VSNZ Winter Festival, Männlichen

A mirror tower as the architectural focal point

The Mirror Tower defined the look of the Winter Festival. It was built on a precise scaffolding structure using the proven Combistage system. The structure was completely clad with mirrored surfaces, giving it a unique visual effect: the tower’s appearance changed depending on the time of day, the weather, and the light.

During the day, the mirrored surfaces reflected the snow-covered landscape and the panorama of the Jungfrau region. As a result, the architecture receded visually into the background while simultaneously incorporating the surroundings. At night, the effect changed once again. Integrated lighting technology made the Mirrored Tower appear as a luminous element within the mountain landscape.

As a result, the event structure itself became part of the production. The structure not only served as a functional component of the festival but also provided the event with a striking spatial focal point.

Temporary Construction in Alpine Conditions

The VSNZ Winter Festival took place at an altitude of approximately 2,200 meters above sea level. For NUSSLI, this presented unique challenges in terms of planning, logistics, and assembly. The setup and takedown were carried out under demanding alpine conditions and required precise coordination of the individual work steps. In addition to the Mirror Tower, NUSSLI constructed other temporary structures for the festival. These included a VIP platform with an integrated DJ booth and a staircase spanning the ice rinks. The various elements complemented the event’s architecture and created the necessary spaces for the audience, artists, and VIP guests.

Award for an Exceptional Fusion of Architecture and Staging

The XAVER Award 2026 honored the “Mirror Tower” in the “Best Brandworlds & Installations” category. At the heart of the award-winning project is the idea of designing temporary architecture not as an isolated object, but rather as something that connects with its surroundings. The mirrored surfaces reflected the Alpine panorama and altered the perception of the structure depending on the light and time of day.

For NUSSLI, the project demonstrates how temporary event structures can transcend their purely functional purpose: With a precisely planned construction and a deliberate architectural design, they create a unique spatial impact.

Award-Winning Projects by NUSSLI

The XAVER Award is one of the most prestigious awards for live communication and experience marketing in the German-speaking world. Numerous NUSSLI projects have also received this award. In addition to the Mirror Tower at Männlichen, these include, among others, the Swiss Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, "The Ramp" in Engelberg and other temporary structures and installations.

The award-winning projects showcase the breadth of NUSSLI’s work—from large-scale pavilions and event structures to custom installations that blend construction, architecture, and staging.