Key facts

  • Snow load is calculated: Eurocode 1 (EN 1991-1-3) derives it from climate zone, altitude and roof geometry — in Andorra, altitude changes everything.
  • The freeze-thaw regime is the mountain's silent wear: water freezing inside a poorly chosen material bursts it, winter after winter.
  • Energy performance is no luxury at altitude: continuous insulation, airtightness and thermal bridge treatment decide comfort and operating costs alike.

Why is altitude the project's first input?

Because it governs snow. Eurocode 1 assigns each climate zone a characteristic ground snow value, then corrects it for site altitude: at 1,500 metres, the value bears no relation to a valley's. Shape effects follow — accumulations behind parapets, wind-driven redistribution, localised drifts — which the calculation must track. A mountain roof is therefore drawn after the snow calculation, not before.

What does frost do to a building?

It looks for water. In overly porous concrete, frost-sensitive stone or cracked render, water seeps in, freezes, expands and bursts the material — cycle after cycle. Mountains demand low-absorption materials, details that shed water (copings, drips, falls) and temperature-controlled execution. Nothing exotic: rigour.

Energy, the mountain's other requirement

An altitude building is also judged by its winters: continuous insulation, measured airtightness, thermal bridges treated at balconies and party walls. The Principality regulates the energy efficiency of its buildings through its own rules — and the market punishes mediocre construction without appeal: it shows on the first heating bill.

What the house takes from this

Our Andorran operations are designed to be held year-round: structure calculated for the site's snow, envelope designed for frost, operations sized for winter. The mountain forgives little; that is precisely what makes it a disciplined asset.

General information on construction principles. This is not an engineering study: every structure calls for a licensed engineering office and the codes in force in its jurisdiction.