120 years after the installation of Aljaz Tower in August of 1985
on Triglav*, this new shelter was placed below Mountain Skuta
in Kamnik Alps. It is replacing a 50 year old bivouac that had
previously been on the site.
The bivouac is an object that represents a basic human necessity,
a shelter. It is a symbol of refuge. The outer form and choice
of materials were chosen to respond the extreme mountain
conditions, and also provide views to the greater landscape.
Its position within the wilderness requires respect for natural
resources, therefore must meet the ground in a light and firm
manner to ensure the shelter is strongly anchored while having
a minimal impact on the ground. In addition, the outer shell
needed to be realised with a highly resistant material and 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 being able to withstand
especially rigorous weather conditions.
The design of the interior dictates modesty, totally subordinate
to the function of the shelter providing 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.
After conclusion of the academic semester, OFIS architects and
structural engineers AKT ll continued to and develop and adapt
the form to the given site, responding to further input from the
mountaineers, Anze Cokl, Milan Sorc and other engineers and
lead the project throughout the realization planning phase.
The design consists of three modules, in part to allow for
transport and also to programmatically divide the space. The
first is dedicated to the entrance, storage and a small space
for the preparation of food. The second one provides space for
both, sleeping and socializing while the third features a bunk
sleeping area. Windows at both ends offer beautiful panoramic
views of the valley and Skuta Mountain.
Due to the nature of the installation process, the shelter was
designed as a series of modules so that it could be brought to
the mountain in parts. The entire prototype was constructed
off-site in the workshop. The modules were planned as a
series of robust frames, which would then be braced together
onsite providing a manageable installation and a less invasive
foundation. In order to keep the mountain site as undisturbed
as possible, the modules are fastened onto strategically placed
pin connections, which also act as the foundation on the site.
The glass is a triple pane system that has been calculated
to withstand to the projected strong wind and snow loads.
Installation of the bivouac was carried out by PD Ljubljana Matica
under the direction of Matevz Jerman, helicopter transport
while the Slovenian Armed Forces and a team of Mountain
Rescue Service - station Ljubljana. The whole transportation and
installation process was carried out in one day.
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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 Slovenians. The hope is
that the bivouac will serve as a shelter for all of the climbers who
need it, and that through their care and attention the bivouac
will continue to do so for many years.