Alpine Shelter - a room with a view

This project has been developed from an architectural design studio at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, led by Rok Oman and Spela Videcnik from OFIS. 13 students were facing the challenges 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 selected bivak also responses to the harsh conditions of wind, snow, landslides and terrain.

Searching for a suitable material for the facade, which corresponds both to the strict weather conditions as well as the requirements for environmentally friendly and resource-saving products, the Harvard GSD project team contacted Rieder. In September 2014 Wolfgang Rieder was invited as a speaker to the Harvard GSD Talks in Cambridge, to talk about innovation and multidisciplinary changes in architecture. “In this way, all sides benefit from the close relationship, the transfer of ideas and the exchange of expertise” comments Wolfgang Rieder the cooperation between industries, universities, architects and builders. The students take up his invitation to visit to the Rieder production facility in Kolbermoor/Germany for a factory tour and workshop to develop their project work "HOUSING IN EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS”.

Among all entries one design was selected to be realised on Mountain Skuta in Slovenia. For the outer shell the architects have chosen öko skin, as the concrete slats withstand extreme mountain conditions and offer long-term resistance. Concrete is a sustainable material which embodies durability and fire resistance (class A1 - incombustible). öko skin consists of natural materials and its authentic appearance corresponds with surrounding landscape and mountains. The silvergrey colour and the sandblasted surface of the facade are in harmony with the barren mountain landscape.

The alpine shelter is located on Mountain Skuta in Slovenia. Its position within the wilderness respects the natural resources while having a minimal impact on the ground.

Architect:
OFIS architects (Rok Oman, Spela Videcnik) + Student team of Harvard GSD

Product Information:öko skin facade

silvergrey