®-head fasteners. Painted in the same color as the corten steel plates the fasteners deliver reliable resistance to local weather conditions. Located 600 meters from the access to the Piton de la Fournaise crater, the natural colors of the lodge’s facades allow it to blend seamlessly into the landscape.
Flowing forms inspired by lava
Perched on the slope of the site, the new Volcano Lodge offers an architectural reinterpretation of the pãhoehoe phenomenon – thick strands of basalt lava that flow and harden into sinuous ridges downstream from volcanoes. The resulting folds inspired a triptych of undulating curves – free yet interconnected, shaped in harmony with the topography and contour lines.
In a natural setting where right angles seem out of place, the architects abandoned the square in favor of a tripartite design based on curves, while keeping the construction process simple, effective and non-aggressive. In this way, the structure blends seamlessly into the landscape, preserving the overall perception of the massif while following the contours and rhythms of the terrain.
We successfully met the challenge: the new building complies with HQE standards (Haute Qualité Environnementale – French sustainable building certification), with all norms and procedures required for a protected and isolated site in the heart of a national park listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site strictly observed.
The stainless steel fasteners delivered by the SFS Group combine durability with refined aesthetics. By relying on sustainable materials and advanced fastening technology, SFS actively contributes to the creation of visually appealing, environmentally responsible spaces while meeting the demanding requirements of today’s architectural and construction projects, ensuring both long-term reliability and design excellence.
Sustainable comfort in isolation
This isolated lodge that provides accommodation for about 100 guests runs entirely on natural resources. Electricity is generated by an autonomous photovoltaic system, while solar panels supply hot water for showers and underfloor heating. Water is secured through a dual system: rainwater is collected, treated, and stored in 500 m3 reservoirs hidden beneath the building, and an atmospheric water generator extracts humidity from the air to produce potable water.
This architectural achievement allows visitors and tourists to enjoy stunning panoramic views both near and far. This translates into a wide variety of orientations and layouts for the accommodation, the restaurant and the observation terrace.
This project, designed by the architectural firm Altitude 80 Architecture, demonstrates how our team in Valence (France) applies technical solutions to tackle environmental challenges and advance sustainable construction.
To the website of the “Gîte du Volcan”
To the website of photographer and videographer Loris Gazut
