8 Habitation Units by ofis_architects

HABITATION IN EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS / BIVANJE V EKSTREMNIH OKOLJIH

abitation Units

HABITATION IN EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS / BIVANJE V EKSTREMNIH OKOLJIH

abitation Units

How the designers of mountain bivouacs are hitting new heights. Nicola Davison, Financial Times, 6 November 2015

Architects are being drawn to the challenges of creating outdoor sanctuaries for surviving extreme conditions

Count Henry Russell-Killough, the “hermit of the Pyrenees”, was not an everyday 19th-century man. From the 1860s onwards, the principal representative of the Irish branch of the house of Russell relinquished civilization, instead taking up in the vast, barren expanse of the Pyrenees. According to A Arnold, writing in The Wide World Magazine in 1900, the count worshipped the peaks “as a lover might a mistress”. Throughout the 1880s he dug seven caves in the side of Vignemale, the highest peak in the French Pyrenees, in which he hosted legendary banquets. On quieter nights the count would climb to the summit with a sheepskin body bag. There, after burying himself under rocks and earth with only his head sticking out, he would remain until dawn, frost gathering on his beard. Russell-Killough is broadly accredited with the invention of the bivouac, or mountain shelter, in extreme, inhospitable places. Bivouacking — derived from the German words for “night watch” — sprang up with the sport of mountaineering in the late 1800s as climbers found they needed to sleep sometimes on their way to the summit. A “bivvy” can be a mere bag in the Russell-Killough model. It can be a tent suspended from a cliff face or a tree, or an improvised structure made from branches and leaves. It can also be a hut, traditionally made from wood or metal. In all its forms it represents shelter, a refuge from the elements — a symbol of the most basic provision of architecture. In The White Spider (1959), an account of the harrowing first ascent of the north face of the Eiger in 1938 — then the most dangerous face in the Alps — mountaineer Heinrich Harrer describes a bivouac near the summit that would be central to the expedition’s success. “We managed to drive a single piton into a tiny crevice in the rock,” he writes. “We bent it downwards in a hoop, till the ring was touching the rock . . . First we hung all our belongings on it and, after that, ourselves.” The climbers fashioned a seat out of rope slings and dangled 4,000ft above the snowfields at the base of the precipice. “It is absolutely no exaggeration to say that we all felt quite well and indeed comfortable,” Harrer adds. They brewed a cup of tea. For decades climbing was a pastime for gentlemen and wayfarers but in recent years, with the invention of state-of-the-art climbing equipment, handheld GPS tracking technology and a 21st-century strain of voracious wanderlust, it has become a lucrative and thriving business. Out on the mountain, though, things can quickly unravel. In April, two French climbers, a father and a son, were forced to abandon their ascent of Mont Blanc because of bad weather. They took shelter in Refuge Vallot, a bivouac hut located at 4,362 metres that can sleep 12 climbers. The pair rationed their food until rescuers arrived three days later. To scale mountains you need courage, stamina and skill. For architects, too, mountains present a host of challenges. Charlotte Perriand was one of the first illustrious architects to engage seriously with the bivouac. Born in 1903, Perriand spent her childhood between Paris and her grandparents’ home in the mountainous region of Savoie, before becoming one of the most influential designers of the early modernist movement. In 1937, following a tenure at Le Corbusier’s studio, Perriand collaborated with André Tournon on the Shelter Bivouac, an 8 sq metre refuge for six people on Mont Joly. Inspired by the vernacular architecture of Savoie, the structure was prefabricated and built around a tubular steel frame. Perriand used aluminium components because they were lightweight and easy to transport yet robust. To mitigate the cramped conditions, the beds were removable and functioned as benches in the day, while cubic stools doubled as storage. The challenges associated with building in harsh climates continue to interest architects. David Garcia, founder of Map Architects, based in Copenhagen, researches habitation in extreme environments; places such as the Arctic, the Alps, the Amazon rainforest and the desert. Garcia’s approach is highly technical so as to “build on new sites with a higher level of specificity”. In the Arctic he shot lasers into the night air to map ice particles that are invisible to the naked eye but which accumulate in buildings.

Top: Military helicopter delivers the first bivouac, 13/11/1973 Bottom: Group photo after the installation of the first bivouac Zgoraj: Vojaški helikopter spušča prvi bivak, 13. 11. 1973 Spodaj: Skupinska slika po postavitvi prvega bivaka © Tone Škarja

Map designed a tent to withstand environments where the temperature fluctuation is high, as it is in the mountains. When the temperature outside the tent drops, the fabric contracts, trapping the heat inside. “I think what’s interesting is that when you are in these [extreme] contexts it’s much easier to lose your frame of reference and it becomes obvious you can’t build like you would everywhere else,” says Garcia. “When you move to these regions, which we probably will be doing more and more as the population grows and places become more accessible, we will be invading these new contexts. We have to try to do it in the least aggressive manner.” Not all strive for harmony. Last year Leapfactory, a practice based in Turin, unveiled the Gervasutti Hut in a rocky region in the upper Fréboudze Glacier on the Italian side of Mont Blanc. The modular structure, which resembles the body of a toy tin plane, replaced a 60-year-old timber bivouac and was opposed locally for its “futuristic” appearance. Painted red and silver, it is, by design, a beacon to be seen for miles. Leap describes it as “new alpine accommodation”. Unlike most bivouacs, which offer few modern comforts, the Gervasutti hut is a roomy 30 sq metres, has a kitchen, solar power and internet connection, as well as a big round window to appreciate the Val Ferret. For Hanif Kara, a structural engineer and cofounder of AKT II in London, mountain shelters are interesting because they pose difficult questions, such as: “Can we find a way to build on mountains without taking people up there?” Traditionally, the materials for mountain shelters would be strapped to the backs of donkeys or carried up on foot. The modern equivalent is the helicopter, which is less time-consuming but comes at a price. “My interest was to find a way of building with fewer resources, keeping construction economical but also [to build] with speed,” says Kara. Together with Ljubljana-based OFIS Architects and the Harvard Graduate School of Design, Kara designed a bivouac — known as a “bivak” in Slovenia — on Skuta, the third-highest peak in the country’s Kamnik Alps. The structure’s interconnected terraced modules are composed of a steel frame with timber panelling. Kara used computer modelling to ensure the structure can withstand avalanches in terms of the impact force — when the snow hits the structure — and the static pressure, or the weight of the snow as it builds up on top. Eight “anchors” or very deep screws help to keep the hut in place.

“We’re looking at ways of using automated machinery to build in harsh environments — drones to transport and ‘crabots’, a mixture between a crane and a robot, that you can remotely operate to construct for you,” says Kara. Funding for the Skuta project fell short so helicopters, not drones, eventually airlifted the bivouac into place in August. Yet AKT II continues to investigate automated remote construction and hopes it can be applied to isolated regions in impoverished countries. Ofis Architects, meanwhile, is building three other mountain shelters. “Bivaks in our county have a great tradition,” says cofounder Spela Videcnik. “The oldest [such] shelter, built 120 years ago, is on the highest mountain in Slovenia. It’s a symbol of our country.” A bivouac for Kanin mountain — set to be lifted into place as soon as a military helicopter can be spared from the refugee crisis on Slovenia’s borders — can sleep up to eight people and will service an area popular with extreme skiers. The wholly wooden structure clad in metal sheets will look “silver-ish”, says Videcnik, so that in winter it reflects the snow and in the summer it complements the rocky terrain. Metal grips will latch on to the mountain. “It’s a structural challenge because in some ways it has to withstand really strong winds and on the other hand we don’t want it to destroy nature,” she says. “We treat the existing terrain as a holy thing that needs to stay intact.” The Kanin bivak is both a nod to the vernacular architecture of Slovenia and something entirely modern. Here, traditional bivaks have few or no windows so as to conserve heat. In contrast almost an entire side of the new Kanin structure is glass. Ofis works with Guardian, a glass company in Luxembourg, to produce vast panes that can withstand intense wind. “The glass we use is very thick, I would say almost bulletproof,” says Videcnik. “We wanted to make a big window with a big view of the sky and the scenery because for me it’s just about that: to enjoy being alone, up there and away from everyone.”

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION Uvod SURVIVING IN EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS Preživetje v ekstremnih pogojih

LEARNING FROM VERNACULAR BUILDINGS Kaj nas uči tradicionalna gradnja

CHAPTER 2

RESEARCH Raziskava PROTOTYPE Prototip

POP UP HOUSE Hiša iz kart

CHAPTER 3

ALPINE SHELTER ON SKUTA MOUNTAIN Bivak pod Skuto

DEAN’S WALL EXHIBITION Razstava na Fakulteti za arhitekturo Univerze Harvard

CONTRIBUTORS Sodelujoči & sponzorji

CHAPTER 4

WINTER CABIN ON MOUNT KANIN Zimska soba na Kaninu PREFACE Uvod

SITE INFORMATION O lokaciji

DESIGN SOLUTION Oblikovna rešitev STUDY MODEL Delovna maketa

WORKING PROCESS Proces izdelave

CONTRIBUTORS 116 Sodelujoči & sponzorji CHAPTER 5

LIVING UNIT UNDER THE TREES Bivalna enota pod krošnjami

PREFACE Uvod

SITE INFORMATION O lokaciji

DESIGN SOLUTION Oblikovna rešitev

PREFACE Uvod

118

A CONFINED TECHNOLOGICAL APPROACH Tehnološki pristop z omejitvami

DESIGN SOLUTION Oblikovna rešitev

126

SKIN SOLUTION Zasnova opne

WORKING PROCESS Proces izdelave

132

GLAZING IN EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS Zasteklitev v ekstremnih pogojih

