MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN : "Beyond the Peak"

mborsett
6 hours ago
4 min read

Written by Matteo Borsetti & Dylan Carrin Ramos @MBA architects

Beyond the Peak it's our proposal for the Mountain Guardian Competition , is an emergency shelter designed to meet the specific needs of mountaineers in high-altitude environments, offering refuge in critical situations. Its compact yet efficient design accommodates between 6 and 12 people, striking a balance between functionality and space. This capacity is carefully considered, ensuring that it provides enough room for a group of climbers while avoiding unnecessary bulk that could complicate transportation and installation.

A modern, sleek cabin with large windows is nestled in a snowy landscape, showcasing contemporary architecture that blends seamlessly with the serene winter environment.

Modern mountain cabin interior design featuring panoramic views of snowy peaks, showcasing a cozy living area with a kitchenette and dining space, complemented by a compact sleeping arrangement for an adventurous retreat.

Floor plan of a 4.6 by 6-meter room featuring beds arrangement along the walls, a dining table with chairs in the center, and a small kitchenette near the entrance.

Placed strategically near ascent routes in high mountain areas, the bivouac serves as a vital safety point for climbers, offering protection from extreme weather conditions when immediate shelter can be lifesaving.

The design of the shelter is inspired by the highest peak of the surrounding mountain, symbolically connecting the structure with its environment. The building is positioned with careful consideration of its surroundings. The north side of the structure faces the peak, aligning it with the mountain’s highest point to reinforce the symbolic connection to the summit. Meanwhile, the south side opens toward the alpine mountains, offering a view of the breathtaking landscape.

The Bivouac partially embedded in a vast snowy landscape, harmoniously merging with the tranquil, pristine winter setting beneath a clear blue sky.

This thoughtful orientation not only maximizes the shelter's connection with the peak but also allows the occupants to appreciate the surrounding alpine beauty while maintaining protection from harsh weather conditions.

Diagram illustrating the position of the sun during spring/fall, winter, and summer solstices in relation to a structure, highlighting the varying solar angles and their impact on the building's exposure throughout the year.

The shelter faces the summit, relating back to its purpose as a lifeline for climbers in the shadow of the mountain’s challenges. The building's positioning creates a strong relationship between the shelter and the peak, making the structure not just a refuge, but also a symbol of the mountain’s power and the climbers' journey.

To ensure the shelter’s ability to withstand extreme elements, sustainable and durable materials have been chosen. The structure is built using cross-laminated timber (XLAM) panels, which offer both strength and lightweight properties, crucial for high-altitude construction. These panels are made from sustainably sourced wood, contributing to the shelter's eco-friendly credentials.

The exterior of the shelter is covered with PREFALZ aluminum, a highly resilient roofing material that is both lightweight and highly resistant to extreme weather. PREFALZ aluminum roofing is chosen for its durability and ability to withstand harsh conditions such as heavy snow, wind, and rain, all while providing a low-maintenance solution for remote areas. The use of this material, in combination with solar panels and aluminum panels for the structure, ensures that the bivouac remains energy-efficient, capable of harnessing solar power to support minimal lighting and other essential systems inside.

Solar-Powered Architectural Innovation: This building incorporates Prefalz solar modules within its aluminum roofing system, supported by a concrete foundation. Inside, XLAM panels are used, and large tempered glass windows provide a seamless connection between the interior and exterior spaces.

Due to the remote and challenging locations of high-altitude environments, traditional construction methods are impractical. To overcome these challenges, prefabricated materials are delivered to the site by helicopter. This method allows for rapid and efficient assembly, reducing the time and effort required to build in such inaccessible terrain. The use of helicopters for transportation ensures that the materials can be flown directly to the construction site, helping challenges due to the harsh mountain conditions.

A contemporary emergency shelter stands alone on a snowy mountainside, surrounded by rugged peaks that create a striking backdrop beneath a cloudy sky.

A lone contemporary emergency shelter sits on the snowy incline of a towering mountain, offering views of an expansive landscape filled with rugged peaks beneath a cloudy sky.

In conclusion, Beyond the Peak is a well-thought-out and sustainable emergency shelter, specifically designed to meet the needs of mountaineers in perilous conditions. Its compact, durable design, strategic orientation, use of sustainable materials, and innovative construction methods make it a crucial addition to high-altitude mountaineering safety infrastructure.

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