Structure studio EX used prefabricated CLT panels and aluminium cladding to create the Pinwheel Shelter mountain refuge in Italy.
Positioned 2,850 meters above sea stage close to the Higher Susa valley, the shelter was constructed with ideas of reversibility and lightness in thoughts.
The folded picket and aluminium shell types a pinwheel form from above, giving 360-degree views over the alpine context. It’s designed by EX to be discreet on the scree slope on which it sits.
“Our intention has been to create a construction that’s totally reversible and minimally invasive,” EX founder Michele Versaci instructed Dezeen.
“We drew inspiration from light-weight constructions reminiscent of alpine tents,” he continued.
“This dry system could be assembled in simply 4 days and is well disassembled.”
EX created the shelter in reminiscence of Stefano Berrone, an alpinist who died whereas speedriding. It’s positioned within the Higher Susa Valley between the cities of Oulx and Bardonecchia, a location of particular significance to him and his household.
The construction acts as a a lot wanted stopover on this high-altitude pathway that’s topic to sudden storms and different meteorological adjustments.
Its type and orientation had been designed to answer the evaluation of solar publicity, wind, and the alpine atmosphere, leading to a low-lying construction.
“We aimed to determine a strong relationship with the alpine atmosphere, using a land-art strategy,” defined Versaci.
“Given the significance of prefabrication and structural components on this undertaking, we extensively explored numerous folding constructions and origami methods.”
Externally, the shelter’s cross-laminated timber (CLT) construction was clad in aluminium, and has shiny pink openings to distinction with the snowy atmosphere. The shelter’s tent-like form permits it to be submerged below the snow, leaving solely its entrances uncovered.
The structural shell of the shelter is supported by a metal base which rests on 4 prefabricated plinths, facilitating simple meeting and dismantling.
“The aluminium shell of the bivouac defines an atmospheric structure, participating in a dialogue with the alpine gentle, the colors of the rocks, and the encompassing snow slopes,” mentioned Versaci.
“It creates a dynamic interaction of reflections that reply to altering climate situations.”
The shelter was organised radially in plan, with 4 wings centering round a symbolic hearth at its coronary heart. The proportions used are paying homage to the sizing of Japanese tatami mats.
Internally, every wing has a diminished peak, which means guests should bend to make use of the areas as they’d in a tent. The construction can match eight to 10 beds on its raised picket platform.
Its picket partitions had been painted pink, creating an inside environment paying homage to being in a tent by the interaction of sunshine by the openings.
EX is a design workshop based mostly in Milan, Italy, that goals to bridge artwork, panorama and know-how by structure, which was based by Versaci and Andrea Cassi.
Elsewhere within the Alps, Community of Structure created a viewing platform fabricated from weathering metal on the peak of a glacier ridge in South Tyrol, Italy, whereas Studio Seilern Architects have accomplished two eating places atop Mount Gütsch in Switzerland.
The pictures is by Tomaso Clavarino until in any other case acknowledged.