INTERIORS Notranjost

136

THERMAL BEHAVIORS Toplotne lastnosti

LIVING UNIT IN MILAN DESIGN WEEK 2017 Bivalna Enota Milano

PREFACE Uvod

140

STUDY MODEL Delovna maketa

188

WORKING PROCESS Proces izdelave

142

DESIGN SOLUTION Oblikovna rešitev

190

CONTRIBUTORS 146 Sodelujoči & sponzorji

CAVING BIVOUAC Jamarski raziskovalni bivak JRS

CHAPTER 6

GLASSHOUSE IN THE DESERT Steklena hiša v puščavi

PREFACE Uvod

192

SITE INFORMATION O lokaciji

194

DESIGN SOLUTION Oblikovna rešitev

196

PREFACE Uvod

148

SITE INFORMATION O lokaciji

150

DESIGN SOLUTION Oblikovna rešitev

154

WORKING PROCESS Proces izdelave

162

PREFACE Uvod

200

INTERIORS Notranjost

172

SITE INFORMATION O lokaciji

202

CONTRIBUTORS 178 Sodelujoči & sponzorji

DESIGN SOLUTION Oblikovna rešitev

204

EXHIBITION SHELTERS IN EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS Razstava Bivaki v ekstremnih okoljih

WORKING PROCESS Proces izdelave

212

180

VELIKA KAPA SHELTER Bivak

CHAPTER 7

UPCOMING SHELTERS Bodoči bivaki PREFACE Uvod

OJSTRICA SHELTER Bivak Ojstrica

182

SHELTER TRIGLAV LAKES Zimska soba pri Triglavskih jezerih

PREFACE Uvod

214

SITE INFORMATION O lokaciji

216

DESIGN SOLUTION Oblikovna rešitev

218

US EMBASSY LJUBLJANA Ameriška ambasada v Ljubljani

PREFACE Uvod

184

SITE INFORMATION O lokaciji

186

PREFACE Uvod

228

INTRODUCTION │ SURVIVING IN EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS / UVOD │ PREŽIVETJE V EKSTREMNIH OKOLJIH

INTRODUCTION / Uvod

SURVIVING IN EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS / PreĹživetje v ekstremnih okoljih

The extreme climatic conditions of the North are a challenge for architects and require incisive designs that consider irregular loading from strong winds, heavy snowfalls, avalanche risk zones, and extreme cold. These phenomena are often sudden and unpredictable. Risk of severe weather increases the exposure of human habitation to the elements. Habitations in such environments, in particular, must achieve self-sufficiency in order to decrease dependency on external infrastructure networks that can be severed during periods of harsh weather. In addition, as supplying materials to inaccessible, remote terrains is difficult, prefabrication and economical construction seems very suitable in this respect. The existing dichotomy between vernacular traditions and the latest innovations in building technology provides room for designing comfortable environments for living in the most severe weather conditions and remote locations. When the elements are extreme, it is vital to design buildings and objects attuned to the surrounding natural environment. Architectural design must consider structural, environmental, and planning restrictions and also take advantage of new cross-disciplinary tools that can help to inform comprehensive solutions to complex design challenges. As there are often in temporary shortages of essential services for mountain dwellings, for example power shortages and transport routes cut off, the design of remote settlements focus on self-sufficiency and supplementary, backup energy systems. In this respect, many vernacular building traditions can serve as a reference.

INTRODUCTION │ SURVIVING IN EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS / UVOD │ PREŽIVETJE V EKSTREMNIH OKOLJIH

Ekstremne podnebne razmere v gorskem svetu predstavljajo izziv tako za arhitekte kot načrtovalce. Občutljive okoljske razmere zahtevajo premišljene rešitve, ki upoštevajo sile močnih vetrov, večjih količin snega, snežnih zametov, plazov in temperaturna nihanja, vključno s polarnim mrazom. Ti pojavi so nepredvidljivi in se pogosto pojavijo nenadno, kar pomeni, da so ustvarjajo tvegane in težke razmere za bivanje. Infrastruktura na odrezanih oziroma težko dostopnih območjih mora biti energetsko samozadostna. Gradnja je težka ter zahteva dobro premišljeno montažno in prefabricirano gradnjo – sestavljanje elementov, pripravljenih v delavnici, ki omogočajo hitro postavitev na oddaljenih lokacijah in čim manj posegajo v naravno okolje. Arhitekturno oblikovanje v teh okoljih zahteva premišljene in inovativne rešitve, ki rešujejo problem nedostopnih lokacij ter zagotavljajo samozadostnost. Kombiniranje znanja naših prednikov,

načel tradicionalne obstoječe gradnje, starih ljudski običajev in gradbenih inovacij vzpostavljajo zanimiv dialog in nudijo osnovo za oblikovanje novih, udobnih življenjskih okolij tudi v najzahtevnejših vremenskih razmerah in na oddaljenih lokacijah. Oblikovanje objektov v ekstremnih okoljih mora slediti omejitvam, ki jih postavljajo nevarne in nepredvidljive razmere. Poleg tega mora arhitekturni jezik slediti omejitvah, ki jih narekujejo zasnova konstrukcije, trajnostne gradnje, gradbene fizike in zahteve naravovarstvenikov. Sodobna interdisciplinarne orodja pomagajo vzpostaviti celovite rešitve. Za zasnovo objekta je pomembna tudi energetska samozadostnost, kar vpliva tako na pristop k arhitekturnemu oblikovanju kot tudi gradbeno fiziko in trajnostni pristop. Tudi pri teh, sodobnih znanjih so nam lahko v veliko pomoč izkušnje naših prednikov, ki so objekte oblikovali in gradili v skladu z naravnim ravnovesjem.

INTRODUCTION │ LEARNING FROM VERNACULAR BUILDINGS / UVOD │ KAJ NAS UČI TRADICIONALNA GRADNJA

LEARNING FROM VERNACULAR BUILDINGS / Kaj nas uči tradicionalna gradnja

Henry Patrick Marie, Count Russell – Killough (1834–1909)

Our interest in extreme habitations started with observation of Alpine vernacular traditions. The vast variety of construction forms that over the centuries have developed regionally by trial and error now create beautiful and idyllic landscapes. In adapting to the available resources – such as building materials, means of transport, technologies, and skills – and based on social and cultural life, vernacular architecture has produced a highly differentiated repertoire of optimized house and settlement patterns. They require intelligent adaptation to the environment due to its extremes of topography, wind, snow, rain, sun and shade, its danger zones and movement routes. The effects of farming – such as keeping farm land clear – have shaped the efficiency of alpine settlements over a wide area. BIVOUAC The bivouac is a particular form of habitation – a shelter for mountaineers and climbers. It is an object that meets a basic human need – refuge. The structure and choice of materials are chosen to deal with extreme mountain conditions, and also provide views of the wider landscape. Its position in the wilderness requires respect for natural resources, and so it must meet the ground in a light and firm manner to ensure that it is strongly anchored while having a minimal impact on the ground. The design of the interior dictates modesty, being totally subordinate to the shelter's function of providing accommodation, in most of cases for up to eight mountaineers. Count Russell–Killough (1834–1909) is broadly credited with the invention of the bivouac, or mountain shelter. Spending nights out on various expeditions, he bivouacked in the open, buried by his guides in a blanket of rocks and earth. It was at this point that he considered

digging caves into the mountain, reasoning that any other structure would be unaesthetic and unwelcome. On his instructions, seven caves were built between 1881 and 1893. The first storm shelter built in Slovenia is Aljaž Tower, built in 1895 on the summit of Mt Triglav in northwestern Slovenia. Along with Triglav, it is a landmark of Slovenia and a symbol of the Slovene people. The tower was designed by Jakob Aljaž, a priest in the Upper Carniolan village of Dovje, who also oversaw the construction.

H gradnji v ekstremnih pogojih nas je spodbudilo opazovanje tradicionalnih pozidav v slovenskem alpskem območju. Že naši predniki so skozi stoletja razvili izjemno bogato tradicijo stavbarstva. Tradicionalne arhitektura, ki v velikem številu krasi in bogati alpsko krajino je nastala na podlagi ljudske modrosti in izkušenj, ki so se izoblikovale z različnimi poskusi, uspehi in neuspehi. Izbira materialov, vzetih iz neposredne okolice, in oblike, ki jih je določajo relief, vremenske razmere in funkcionalnost, je prilagojena naravnemu okolju. Tako zasnovani objekti in zaselki so premišljeni ter se nahajajo na varnejših območjih in poteh, na njihovo arhitekturo pa je vplivala kultura pašništva in kmetijstva, ki je zahtevala čim večje površine nepozidanih kmetijskih površin in travnikov. BIVAK V visokogorju so tradicionalne tudi malo drugačne oblike, kot so bivaki, zimske sobe in zavetja. Bivak je objekt prvinske oblike, ki je simbol zavetja. Za njegovo arhitekturo, ki mora na minimalnem prostoru zagotavljati zavetje in prenočišče, sta značilni skromnost in podrejenost funkciji. Oblika mora upoštevati ostre podnebnimi in topografske razmere v visokogorju.

Ker je objekt "tujek" v divjini je pomembno, da spoštuje naravno okolje, zato naj bi bil njegov stik s podlago, skalo, kolikor je mogoče minimalen. Toda ekstremne vremenske razmere, tj. veter in snežni zameti zahtevajo dobro sidranje v podlago, saj je prva od funkcij bivaka varnost, ki jo zagotavlja obiskovalcem. Notranjost diktira skromnost in vzpostavljanje funkcije, ponuditi zavetje do osmim planincem. Grof Russell-Killough (1834–1909) je širše znan kot inovator zasnove bivaka oziroma zaklona v gorah, ki je na ekspedicijah in odpravah v visokogorju preživljal noči na prostem ter bivakiral. Odločil se je, da bo v skalovje izkopal jame v skalovje, saj bi bile po njegovem vse druge oblike gradnje v gorskem okolju tujki. Po njegovih navodilih so med letoma 1881 in 1893 v Pirenejih izdolbli sedem jam. Tudi Slovenija ima bogato tradicijo pohodništva in z njo povezanih objektov v visokogorju, med drugimi tudi bivakov. Prvi bivak, pravzaprav zavetje pred nevihto, je leta 1895 postavil Jakob Aljaž. Aljažev stolp na Triglavu predstavlja simbol Slovenije in slovenstva.

