studio weave builds elevated hikers' shelter in the french countryside

situated amidst woodland and streams in france, ‘le haut perché’ sits quietly atop a bordeaux jalle. studio weave were commissioned to design a hiking shelter in close collaboration with bruit du frigo and zebra 3. the project, initiated by the arts and architecture collective bruit du frigo, establishes a pedestrian route connected by a series of shelters on the fringes of bordeaux.

all images © yvan detraz

studio weave‘s le haut perché, is one of eleven other stay-over shelters. the aim, to bridging city and wilderness, peripheral urban sites promotes these site’s potential. the refuges periurbains project encourages the exploration of bordeaux’s fringe sites by creating a network of stay-over shelters on the edge of the city. each shelter can accommodate up to nine people and is free to stay in.

the distinctive structure is constructed from of timber and weathering steel and references the traditional water tower through its materiality and form. the refuge rests atop a slender neck peering over its jalle creating a whimsical and fairytale-like character. the arching platform captures focused sounds and vistas of water and woodland. inside, each opening is composed to frame a particular moment and view; inviting guests to explore sights lying down, standing or sat-up.

project info:

type of project: shelter / pavilion
client: métropole de bordeaux
curator: bruit du frigo
timber fabricator: zébra3
completion date: june 2017
photography: yvan detraz (bruit du frigo)