OFIS architects and AKT II in collaboration with Harvard GSD students developed Alpine Shelter Skuta during an architectural workshop hosted by OFIS. Nested at 2,118 meters (6,949 feet) above sea level in the Slovenian Alps the shelter is replacing a 50-year-old bivouac that had previously been on that site. Consists of three timber-lined modules, the cabin measures 12m² (129ft²).
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.
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.
— OFIS Architects
Drawings and Process of Construction:
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Photographs by Anze Cokl, Andrej Gregoric, Janez Martincic
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