Top: Vernacular timber houses in the Slovenian mountains Zgoraj: Tradicionalne lesene gradnje v slovenskih gorah

RESEARCH │ PROTOTYPE / RAZISKAVA │ PROTOTIP

RESEARCH / Raziskava

PROTOTYPE / Prototip

The Harvard University Graduate School of Design sponsored an option studio led by Rok Oman and Spela Videcnik during the fall of 2014 dealt with housing in extreme environments. Students researched traditional European Alpine settlements in an attempt to develop new approaches to contemporary architecture within a North American context. In the first part of the studio, the design of an inhabitable environment integrated structural and environmental planning considerations with the chosen architectural language of a Slovenian mountain peak. As part of their research, the students traveled to Slovenia to learn from contemporary and vernacular adaptations to a harsh winter climate. They had the opportunity to visit, and even stay in, traditional Slovenian housing. They also met with local designers and fabricators accustomed to working on contemporary adaptations to weather and toured fabrication facilities and job sites.

Jeseni leta 2014 se je studio na Univerzi Harvard GSD pod vodstvom Roka Omana in Špele Videčnik osredotočal na bivalno pozidavo v ekstremnih okoljih. Čeprav ima Severna Amerika bogato tradicijo tovrstne gradnje, ki je kulturna dediščina severnih indijanskih plemen in Eskimov, je sodobna ameriška arhitektura ne upošteva. Stavbe, namenjene bivanju na Aljaski, se ne razlikujejo od stavb, ki so na Floridi ali v Kaliforniji, torej v podnebno in kulturno popolnoma drugačnih okoljih. Prav zato je bil namen predmeta študentom arhitekture prikazati bogato tradicijo alpskega stavbarstva, ki je vključeval tudi študijski obisk Slovenije. Seminar je bil razdeljen na dva dela: v prvem delu je vsak na krajši delavnici izdelal svoj načrt prototipa bivaka. V nadaljevanju semestra pa so prototip razvili v zgradbe večjih meril na gorskem območju, stanovanjsko gradnjo in naselja, sestavljena iz združevanj osnovnih prototipov.

Cover pages of the final report / Naslovnica zaključnega poročila

RESEARCH │ PROTOTYPE / RAZISKAVA │ PROTOTIP

Harsh weather conditions / Ekstremne vremenske razmere

Transport / Transport

Minimal space / Minimalen prostor

TASK As an introduction to building in these extreme climatic conditions, students were challenged to construct several prototypical designs of a smallestpossible habitable unit using traditional designs that respond to risks associated with avalanches, heavy snowfall, strong winds, and extreme cold. In a series of experiments and tasks, crossdisciplinary tools allowed students to fully comprehend the conditions of their site in an attempt to compile solutions to such a complex design challenge CHALLENGE The prototype shelter unit had to be designed for easy transportation to its site, low maintenance, and resilience to harsh conditions. The volume was intended to provide shelter for up to eight people for one to three days. The unit was required to offer space for sleeping and cooking and be transportable via helicopter. The weight had to be less than 1,800 kilograms or, if more, the unit had to be transported as a series of smaller parts that could be easily assembled on site. Other challenges included being self-sufficient (without need for external electrical and heating supply networks) and minimizing future maintenance costs. Use of both primitive and vernacular building practices of design involved advanced technology and elements of sustainable architecture (intelligent building skins, etc.) to produce a shelter of no environmental impact within strict design constraints.

NALOGA Študentje so morali na delavnici izdelati več prototipov malih bivalnih enot – bivakov, pri čemer so morali upoštevati tradicionalne oblike in ekstremne pogoje zaradi plazov, vetra, snega in mraza. V sodelovanjem s statikom so razvili 13 prototipov, ki so jih umestili na visokogorsko območje na podlago različnih naklonov. IZZIV Prototip je moral biti načrtovan tako, da ga je mogoče čim laže transportirati na odročna območja, da ne potrebuje vzdrževanja in da lahko kljubuje zahtevnim razmeram. Bivak je moral imeti funkcionalen prostor za največ 8 obiskovalcev, ki naj bi v njem preživeli največ 3 dni, ter prostor za spanje, kuhanje, shrambo in druženje. Enota naj bi bila prenosljiva s helikopterjem, zato naj bi tehtala manj kot 1800 kg in bila razstavljiva.. Preostala pogoja sta bila samozadostnost in minimalni stroški vzdrževanja. Študentje so med snovanjem objekta združili znanje o tradicionalni arhitekturi ter poznavanje sodobnih, naprednih tehnologij in elementov trajnostne gradnje. Končni izdelek naj bi bil zaklon za preživetje v visokogorju, ki ne vpliva ali minimalno posega v naravno okolje.

RESEARCH │ POP UP HOUSE / RAZISKAVA │ HIŠA IZ KART

POP UP HOUSE / Hiša iz kart Frederick Kim, Katie McDonald, Erin Pellegrino text by Katie McDonald

While every architecture student presumably desires to design real buildings, academic projects tend toward theoretical provocations that largely stay on the drawing board. On my first day at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, I enrolled in and Rok Oman and Spela Videcnik's “Housing in Extreme Environments” studio, enticed by the unusual premise of designing and building an alpine shelter for a real client under the tutelage of two accomplished European architects. The project brief itself teetered between fantasy and reality, specifying helicopters as construction vehicles and avalanches as normative site conditions. After presenting the project brief at the first studio meeting, Spela and Rok divided twelve students into four groups of three. Collaboration proved at odds with the deeply individualist nature of architectural education, and by the next class, nine students each had individual proposals to present. Feeling foolish in contrast to the now nine individual schemes, Frederick Kim, Erin Pellegrino, and I had stuck together to design our proposal. Nonetheless, we soon found that three was, perhaps unsurprisingly, better than one. Together, we could move faster, produce more, and avoid the pitfalls of falling too deeply in love with one idea. And so I learned my first lesson at the GSD: more is more.

Harvard work team / Delovna skupina

RESEARCH │ POP UP HOUSE / RAZISKAVA │ HIŠA IZ KART

PROCESS Tackling the studio brief required first understanding the typology. New to us, the bivouac is a mountaineering shelter constructed as refuge in remote sites. These types of outposts pepper the Alps across Europe, serving as muchneeded shelters from harsh winds, snow conditions, and treacherous terrains. Built as minimal interventions in hard-toreach places, most bivouacs are spare, accommodating only basic needs. Combining at the Slovenian vernacular of A-frame farmsteads with a modularity dictated by helicopter weight lifting capacities, our team devised a proposal, Pop House, that would be brought to site as a flat laminated veneer lumber assembly and be unfolded on site. Each module would connect at a range of heights so that the long section of the building was able to adjust to various site slopes. To our excitement, the Slovenian mountaineering organization, PD Ljubljana-Matica reviewed multiple designs from the studio, ultimately choosing Pop House for its durability, compactness, strategic deployment, vernacular form, and transformable furniture.

CONCEPT Once selected for construction, the Pop House design was adapted to meet new conditions – a specific site was located, structural requirements were considered, and a cladding material was selected. At the end of the term, Erin and I traveled to Ljubljana to complete drawings for the project at OFIS. In Ljubljana, the international nature of design became tangible. As two American students, we were soon settled in Slovenia, coordinating with engineering teams in London, cladding specialists in Austria, and local Slovenian contractors, engineers, alpine enthusiasts, and even military helicopter pilots to adapt the design to the constraints of construction. As we finessed the geometry of the building, Pop House soon became Peak House – a shelter of bunks and views, the building shifts its roof line like a series of mountain peaks, shedding snow and framing distant scenes. Within a context of extreme environmental forces, the shelter was designed to withstand harsh weather, radical temperature shifts, rugged terrain, wind, snow, and landslides with a durable glass reinforced concrete panelized façade to resist weathering. The interior dictates modesty and is subordinate to functionality, providing shelter for up to eight mountaineers.

DESIGN The shelter’s design minimizes environmental impacts: visually, gray glass reinforced concrete cladding blends into the environment. The mountain’s natural ventilation helps cool the structure, robust insulation acts to retain warmth on cold nights, and a lack of electricity preserves the shelter’s natural setting. The design consists of three modules, in part to allow for transport and to also programmatically divide the space. Deployed by helicopter in five flights, the building was joined on site into one mass. The first module is designated for entry, storage, and the preparation of a modest dinner. The second module allows for both sleeping and socializing, with beds that face each other for communal eating and gathering. The last module is mainly for sleeping, offering two levels of bunks. From both sides of the shelter, one can experience the panoramic views of both Skuta and the valley. In contrast to the thick gray cladding of the exterior, the interior is a warm wood. While the shelter’s interior engages the human form with beds that double as benches and fold-out tables, the exterior has been designed to shield inhabitants from extreme weather conditions with high peaks that shed snow and a structural framework designed to resist avalanches. Alpine Shelter Skuta is a shifting series of peaks, blending seemlessly with the surrounding environment and providing scenic views for mountaineers who venture inside.

Buffer module

Pop House

Frederick Kim, Katie MacDonald, Erin Pellegrino

3332

Living module

ODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

Bottom left: Social space.

Bottom right: Sleeping space.

Operable model.

Pop House

5m - 2 TRIPS TO SITE

- 1 TRIPS TO SITE

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODU

5m - 2 TRIPS TO SITE

Frederick Kim, Katie MacDonald, Erin Pellegrino

Diagrams and modules / Diagrami in moduli

Top: Module breakdown.

