filter architecture completes bivouac zoran simic cabin in bosnia & herzegovina

filter architecture has completed the bivouac zoran simic cabin in bosnia and herzegovina. sitting on the remote mountain of visočica, the small structure serves as a shelter for hikers and allows for striking views over the landscape. it is the first object of this typology on the mountain which recently became more accessible due to the development of local road infrastructure.

images courtesy of filter architecture by jadran čilić, zlatan kurto, dženad džino

filter architecture’s bivouac zoran simic cabin is perched on the edge of canyon rakitnica, running between two mountains: visočica and bjelašnica. this is one of the few locations where trekking paths cross the canyon, connecting both mountains and allowing for views that open over the vast, breathtaking landscape. the project has been conceived to expose visitors to the views and accentuate the experience.

the cabin’s internal space has been configured by three platforms that also act as floor areas, beds, or benches. composed of two opposing platforms that cascade towards the entrance, the space is able to fit up to nine visitors sitting and facing each other. the outer design has been thought in such way that it results in a reduced foot print as there was no need for destructive terrain excavation.

‘the bivouac was built with very limited resources, under difficult high mountain conditions, but with enormous voluntary engagement and cooperation that would be impossible in a purely commercial context,’ comments filter architecture. ‘the main challenge in the construction was transportation, and for this purpose, the military helicopter unit was engaged for the transportation of construction material to the site. the fact that one of the lead architects is an experienced mountaineer has played a crucial role in the design of the bivouac, increasing the quality of the user’s experience. the architects of the filter studio have also contributed to its actual building on the site, together with the members of the local mountaineering club zeljeznicar, making this a genuine community-driven project.’

project info:

name: bivouac zoran simic cabin
architects: filter architecture
lead architects: kenan vatrenjak
design team: kenan vatrenjak, nedim mutevelić, asmir mutevelić, ibrica jašarević, vedad islambegović
area: 14 m²
year: 2019
manufacturers: autodesk, lumion, hasslacher norica timber, alternativa doo, google, metal centar, ramaglas
client: mountaineering club željezničar
photographs: jadran čilić, zlatan kurto, dženad džino