this prefabricated shelter clings to a mountain peak in the italian alps

architects roberto dini and stefano girodo have designed a tiny prefabricated structure, which has been installed on a remote site in the italian alps. at an altitude of 3,290 meters (10,794 feet), the project seeks to encourage the exploration of the isolated area and its nearby mountaineering routes. the bivouac shelter is named after luca pasqualetti, a great lover of the mountain who sadly passed away on the apuan alps in may 2014.

the enclosed structure has been installed on a remote site in the italian alps
image by adele muscolino (main image by pellissier helicopter)

designed by architects roberto dini and stefano girodo — researchers at the istituto di architettura montana of the politecnico di torino — in collaboration with LEAPfactory, bivacco morion was assembled in a carpentry workshop between july and august 2017. the site was then prepared, with the structure lifted into place by helicopter before officially opening in september 2018.

the shelter has been designed by italian architects roberto dini and stefano girodo
image by grzegorz grodzicki

however, the project’s assembly and installation was no easy task given the region’s brutal climatic conditions. entirely prefabricated, the wood and steel structure was subdivided into four parts sized for optimal transportability and maneuverability. this minimized the necessary helicopter trips and final assembly operations into one day of work.

the bivouac is at an altitude of 3,290 meters (10,794 feet)
image by adele muscolino

the structure has been designed so that it can be completely dismantled, leaving minimal impact on the environment. the dwelling rests on non-permanent foundations that anchor into the rock-face. the high-quality and durable components have been mounted without the use of concrete and are both recyclable and ecologically certified.

the project seeks to encourage the exploration of the isolated area
image by adele muscolino

inside, a clear division is made between the bivouac’s living and sleeping areas. the living space consists of a table with eight seats, an area for preparing food, and storage for mountaineering equipment. the sleeping area can accommodate a total of eight guests. meanwhile, a large panoramic window, which provides light and warmth, faces east, offering views of the spectacular mountain landscape.

the shelter is named after luca pasqualetti, who sadly passed away on the apuan alps in may 2014
image by adele muscolino

the dwelling rests on non-permanent foundations that anchor into the rock-face
image by adele muscolino

the high-quality and durable components have been mounted without the use of concrete
image by stefano girodo

a large panoramic window offers views of the spectacular mountain landscape
image by stefano girodo

the shelter can accommodate a total of eight guests
image by grzegorz grodzicki

the bivouac is equipped with a small battery-powered solar panel for minimal illumination
image by adele muscolino

 the structure was lifted into place by helicopter
image by stefano girodo

the structure officially opened in september 2018
image by grzegorz grodzicki

project info:

architects: roberto dini and stefano girodo — researchers at the istituto di architettura montana of the politecnico di torino
in collaboration with: LEAPfactory
official website: bivacco morion