ALPINE SHELTER ON SKUTA MOUNTAIN │ PREFACE / BIVAK POD SKUTO │ UVOD

ALPINE SHELTER ON SKUTA MOUNTAIN / Bivak pod Skuto

PREFACE / Uvod

OFIS architects and AKT II in collaboration with students at Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Rieder and PD Ljubljana Matica The project developed from an architectural design studio at the Harvard Graduate School of Design led by Rok Oman and Spela Videcnik from OFIS. In fall 2014, thirteen students faced the challenge of designing an innovative yet practical shelter to meet the needs of the extreme alpine climate. Inspired by the vernacular architecture of Slovenia with its rich and diverse architectural heritage, the students produced twelve proposals that met the various site conditions, material considerations, and programmatic concerns, which were produced and catalogued. The extreme climatic conditions in the mountains present a design challenge for architects, engineers and designers. Within a context of extreme exposure to environmental forces, it is important to design buildings that can withstand extreme weather, radical temperature shifts, and rugged terrain. Responding to environmental conditions is not only a protective measure, but also translates into a matter of immediate safety. The harsh conditions of wind, snow, landslides, terrain, and weather require a response of specific architectural forms and conceptual designs.

Projekt v sodelovanju biroja OFIS arhitekti, Univerze Harvard, AKT II, podjetja Rieder in PD Ljubljana Matica Projekt je nastal v okviru arhitekturnega seminarja na Fakulteti za arhitekturo Univerze Harvard v ZDA, ki sta ga vodila Rok Oman in Špela Videčnik iz OFIS arhitektov. Jeseni leta 2014 se je trinajst ameriških študentov spopadlo z izzivom, kako oblikovati inovativno, a praktično gorsko zavetišče oziroma bivak. Navdih za soočanje z ekstremnim alpskim podnebjem je bila slovenska visokogorska arhitektura, ki ima bogato in raznoliko tradicijo. Študenti so pripravili dvanajst predlogov, primernih za različne lokacije v visokogorju, raziskovali uporabo materialov, programskih zahtev ter jih katalogizirali. Projekti v visokogorju so poseben izziv za arhitekte, statikom in oblikovalcem, zato se lahko iz njih študentje veliko naučijo. Razmere, ki jih pogojujejo veter, sneg, nevarnost plazov, razgiban teren, sonce in viharji, narekujejo posebne arhitekturne oblike in zasnove konstrukcije. Bivak predstavlja prvinsko obliko, ki mora v minimalnem prostoru zagotavljati zavetje in prenočišče, zato mora biti arhitektura skromna in podrejena funkciji.

ALPINE SHELTER ON SKUTA MOUNTAIN │ SITE INFORMATION / BIVAK POD SKUTO │ O LOKACIJI

SITE INFORMATION / O lokaciji

Winter weather in Kamnik-Savinja Alps is harsh. While the bivouac is visited mostly in the summer months, it must also be accessible in winter. The structure should be self-sufficient, independent from external energy supply, for example, which may prove difficult in harsh winter weather. LOCATION The site is a destination for hikers and climbers in all seasons. The present site with the existing shelter is located under the Skuta Mountain in KamnikSavinja Alps, Slovenia, at 2070 meters. It sits on the karst plateau of Mali Podi, along an unmarked trail leading to the summit of Skuta (2532 meters). Each year a few hundred mountaineers and hikers stop at the existing shelter, some for the night, some only for a brief break. This particular site is known for its spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the valley of Kamniška Bistrica.

Bottom: Location Following page: Existing shelter Spodaj: Lokacija Naslednja stran: Obstoječi bivak

EXISTING ALPINE SHELTER The existing shelter provided 12 sleeping places (6 bunk beds) with blankets, a table, and a bench. The shelter is open all year round, although it is very rarely used between December and May. The most popular months are July, August and September. The first shelter at this location was built in 1946. In 1981, Ljubljana-Matica mountaineering and climbing club built the existing shelter, which was larger and offered better protection from the elements. CLIMATE At such an altitute, winter wather is very harsh. There is snow for over half of the year. In winter, snow cover is deep (several meters) and persistent. Average annual temperature is close to 0 °C. In summer, average temperature rises close to 8-10 °C, while in winter it drops to -6 °C, reaching under -20 °C in colder days.

LOKACIJA Pod goro Skuta nad dolino Kamniške Bistrice v Kamniško-Savinjskih Alpah se je na višini 2070 metrov že nahajal preprost bivak. Tu se vsako leto ustavi več sto pohodnikov, nekateri v bivaku tudi prenočijo. Od tod je lep razgled na Skuto, okoliške vrhove na dolino Kamniške Bistrice. OBSTOJEČI BIVAK Obstoječi bivak je nudil prenočišče z ležišči in mizo. Bil je odprt vse letne čase, čeprav je bil v zimskih mesecih le redko obiskan. Prvi bivak tej lokaciji je bil postavljen leta 1946, leta 1981 pa je PD Ljubljana Matica, oskrbnik objekta, bivak porušilo in izgradilo novega. PODNEBJE Zimski meseci so zelo ekstremni, saj sneg, ki ga lahko zapade tudi sedem metrov, pokriva območje več kot polovico leta. Povprečna letna temperatura je 0°C: poleti med 8 in 10 °C, pozimi -6 °C, v hladnejših dneh pa je povprečje približno -20 °C.

ALPINE SHELTER ON SKUTA MOUNTAIN │ SITE INFORMATION / BIVAK POD SKUTO │ O LOKACIJI

Top: Existing shelter Bottom: Skuta Mountain in Kamnik Alpsw Following page: View of the existing shelter Zgoraj: Obstoječi bivak Spodaj:Skuta, Kamiške Alpe Naslednja stran: Pogled obstoječega bivaka

ALPINE SHELTER ON SKUTA MOUNTAIN │ SITE INFORMATION / BIVAK POD SKUTO │ O LOKACIJI

Rinke 2453 m

Mrzla 2203 m Krnička gora 2061 m

Skuta 2532 m

Grintovec 2558 m Dolgi hrbet 2473 m

KoÄ?na 2540 m

ALPINE SHELTER ON SKUTA MOUNTAIN │ DESIGN / BIVAK POD SKUTO │ OBLIKOVNA REŠITEV

DESIGN FORM / Oblikovna rešitev

This new shelter was built below Mt Skuta in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, 120 years after the installation of Aljaz Tower on Triglav in August 1985. It has replaced the 50-year-old bivouac previously on the site. The bivouac meets the basic human need for shelter. It is a symbol of refuge. The outer form and materials were chosen to meet the extreme mountain conditions, and also provide views of the wider landscape. Its position in the wilderness requires respect for natural resources, so it must meet the ground in a light and firm manner to ensure that it is strongly anchored while having a minimal impact on the ground. In addition, the outer shell had to be made of highly resistant material, so in collaboration with Rieder, thin glass-fibre öko skin concrete elements were able to meet all the requirements of aesthetics, material quality and the challenge of withstanding especially demanding weather conditions. The design of the interior dictates modesty, being totally subordinate to the function of the shelter, which provides accommodation for up to eight mountaineers. Informed by traditional alpine architecture, building elements, materials, structure and form, the design scheme by students Frederick Kim, Katie MacDonald and Erin Pellegrino was selected. At the end of the academic semester, OFIS architects and structural engineers AKT ll continued to develop and adapt the form to the site, responding to further input from mountaineers, Milan Sorc and other engineers, and led the project throughout the realization planning phase. The design consists of three modules, partly to allow for transport and also to programmatically divide the space. The first comprises the entrance, storage

space and a small space for preparing food. The second provides space for sleeping and socializing, while the third features a bunk sleeping area. The windows at each end offer beautiful panoramic views of the valley and Mt Skuta. Due to the nature of the installation process, the shelter was designed as a series of modules, so that it could be taken up the mountain in parts. The entire prototype was constructed off-site in a workshop. The modules were planned as a series of robust frames, which would then be braced together on site, making installation manageable and producing a less invasive foundation. In order to keep the mountain site as undisturbed as possible, the modules are fastened to strategically placed pin connections, which also act as the foundation. The glass is a triple pane system calculated to withstand to the projected strong wind and snow loads. The bivouac was installed by PD Ljubljana Matica under the direction of Matevz Jerman, while helicopter transport was provided by the Slovenian Armed Forces and a team of Mountain Rescue Service from the Ljubljana office. The whole transportation and installation process was carried out in one day. Although the scale of the bivouac is small, the project required a lot of effort and planning from over sixty participants who were mostly volunteers and sponsors. All would agree that, despite the small size, it was no less demanding than any large building project. However, all of the effort and planning for this small scale project is meant to keep the memory, spirit and culture of the mountains as a special place for Slovenian. The hope is that the bivouac will serve as a shelter for all of the climbers who need it.

:3 Top: Volume modeling Bottom: Exploded view of modules Zgoraj: Oblikovanje volumna Spodaj: Razstavljeni pogledi

VOLUME MODELING

+0,80 m

+0,40 m

+0,00 m

EXPLODED VIEW OF MODULES

ALPINE SHELTER ON SKUTA MOUNTAIN │ DESIGN / BIVAK POD SKUTO │ OBLIKOVNA REŠITEV

Avgusta 2015, ravno na dan, ko mineva 120 let od postavitve Aljaževega stolpa, smo na 2070 metrih pod Skuto začeli postavljati nov bivak, ki je nadomestil več kot 50 let staro zavetišče. Bivak je bil zasnovan v okviru programa Fakulteto za arhitekturo Univerze Harvard. Tam so ameriški študentje pod mentorstvom Roka Omana in Špele Videčnik jeseni leta 2014 pripravili štirinajst projektov bivaka v slovenskem visokogorju. V Ameriki je arhitektura, predvsem stanovanjskih hiš, monotona in se ne prilagaja geografskim in kulturnim razmeram, zato si je na severu in jugu, na Floridi ali Aljaski, precej podobna. Obisk tako majhnega prostora, kot je Slovenija, ki ima izjemno bogato in raznoliko stavbno dediščino, je bil za študente prijetno presenečenje. Na osnovi tradicionalne alpske arhitekture, stavbnih elementov, materialov, struktur in oblik so pripravili arhitekturne predloge, med katerimi je bila izbrana zasnova (avtorji so študentje arhitekture Frederick Kim, Katie Mac Donald in Erin Pellegrino), ki najbolje predstavlja strmo dvokapnico, ki je značilna za številne tradicionalne lesene gradnje v slovenskih gorah. Ta različica je bila spomladi delno spremenjena, da je bila bolj prilagojena statičnim razmeram in imela večjo uporabnost, v skladu s predlogi planinskega društva, več alpinistov in statika.

