Two months before the start of the European ski season, skiers mountaineering the Italian Alps and the Dolomites will have safe ground after the Milan-based architecture practice Ex. designed (and assembled) a foldable, lightweight, and fully reversible tent-like structure, now sitting almost 3,000 square metres above sea level near the Upper Susa valley.
Wood Central understands that the folded tent-like structure dubbed the Pinwheel Shelter—so named after Stefano Berrone, a notable alpinist who died speed riding—is made from prefabricated cross-laminated timber and steel, clad in aluminium and offers 360-degree views of the Alps.
The timber structure, envelope, and installation were transported (via helicopter) to the site by Heli Aosta. Whilst Natural House, with the help of Mattia Moretto, Guido Ambrosiani, Alberto Pignata, and Perforand Faure Calcestruzzi, was responsible for the foundations.
“Our aim has been to create a fully reversible and minimally invasive structure,” according to Michele Versaci, the founder of Ex. “We drew inspiration from lightweight structures, including alpine tents,” he said before adding that the system can be assembled “in just four days and is also easily disassembled.”
Sitting atop the Upper Susa Valley and tucked away between the ridges of Mount Seguret and Valfredda, the shelter is a useful stopover connecting various altitude paths subject to severe thunderstorms and sudden meteorological changes. In addition, its low-lying structure and orientation respond to sun exposure, wind, and alpine environments.
 The localisation of the Pinwheel shelter answers territorial planning logistics, essential for the design and construction of emergency bivouacs, and has been defined with the participation of local authorities
Design statement from Ex. about the project.
For Ms Verasci, the project aimed to establish a robust relationship with the alpine environment, employing a land-art approach: “Given the importance of “refabrication and structural elements in this project, we extensively explored various folding structures and origami techniques.”
Wood Central understands that the cross-laminated timber-based structure is clad in aluminium and has bright red openings that contrast with the snowy environment – with the tent-like shape allowing it to be submerged under the snow, leaving only its entrances exposed. In addition, the structural shell uses a steel base that rests on four prefabricated plinths, facilitating easy assembly and dismantling.
“The aluminium shell defines an atmospheric architecture, engaging in a dialogue with the alpine light, the colours of the rocks, and the surrounding snow slopes,” Ms Versaci said. “It creates a dynamic interplay of reflections that respond to changing weather conditions.”
The shelter was designed in a radial layout, featuring four wings converging around a central symbolic fireplace. The dimensions utilised are evocative of those of traditional Japanese tatami mats. Within each wing, the ceiling height is lowered, requiring occupants to stoop while using the areas, similar to the experience of being inside a tent – allowing for the accommodation of eight to ten beds on the elevated wooden platform.
- For another example of prefabricated cross-laminated timber used in a remote location, click here for Wood Central’s special feature on the Bolder Star Lodges.