3 2

ALPINE SHELTER ON SKUTA MOUNTAIN │ DESIGN / BIVAK POD SKUTO │ OBLIKOVNA REŠITEV

Bivak sestavljajo trije moduli. Prvi je namenjen vstopu, shrambi ter pripravi hrane. Drugi omogoča spanje in prostor druženja, tretji pa je namenjen za počitek. Z obeh strani se skozi panoramsko steklo odpira prelep pogled v dolino ter na Skuto. Bivak je bil v celoti sestavljen v delavnici, nato pa razstavljen na tri module, ki jih je helikopter ločeno prepeljal na goro. Vnaprej so bili na zložbi starega bivaka pripravljeni zatiči oziroma kovinska sidra, kamor so se moduli nataknili. Zmogljivost helikopterja je pogojevala velikost in težo bivaka, zaradi večje varnosti pa sta se steklo in finalna obloga prepeljali ločeno in sta bili vgrajeni v enem dnevu, ko so bili moduli spet sestavljeni . Velikost trislojnega stekla se je določila upoštevajoč predvidene močne vetrove in snežno obtežbo, ki lahko deformira konstrukcijo. Strešna oziroma fasadna obloga je ekološka iz recikliranih materialov, vsa notranjost pa je oblečena v macesen. Bivak je postavila skupina PD Ljubljana Matica pod vodstvom Matevža Jermana, helikopterske prevoze pa sta izvedli Slovenska vojska in Gorska reševalna služba - postaja Ljubljana. Čeprav je objekt majhen, je bil zaradi arhitekturnega načrtovanja, logistike in umestitve poseben izziv za vse sodelujoče, ki imajo izkušnje z gradnjami v bistveno večjih merilih. Večinoma vsi udeleženci so bili prostovoljci, ki so sodelovali iz spoštovanja in ljubezni do gora. Upajmo, da bo bivak planincem dobro služil ter da ga bodo uporabljali skrbno in s spoštovanjem.

ALPINE SHELTER ON SKUTA MOUNTAIN │ DESIGN / BIVAK POD SKUTO │ OBLIKOVNA REŠITEV

Plan│Tloris

Sectionâ&#x201D;&#x201A;Prerez

ALPINE SHELTER ON SKUTA MOUNTAIN │ DESIGN / BIVAK POD SKUTO │ OBLIKOVNA REŠITEV

6 7

2 3

5 4 2

1 TIMBER BED 2 TIMBER BENCH/BED 3 TIMBER TABLE 4 SMALL FOLDING TABLE 5 DOOR 6 VERTICAL TIMBER BETON 7 STRUCTURAL GLASS WINDOW

Interior program / program interierja

ALPINE SHELTER ON SKUTA MOUNTAIN │ DESIGN / BIVAK POD SKUTO │ OBLIKOVNA REŠITEV

exterior cladding: concrete slates zunanja obloga: betonski paneli

1 11OUTER OUTER OUTER SHELL: SHELL: SHELL: CONCRETE CONCRETE CONCRETE PANELS PANELS PANELS

structure: steel frames konstrukcija: kovinsko ogrodje

interior cladding: larch obloga: macesen

2 22STEEL STEEL STEEL STRUCTURE: STRUCTURE: STRUCTURE: CC SECTION CSECTION SECTION

3 33INTERNAL INTERNAL INTERNAL SHELL: SHELL: SHELL: LARCH LARCH LARCH TIMBER TIMBER TIMBER PANELS PANELS PANELS

Top:Transport to the location Bottom: Construction and modules Zgoraj: Lokacija in transport Spodaj: Konstrukcija in moduli

glazing: triple glass panel zasteklitev: tripan stekleni panel

4 OUTDOOR FRAMES: TRIPLE GLAZED STRUCTURAL GLASS

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eatist udio first e of s for nds in a orkshops

ALPINE SHELTER ON SKUTA MOUNTAIN │ TECHNOLOGICAL APPROACH / BIVAK POD SKUTO │ TEHNOLOŠKI PRISTOP

A CONFINED TECHNOLOGICAL APPROACH / Tehnološki pristop z omejitvami spring to mind as recognized bases for archiHanif Kara

tectural and artistic experimentation. The first is Black Rock City (originally known as the Burning Man Festival), which takes place annually in the deserts of Nevada; the second is the British Antarctic Ice Research Station, Halley VI. Since its first incarnation in 1986, the Burning Man Festival has produced a number of radical examples of shelters that are built very quickly and leave no trace on the desert. These structures are built to withstand the cold nights and hot days of the arid climate, and to be relatively self-sufficient, since they are used to provide the bare essentials, although located on a fixed plot. Due to the long-term success of

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The concept of teaching and learning “through making” is a well trodden path in architectural education. Buckminster Fuller, Tatlin, Mies Prouve, among others, were all obsessed with experimental prototypical inanimate objects as instruments of learning and applied design research . More recently, this model has proliferated in many architectural schools as they are assaulted by the expansion of discourse driven by the “digital design and fabrication”, interdisciplinary collaborations and pedagogical opportunities offered by networked platforms. Therefore, architectural limits have been pushed forward and design processes have been transformed, while there have also been significant steps forward in the architecture of everyday buildings. From the outset, OFIS studio seeks to disrupt the status quo and tries to find a challenging project, such structures built at an “extreme site”.

Structural analysis of wind loads on Pophouse / are designed in a C-shaped the festivals, which Strukturna analiza “city” format, these shelters have been of interest obremenitve vetra na to organizations exploring mass housing such Pophouse

as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and commercial ventures such as Shelter Systems and World Shelters. Although many of these concepts have roots in the experimentation of the last century, including those of Buckminster Fuller, more recently some innovative ideas have emerged too. For example, “yurtdomes,” the folding ICOSA Pod (a structure based on triangular tensions), or the IKEA-funded flat-packed houses (originally produced for refugees on the Somalia/Ethiopia border by Swedish designer Johan Karlson), have

In addition tackling the many-layered question of “housing” in the short span of a semester, which given the role played by many designers and fabricators in this process, is prone to result in credulous and repetitious research, while often falling into the dreamlike ramblings of utopian speculations. It is also all too easy to fall into a defeatist mind-set; in choosing to persevere, this studio attempted to apply a narrow focus to the first half of the semester, setting the challenge of designing prototypes for survival shelters for mountaineers in Slovenia’s harsh highlands in a limited time span, including two short workshops on structure and technology. Though the subject matter then becomes specific, and the technologies reviewed specialized, such an approach to study has the potential to provide a more reliable output. These research

findings can be expanded and applied to other scenarios, helping to tackle the challenges of mass housing in extreme environments that have become prevalent around the globe in recent years. A notional site was specified and the known constraints tested as part of the prototypical approach. This “production of knowledge” -the learning attached to the process of developing a design through the rigors of construction, facilitating the shift from theory to practice- would be invaluable in the second half of the semester. There are a great many ways of approaching the task; looking at this through a technological lens, the scenario forces the imagination to move from quickly produced designs for very compact spaces toward more limited distinctions (in terms of its design, methods, and applicability). The studies include fast assembly and erection using helicopters, choosing resilient materials rather than relying on permanence of design, and considering the connections between elements as closely as the elements themselves. We can strive for insulated lightness rather than mass, and views upward to the skies rather than just down to the streets, as well as early application of design and communication tools across disciplines. In the last two decades, the architectural discipline has had to return to thinking beyond the mere execution of program toward “persuasion by innovation”: new types of design intelligence, new technologies, and fascinating forms of fabrication drawn from the digital revolution. Small projects such as this one, or temporary “pavilions” and “pop-ups,” have become relevant and prevalent in contemporary design

discourse. In this vein, two precedents spring to mind as recognized bases for architectural and artistic experimentation. The first is Black Rock City (originally known as the Burning Man Festival), which takes place annually in the deserts of Nevada; the second is the British Antarctic Ice Research Station, Halley VI. Since its first incarnation in 1986, the Burning Man Festival has produced a number of radical examples of shelters that are built very quickly and leave no trace on the desert. These structures are built to withstand the cold nights and hot days of the arid climate, and to be relatively selfsufficient, since they are used to provide the bare essentials, although located on a fixed plot. WW Due to the long-term success of the festivals, which are designed in a C-shaped “city” format, these shelters have been of interest to organizations exploring mass housing such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and commercial ventures such as Shelter Systems and World Shelters. Although many of these concepts have roots in the experimentation of the last century, including those of Buckminster Fuller, more recently some innovative ideas have emerged too. For example, “yurt domes,” the folding ICOSA Pod (a structure based on triangular tensions), or the IKEA-funded flat-packed houses (originally produced for refugees on the Somalia/Ethiopia border by Swedish designer Johan Karlson), have all been tested at this festival. The Halley VI ice station provides a unique example. Built in 2013 as a mobile permanent research center that accommodated the physical, social,

and emotional needs of researchers, the station is sited on a massive ice sheet called the Brunt Ice Shelf. It must withstand a brutal climate, with temperatures ranging from -5oC to -50oC. Average snowfall is around 1 meter per year, and there can be total darkness for three months annually.

THE FIRST WORKSHOP In the first group discussion, we drew on the adage that research alone cannot go far enough to define applicable ideas within design and engineering; it is equally important to work with reference to the supply chain in its industrial context. The compact eight-person prototype would provide a basic survival shelter. Context was important in the design: in terms of scale, it could comprise a two-story “rocky outcrop” within a mountainous landscape, or a stacked “treelike” volume in a field. The themes of construction and transportation in extreme topographies and terrains guided this first discussion, placing particular emphasis on the use of rescue helicopters. This was a methodology pioneered in the early 1900s during the construction of offshore oilrig topside accommodation. An early understanding of local environmental patterns is crucial to the confined approach. In these more remote areas of Slovenia, this would include a number of extreme acts of nature such as strong winds, fluctuations in temperature, sheet floor ice movement, mudslides, floods, snow drifts, and avalanches. Given the fragility of these conditions, much thought was given to providing lateral and vertical restraint to mountainside accommodation while causing minimal impact on the

ALPINE SHELTER ON SKUTA MOUNTAIN │ TECHNOLOGICAL APPROACH / BIVAK POD SKUTO │ TEHNOLOŠKI PRISTOP

surrounding land; the geological and orographic features of the site were introduced at this stage. The opposite was also true: while impact on the mountains would have to be minimal, the ability to withstand -or, more correctly, to divert- the force of an avalanche, should one be triggered, was also a necessity. At their highest speeds, avalanches have been known to obliterate even the strongest reinforced concrete structures, reaching forces of up to 100kN/m2 (compared to 4kN/m2 for wind), so the prototypes could not be designed to resist this. The best alpine architecture, then, is that which develops alternative defense strategies, such as avoiding the known avalanche path altogether, or shaping the design to deflect loads. Given the remote nature of many of these shelters, the considerations that apply to more standard structures are exaggerated here. Adjacent buildings, roads and other infrastructures, gardens, and public spaces can be overlooked, leaving the students to concentrate on purely technical aspects throughout this phase.

THE SECOND WORKSHOP The second workshop of the studio extended to testing several designs for a variety of load cases, using widely available structural design software to discuss materials, aesthetics, optimization, and integration of each building type. It became apparent that by working through the prototypes together and testing first one that was rocklike and two floors tall, and then another taller design, the whole group could benefit from the analysis. This process worked with key findings from the first workshop, applying these to the designs of each student. Surface structures, framed structures, and braced structures were simulated for the final analysis.

The conclusions drawn were taken into account in the second phase of the semester, with a variety of material options and forms from which to choose. The confined technical approach can also go further in the future to incorporate advanced structural materials alongside the possible use of “drone technologies” for fabrication and installation, which are rapidly developing as an economical option. In the summer of 2015 a site was indeed secured and the winning entry from the first semester was constructed on this site. Aside from a linear description of the process of design, fabrication the severe constraints of installation by helicopter during a small window in the summer posed a lot compromises and challenges that are presented in the remainder of the publication . This article is largely based on a paper written by the author for GSD HARVARD PUBLICATION “Habitation in extreme environments” by Rok Oman │Spela Videcnik.

ALPINE SHELTER ON SKUTA MOUNTAIN │ SKIN SOLUTION / BIVAK POD SKUTO │ ZASNOVA OPNE

SKIN SOLUTION / Zasnova opne Rieder Smart Elements, Austria, Wolfgang Rieder, Matthias Kleibel and Ravago, Nada Uratarič

Until certainly the end of the 18th century, travel as such, often perilous and to remote or almost impassable places, always served a specific purpose. At that time, simply traveling for travel’s sake would have been unthinkable. But only a few decades later, at the beginning of the 19th century, things changed, albeit initially only in Europe. Tourism blossomed for the first time, traveling became an end in itself, and inimical nature became a landscape the view of which promised to be enjoyable. In people’s minds, places popped up that they yearned to visit, that promised recreation, distraction, and maybe a little adventure. Grand hotels were built in highly attractive countryside locations, especially in the Alps, and spas arose where the nobility met in order to chill out or heat up together. The really daring ones among them went upwards and upwards: onto the Grossglockner, Watzmann, Eiger, the Matterhorn – one peak after another was scaled, route after route worked out, and the foundation stone for modern mountaineering laid. Mountains became a sporting challenge to test yourself, a place where you could explore your physical and mental limits and consciously more or less expose yourself to the elements, which down in the lowlands were long since tamed. For all the high-tech equipment available today, mortal danger remains a constant companion in the mountains. From my long-standing experience as a mountain climber I am only too familiar with the risks and also with exploring my personal limits. Frequently I had to seek the succor of mountain shelters and bivouac bags and spent countless nights in rooms full of other sweaty bodies. Down through the years the shape and underlying concept of these shelters constantly changed. Many were

modernized, but their simple essence, destined to ensure a pure experience of nature and one’s own limits, has largely remained the same. And most of the mountain shelters are structures thoroughly geared to their practical purpose: Not a window too many through which wind could enter and heat escape, not a square meter of material that is not absolutely necessary to keep maintenance as easy as possible. In the best possible case, the architecture of such refuges and cabins borrows from regional building traditions and blends harmoniously with the landscape. So how to design a mountain shelter today, when new technologies are available and as a matter of course the construction materials can be flown on site by helicopter? What kind of architecture is appropriate for an Alpine setting? What construction methods and materials are light, stable and durable? These were the kind of questions that the students at the Harvard Graduate School of Design participating in the “Alpine Shelter” project asked themselves. Together with OFIS and Hanif Kara – whose visionary powers and immense experience takes every project to a higher level – they developed a prototype mountain shelter for Mt. Skuta in the Slovenian Alps – and ended up actually realizing it. It was a joy to pass on the knowledge I have gained as a mountain climber. With the experiences you have in the mountains and on mountain faces you invariably gain a sensitivity for any structural intervention in the natural surroundings – and of course also for meaningful or at times meaningless architectural decisions. For example, how has the entrance to the shelter been designed? Can I reach it when visibility is poor without getting into danger?

How is the space structured? Do I first need to climb over fellow climbers in their sleeping bags and then find there is too little space for my own equipment? Every decision an architect takes when handling such a job influences the mountaineers’ safety, the quality of life in the shelter, and thus the unique experience offered.

ALPINE SHELTER ON SKUTA MOUNTAIN │ SKIN SOLUTION / BIVAK POD SKUTO │ ZASNOVA OPNE

JOINING FORCES FOR BETTER ARCHITECTURE What was so special about this architectural studio was the collaboration across the different disciplines, and that is what I feel is the real benefit of such a project. Not just for the architecture itself, which is constantly improved by the interdisciplinary interaction, but for all those involved in the process, be they students or professional architects, engineers or businesspeople. The shared experiences and the insights thus gained enrich future projects and processes and generate new ideas. For a company such as Rieder interdisciplinary cooperation is decisive. Our glass-fiber-reinforced concrete elements are often developed in our workshops together with architects and specialist planners to ensure they suit the particular project and then go into customized production. This way, we grow with each new task, irrespective of how complex the requirements and geometries are. Especially small, experimental construction projects in extreme, climatically challenging locations are ideal to test new ideas and bring the insights gained in everyday work to bear in visionary developments. As for example was the case with the joint project with Transsolar: Concrete was the first choice not just as a load-bearing, wall or façade element, but thanks to its high heat-storage properties it can be used thermally without much additional effort, or such was our idea. Together with Matthias Schuler we thereupon developed thermally activated concrete elements, which we called “Bionics”, that in a very simple yet effective way store energy in the long term and free architecture from some zeitgeisty and in-your-face facilities technology – in favor of better architecture.

THE OUTER SKIN The outer skin of a mountain shelter also calls for an open mind when it comes to the choice of technology. And a profound knowledge of the materials. The possibilities and limits of glass-fiberreinforced concrete were presented at a practical workshop for the students of the Harvard Graduate School of Design in the Rieder production plant in Kolbermoor (Germany). The façade material chosen for the shelter was our “öko skin”: The glass-fiber-reinforced concrete panels are only 13mm thick, extremely light and nevertheless extremely resilient – a decisive factor when working with concrete in very inaccessible locations. After all, there is a weight limit set for the materials helicopters can transport. The thin “öko skin” panels are moreover easy to install and in the course of the years require no maintenance whatsoever. Tests have proven that they remain durable for over 50 years, during which they require neither sanding nor painting. Moreover, they are inflammable. And in terms of color and texture they fit well into the harsh mountain setting and as a patina develops on their surfaces will increasingly blend with the surroundings. DARING TO EXPERIMENT The “Alpine Shelter” project joins our long line of construction experiments and pavilions – all destined to test our visions of better architecture and explore the limits of what is possible. For the usually temporary nature of such structures and their small scale means manufacturing processes need to be revisited, and the robustness, design and suitability of the construction materials evaluated. Such construction experiments help the company to question current practices and constantly rethink architectural skins in new contexts. A prime example is the pavilion for the 10th anniversary

of the AA Design Research Laboratory in London, which we realized together with graduates from the Architectural Association – School of Architecture under Patrik Schumacher and the team led by Hanif Kara – who has been a mentor of mine ever since. For that project, we succeeded in creating the complex structure of the pavilion solely using fibreC panels that function to bear the load, provide a floor, walls and the ceiling. “A good way to proceed was to take the best and improve it.” – Henry Royce The example shows that only if you repeatedly review the properties and potential of materials does computing capacity cease to constrain design decisions, which are limited only by your own visions and ideas for better architecture. For me, better means that architecture should be more than the aesthetic sum of its parts. And an outer skin is more than just cladding for a façade. It should and can address general architectural aspects such as climatic changes, resource scarcity and well-being, to mention but three. And a construction project that expresses a vision is a built experiment, and can also fail. Because, to paraphrase , it is best to “fail and fail better” – only through audacity and a zest for experimentation can the grand project that is architecture help to improve the world in which we live. And we at Rieder wish to help move that project forward.

ALPINE SHELTER ON SKUTA MOUNTAIN │ GLAZING / BIVAK POD SKUTO │ ZASTEKLITEV

GLAZING IN EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS / Zasteklitev v ekstremnih pogojih Research, glass calculations and analysis by Domen Komac, Guardian, USA

Right: Close up of shelter glazing Following page: Calculations made by Guardian Configurator software Desno: Pogled na zasteklitev bivaka Naslednja stran: Izračuni programa Guardian Configurator

Investigation of glazing was done with help of Guardian, that also donated glass. The choice of proper glass type, thickness, and buildup is extremely important when building in more challenging environments, particular attention needs to be paid to several factors, such as higher wind loads, special needs for thermal insulation/solar control performance and air pressure differences due to: due to elevation, temperature differences and higher safety/security requirements. The Bivouac on Mount Skuta featured most of these extreme conditions, making it a challenge for the chosen glazing consultants: WINDLOAD The design windload had been calculated at 2,3 kN/m2. This alone made the use of tempered safety glass imperative. For comparison, high-rise buildings in cities are usually calculated with windload values around 1,1 kN/m2 and lower. THERMAL INSULATION AND SOLAR CONTROL As the shelters lack any heating or air conditioning by design, making them as passive as possible from an energy standpoint was of crucial importance. Therefore, triple glazing was installed with a Ug-value of 0,5 W/m2K and a solar factor of 33%, to reach an optimum energy balance all year round. The primary coated glass chosen for this task was spectrally selective Guardian SunGuard® SN 70/37 on the outer pane, combined with Guardian ClimaGuard® Premium T low-emissivity glass on the inner pane, resulting in 59% visible light transmission in the final triple glazing configuration, which is considered unusually high given the very low solar factor.

The following reasons factored into the selection of those glass types: THEIR NEUTRAL APPEARANCE Since the building was in the middle of the mountains, neutral appearance was essential, to allow the bivouac to blend in as much as possible with the nature around it. LOW REFLECTION OUTSIDE This helped ensure the best possible view in, both during the day and night. A “metal appearance” due to high light reflection would not attract visitors. And at night, thanks to the low reflection, a small candle may be visible from a great distance, given that there is no electricity or other light contamination. LOW REFLECTION INSIDE this allows the inhabitants to better enjoy the surrounding views of nature and the mountains, and to bring the outside in. ELEVATION DIFFERENCES The shelters are situated more than 2,000 meters above sea level, while the chosen glass processor with the necessary capabilities had its shop at a level of 160 meters. This difference of over 1,800 meters resulted in a tremendous pressure buildup in the gas spaces in between the glass panes, causing deflection and stress in the glass, as well as mechanical loads on the edge sealing. To reduce these impacts, special, one-way valves were installed into the spacers to allow excess pressure to leave the gas spaces during transport of the glass units, while also preventing unwanted humid air from entering those spaces between the panes. The shelters were designed with pentagon- and irregular quadrangle shaped windows instead of the usual rectangular ones. This further increased the stresses at the corners with the obtuse angles (see

image). 2 sides of the shelter were fully glazed from floor to ceiling, with the glazing divided into 3 parts vertically for safety (windload) and feasibility (helicopter transport to the site). All in all, the calculations resulted in the following final glass configuration (outside to inside): 10 mm tempered SunGuard SN 70/37 + 18 mm space, Argon filled + 6 mm tempered clear glass + 18 mm space, Argon filled + 8 mm tempered ClimaGuard Premium T.

ALPINE SHELTER ON SKUTA MOUNTAIN │ THERMAL BEHAVIORS / BIVAK POD SKUTO │ IZOLACIJA

THERMAL BEHAVIORS / Toplotne lastnosti Research, thermal calculations and analysis by Rockwool stone wool, Ravago, Nada Uratarič Raziskava in analiza toplotne izolacije Rockwool stone wool, Ravago, Nada Uratarič

One of the donors for the Skuta shelter was Rockwool that also collaborated on research of thermal behaviors. Alpine Shelter is designed with wood construction and 20 cm thermal wool isolation (Rockwool Airrock ND), with good thermal resistance RD = 5,70 m2K/W and respect for the natural resources. The production process for this particular stone wool is a technological replica of the inside of a volcano that spins and cools lava in a controlled environment, that makes product naturally durable and stable over the lifetime of a building. The unique physical structure of stone wool keeps its shape and toughness. A good thermal performance is necessary to withstand the extreme weather which occurs in high mountains. With temperatures that can vary between plus and minus 30 degrees or more, condensation is a constant problem in the climate. In this case it is important that stone wool does not absorb water (it is non-hygroscopic) – otherwise the condensation would create wet insulation, which would be very heavy and overtime would tend to sag in the wall. This sagging creates hollow spots with zero insulation capability. With chosen stone wall we avoid these thermal bridges, because it is easy to handle, install and achieve an exact fit in the construction. The installation is also easier with a lightweight insulation. That

is especially important for this special project because of the demanding transport in mountains. Chosen insulation derives its excellent thermal properties from tiny pockets of air trapped within the physical structure of the stone wool. Moreover, it continues to work throughout the lifetime of the building. As well as reducing the heat needed to keep buildings warm in winter, stone wool insulation also maintains a cool interior temperature in summer. It’s energy efficient as well as being environmentally friendly all year round. It fulfils all special requirements: THERMAL EFFICIENCY Insulation retains its insulation properties in both very low and very high (up to 1000°C) temperatures. So even in this environment the thermal conductivity (λ) is going to stay 0.035 W/mK. FIRE SAFETY Non-combustible insulation acts like fire barrier and does not contribute to fire. It is classified to Euroclass A1. Such products are considered not to contribute to fire development are also considered not to produce any burning droplets and significant amount of smoke. DURABILITY Stone wool achieves its insulating properties by ‘capturing’ the air between

the fibers, so that virtually no convection takes place. Because Rockwool insulation only contains natural air and no other gases, the thermal performance does not change â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not even in longer periods like the total lifetime of a building. Natural resource Chosen type of stone woolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s production process uses about 97% of mineral materials. The remaining 3% are binders (phenolic-formaldehyde resin) as well as impregnating oil. Water drops hitting the surface of a stone wool slab will usually just flow down the surface without getting deeper into the product structure. WATER REPELLENT This products are also vapor permeable allowing vapor to diffuse throughout the product and contributing to increase drying potential, and a more breathable, energy efficient building. Rather than moisture building up in the layer, it allows the moisture to escape. ACOUSTICS Thanks to its spaces between the fibers and its porous, open structure, the stone wool provides good sound performances and reduces noise vibrations.

ALPINE SHELTER ON SKUTA MOUNTAIN │ THERMAL BEHAVIORS / BIVAK POD SKUTO │ IZOLACIJA

ALPINE SHELTER ON SKUTA MOUNTAIN │ DEAN’S WALL EXHIBITION / BIVAK POD SKUTO │ RAZSTAVA

EXHIBITION ON HARVARD GSD / Razstava na Fakulteti za arhitekturo Univerze Harvard where │ kje Harvard University Graduate School of Design 48 Quincy Street Cambridge, MA 02138 when │ kdaj spring 2016 image credit │ fotografije : Justin Knight

ALPINE SHELTER ON SKUTA MOUNTAIN │ CONTRIBUTORS / BIVAK POD SKUTO │ SODELUJOČI & SPONZORJI

CONTRIBUTORS / Sodelujoči & sponzorji

The following team developed the final design │ Sodelujoči in sponzorji projekta Instructors and Architects │ Mentorja in arhitekta Rok Oman in Špela Videčnik, OFIS arhitekti Student Design Team, Harvard GSD │ Študentje oblikovalci, Harvard GSD Frederick Kim, Katie MacDonald, Erin Pellegrino OFIS architects Team │ Skupina OFIS arhitektov Janez Martinčič, Andrej Gregorič, Maria Della Mea, Vincenzo Roma, Andrea Capretti, Jade Manbodh, Sam Eadington Structural Engineering │ Zasnova statike AKT II, London, UK, Hanif Kara, Edward Wilkes, Projecta d.o.o., Milan Sorč Façade – öko skin │ Zasnova opne (Oko-Skin) Rieder Smart Elements, Austria, Wolfgang Rieder, Matthias Kleibel and Ravago, Nada Uratarič Glazing │ Zasteklitev Domen Komac, Guardian, USA ivouac maintainance representatives │ Predstavnika oskrbnika bivaka B Matevž Jerman, Davor Rozman, Aleš Jenko Principal Contractor │ Glavni izvajalec Permiz d.o.o., Slovenija, Boštjan Perme Anchors and Fixation │ Sidranje Hilti, Slovenija, Izračuni - Calculations: Janez Zefran, Borislav Majkič Thermal and fire safe insulations │ Izolacije Rockwool stone wool, Ravago, Nada Uratarič Site Preparation and Construction Team │ Priprava podlage ter finalna montaža Alpinistični odsek PD Ljubljana - Matica, Višinska dela Orti Team: Matevž Jerman, Jernej Ortar, Blaž Ortar, Davor Rozman, Nataša Vodopivec, Matevž Kastrin, Boris Mance, Boris Bokavšek, Luka Klemenčič, Žiga Ašič, Jernej Knop, Anže Klarič, Uroš Grilj, Marko Granda, Boštjan Oblak

elicopter Flights and Support at Installation │ Helikopterski prevoz in montaža ter vpetje H Slovenska vojska Tomaž Perše, Primož Pintar, Andrej Grošelj, Peter Smrkolj Gorska reševalna služba - postaja Ljubljana Brane Žorž, Tadej Mrak, Bojan Goli Special thanks to Harvard University Graduate School of Design, who made the studio possible through the generous support of the John T. Dunlop Professorship in Housing and Urbanization │ Zahvala Fakulteti za Arhitekturo Univerze Harvard ter dekanu Mohsenu Mostafaviju in predstojniku Iñakiju Ábalosu, ki je omogočil raziskavo znotraj studia ter vsem ostalim sodelujočim študentom Mohsen Mostafavi, Dean and Alexander and Victoria Wiley Professor of Design Iñaki Ábalos, Architecture Department Chair and students: Myrna Ayoub, Zheng Cui, Lauren McClellan, Michael Meo, Nadia Perlepe, Elizabeth Pipal, Tianhang Ren, Xin Su, Oliver Bucklin Engineering & Consulting │ Inženiring in svetovanje Anže Čokl, Freeapproved www Special thanks to all sponsors │ Posebna zahvala vsem sponzorjem Rieder Smart Elements, Maishofen, Austria AKT II, London, UK OFIS arhitekti, Ljubljana, Slovenija Guardian Europe, Luxemburg PD Ljubljana - Matica Hilti, Trzin, Slovenija Ravago, Štore, Slovenija PGM Hotič, Slovenija Višinska dela Orti Gorska reševalna zveza Slovenije Slovenska vojska

WINTER CABIN ON MOUNT KANIN │ PREFACE / ZIMSKA SOBA NA KANINU │ UVOD

WINTER CABIN ON MOUNT KANIN / Zimska soba na Kaninu

PREFACE / Uvod

OFIS arhitekti and CBD structural engineers in collaboration with PZS, PD Bovec, JZS, Permiz d.o.o. and Ortar in Jerman d.o.o. The bivouac was fully funded with donations and with the support of structural engineers and constructors of Xlam CLT structure from CBD d.o.o.. The material ahs been donated by contractors, which have used the site to test the response of the wooden frame, glass, insulation, panels and protective systems. The site on the top of a ridge offers great views of the Soča Valley, Triglav and the Adriatic, a haven for offpiste skiers, hikers and nature lovers.

OFIS arhitekti in CBD statiki in konstruktorji so v sodelovanju s planinci Planinske Zveze Slovenije, Planinskega Drustva Bovec, Jamarske Zveze Slovenije , Permiz d.o.o., ter Ortar & Jerman d.o.o. Bivak je bil na pobudo OFIS arhitektov in ob veliki podpori statikov, konstruktorjev in izvajalcev lesene Xlam CLT konstrukcije iz podjetja CBD d.o.o. v celoti izveden iz donacij, material pa so podarili razni gradbeni proizvajalci, ki sto postavitvijo v ekstremnem okolju tudi testirajo odziv lesene konstrukcije, stekla, izolacije, oblog in varovalnih sistemov. Lokacija je na vrhu grebena s čudovitimi pogledi na dolino Soče, Triglav in oblepem vremenu tudi na morje. To je raj za turne smučarje, ki ji je objekt tudi prvenstveno namenjen, planince, jamarje in ljubitelje narave.

WINTER CABIN ON MOUNT KANIN │ SITE INFORMATION / ZIMSKA SOBA NA KANINU │ O LOKACIJI

SITE INFORMATION / O lokaciji

KANIN WINTER CABIN

20 m

merilo 1:500

Bottom: Location Following page: Surroundings Spodaj: Lokacija Naslednja stran: Okolica

The shelter is located at 2260 metres under Kanin Mountain in the Julian Alps, Slovenia, on the border with Italy. It sits on the karst plateau of Kanin, which is famous for its outstanding variety of surface landforms typically associated with alpine karst. GPS Northing (N) : 46,3539 GPS Easting (E) : 13,4684 Kanin is a mountain above the small town of Bovec, with beautiful resorts around the valley. The area is also famous for the battles on the Isonzo Front, which took place during the World War I. Many battlefield remains can still be found in the area. In collaboration with the Slovenian Mountaineer Association and PD Bovec, this particular site for the shelter was selected because of its 360-degree views of Slovenia and Italy, and particularly spectacular views of Triglav, the Soča Valley and the Adriatic Sea. It will cater to hikers, climbers, cavers, mountaineers, nature lovers and romantics. Weather conditions can be very harsh, especially during the winter, with snow over half of year. The area of Kanin is known for high rainfall and snowfall, which can reach over 10 meters. Rainstorms and strong winds are not unusual: daily rainfall record for Bovec is 363 litres/m2.

Bivak, ki se bo uporabljal kot zimska soba, se nahaja na 2260 metrih na sedlu pod Konjcem (2287 m) v Kaninski skupini Zahodnih Julijskih Alp, blizu meje z Italijo. Dostopen je po neoznačenih uhojenih planinskih poteh tako s slovenske in Italjanske strani. GPS Severno: 46,3539 GPS Vzhodno: 13,4684 Lokacija ima izjemen razgled: od SV do JV se za Bovško kotlino dvigajo Vzhodne Julijske Alpe z vrhovi od Razorja prek Triglava do Krna; južno vidimo pobočja Kanina, ki padajo v Soško dolino in spodnji del glavnega grebena Kaninske skupine z vrhovi Vrh Laške Planje, Kamen in Velika Baba, v tej smeri pa se na levem bregu Soče dviga Polovnik, na desnem pa Stol, še naprej se za Matajurjem širi Furlanska nižina, ob dobri vidljivosti pa vidimo tudi Jadransko morje s Tržaškim zalivom; zahodno in severno se v bližini vleče glavni greben Kaninske skupine z Visokim Kaninom in Prestreljenikom, desno od grebena pa se za vzhodnimi pobočji Kanina kažeta vrhova Mangart in Jalovec. Bivak bo zatočišče in izhodišče za zanimive ture – Visoki Kanin (2587 m), Rombon (2208 m), sedlo Preval (2067 m). Pozimi pa tudi za turne smučarje. Za bivak bo skrbelo Planinsko društvo Bovec.

WINTER CABIN ON MOUNT KANIN │ DESIGN / ZIMSKA SOBA NA KANINU │ OBLIKOVNA REŠITEV

DESIGN / Oblikovna rešitev

The shelter evolved from researching how to create a minimal interior that can host up to nine visitors. Therefore, beds are three-level bunks overlooking glazed walls and offering beautiful views. The footprint of the shelter has been minimized. Although contact with the ground and impact on the environment are minimal, the shelter is strongly anchored. The structural walls are made of wooden panels, which also provide structural reinforcement and function as furniture. Wooden interior is modest and functional yet cosy and warm. External skin is of silver metal that protects fragile wood. The interior consists of an entry hall and social area, storage and a small space for preparing food. Bunk beds are in the back. A large window offers beautiful panoramic views of the valley. Due to the nature of the installation process, the shelter was designed small enough so that it could be brought to the mountain in one go. The entire prototype was constructed off-site in the workshop. The structure was designed as a robust wooden shell that could be installed rather easily and needed a less invasive foundation. In order to leave the site as undisturbed as possible, it is fastened onto strategically positioned foundation. The glass is a triple pane system that has been calculated to withstand the projected strong wind and snow loads. Installation of the bivouac was carried out by PD Bovec, while transport was provided by Slovenian Armed Forces helicopter.

Although the bivouac is small, it was a complex and demanding project that required a lot of effort and planning on the part of everyone involved, who were mostly volunteers and sponsors. We hope that the bivouac will serve as a shelter for all of the climbers who need it, and continue to symbolise the spirit and traditions of the mountains.

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WINTER CABIN ON MOUNT KANIN │ DESIGN / ZIMSKA SOBA NA KANINU │ OBLIKOVNA REŠITEV

Osnovno izhodišče ... kako oblikovati minimalni prostor za devet obiskovalcev. Ležišča so v obliki pograda s tremi nivoji in imajo pogled na dolino. Stranica bivaka, ki se dotika tal, je minimalna, da je vpliv objekta na obstoječi teren čim manjši. Nosilna konstrukcija je sestavljena iz lesenih panelov, ki poleg tega, da so statično stabilni, nudijo tudi toplotno izolacijo in predstavljajo zaključno oblogo interierja, pohištvo in opremo. Leseni interier je skromen in funkcionalen ter hkrati udoben, prijeten in topel. Zunanja finalna obloga je iz srebrnega aluminija, ki ščiti lesen korpus pred ostrimi podnebnimi razmerami. V objektu je vhoden prostor z območjem za druženje, shramba ter prostor za pripravo hrane, proti dolini pa kozolno previseva trojni pograd iz širokih podestov, na katerih lahko prenočijo trikrat po dve osebi. Stranica pograda je steklena panoramska stena z razgledom.

Zaradi lažje postavitve je bil korpus oblikovan tako, da ga je mogoče na gorski greben s helikopterjem dostaviti v enem kosu. Celoten objekt je bil najprej popolnoma sestavljen v delavnici, nato zaradi prevoza razstavljen na kose primerne teže, da jih je helikopter lahko prepeljal na predvideno nadmorsko višino. Transport objekta na lokacijo je bil izjemno težaven. Posadka helikopterja je lete opravila v sklopu sodelovanja s PZS. Zaradi neugodnih vremenskih razmer in nepričakovanih turbulenc so objekt s pomočjo posadke helikopterja Slovenske vojske pod vodstvom pilota Davorina Draginca uspeli postaviti v tretjem poskusu.

Bottom: Inside-out content Following page: Landscape Zgoraj: Notranjost-zunanjost bivaka Naslednja stran: Krajina

WINTER CABIN ON MOUNT KANIN │ DESIGN / ZIMSKA SOBA NA KANINU │ OBLIKOVNA REŠITEV

Plan / Tloris

Section B / Prerez B

WINTER CABIN ON MOUNT KANIN │ STUDY MODEL / ZIMSKA SOBA NA KANINU │ DELOVNA MAKETA

STUDY MODEL / Delovna maketa

Our goal was to develop a self-sufficient wooden structure, which also functions both as the envelope and furniture, that can withstand extreme weather. The design concept is based on researching Slovenian vernacular tradition of mountain structures. Cilj je bil razviti samozadostno leseno školjko, ki je hkrati ovoj, pohištvo in konstrukcija, ter je sposobna kljubovati ekstremnim pogojem na vrhu gore. Zasnova gradi na preučevanju bogate slovenske tradicije gradnje v visokogorju.