The Bivacco Brédy is a high-altitude mountain shelter designed as a tribute to Claudio Brédy, a local politician and alpinist from Italy's Aosta Valley who tragically died in 2017. Designed by BCW Collective and inaugurated in 2021, the bivouac is set at an altitude of 2,528 meters in the secluded Vertosan Valley, near the alpine lakes of Dzioule. Its design is both functional and deeply symbolic, reflecting Brédy's spirit and connection to the mountains he loved. The project was initiated by the Brédy family and was the result of an invited competition organized by YACademy and Cantieri d’Alta Quota. The winning proposal by BCW Collective was chosen for its ability to poetically and practically interpret the rugged mountain landscape and honor Brédy's memory. The cantilevered structure, which appears to launch into the void, is a poignant architectural gesture that evokes the loss of a cherished member of the community. Positioned on a rock slab, the shelter serves as a new landmark in the Vertosan Valley. The bivouac is designed for both introspection and an immersive experience of the surrounding mountains. The south-facing shelter is strategically oriented to frame dramatic views of peaks like the Grivola and Gran Paradiso, a summit Brédy had climbed. The minimalist interior focuses occupants on the landscape outside. The 12 m² interior is functional and warm, clad in wood panels. Six bunks made from climbing cord line the sides, leading to a common area with a large window. A vestibule provides space for gear storage. The cabin features a solar panel to charge mobile devices, allowing for an off-grid experience. The bivouac was prefabricated in modules to minimize its environmental impact and facilitate transport to the remote location. The structure was built in three parts, which were then delivered by helicopter and assembled on-site in a matter of days. A steel frame foundation secures the structure directly to the rock, ensuring minimal disruption to the landscape. This frame supports insulated timber panels. The exterior is covered in dark, aluminum cladding selected for its durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions. Project credits Architects: BCW Collective (Chiara Tessarollo, Skye Sturm, and Facundo Arboit) Construction: Chenevier S.p.a Photographer: BCW Collective

"The Mountain Refuge, a concept by Italian architects Massimo Gnocchi and Paolo Danesi, is a prefabricated and modular tiny home that reinterprets traditional mountain cabins with contemporary design and a focus on sustainability. The project aims to provide an affordable, minimalist dwelling that allows for a deep connection with nature. The standard design consists of two prefabricated plywood modules that can be configured in different ways. A core unit of 24 square meters can be expanded with an optional 12-square-meter add-on, increasing the total space to 37 square meters. The construction system, which does not require complex foundations, allows the cabins to be assembled efficiently, even in remote locations via helicopter. For example, a version was proposed in Andorra. The design is distinguished by its steeply sloping roof and a dramatic, floor-to-ceiling glazed wall, which maximizes natural light and provides expansive views of the surrounding landscape. The exterior is protected with black pine tar for waterproofing, giving it a dark, rustic appearance that blends with the wilderness. Inside, the pale plywood is left exposed, creating a warm, modern, and minimalist aesthetic. The project emphasizes self-sufficiency and includes features for off-grid living, such as photovoltaic panels for electricity and batteries for storage. A rainwater harvesting system collects water from the roof, further reinforcing the cabin's eco-friendly philosophy. Credits Architects: Massimo Gnocchi and Paolo Danesi Photography: The Mountain Refuge"

"GlamBOX is a compact, two-story accommodation module designed by Studio Officina82, a firm led by architects Fabio Revetria and Lara Sappa. Completed for the Selucente hospitality project in Garessio, Italy, the structure was inspired by the traditional barns and huts common in the rural Alpine landscape. Measuring 5 by 3 meters, the GlamBOX is crafted from chestnut wood and designed to combine rustic charm with an innovative function: providing guests with a unique, open-air stargazing experience. The ground floor of the GlamBOX features a bedroom and a bathroom. The most distinctive element is a bed mounted on a trolley system that allows it to be moved onto an external platform. This enables occupants to sleep directly under the stars, fully immersed in nature. A mezzanine level above provides additional space for relaxation, reading, or accommodating children. Credits Architects: Studio Officina82 (Fabio Revetria and Lara Sappa) Client: Selucente"

LILELO, or Little Leisure Lodge, is an eco-hotel in Grazzano Badoglio, Italy, conceived by the Paris-based architecture practice Atelier LAVIT and completed in 2022. Located in the heart of Monferrato, a region known for its vineyards and woodland hills, the hotel consists of a cluster of four modular, eco-friendly cabins. The design is inspired by traditional haystacks, blending naturally with the rural landscape. The project was designed with a strong focus on sustainability and a minimal footprint. The cabins were largely prefabricated off-site, reducing construction time and on-site disruption. To adapt to the sloping terrain, the cabins are raised off the ground on slender pillars, minimizing their impact on the environment. The cabins feature a distinctive A-shaped roof with fully glazed triangular elevations, which also function as the load-bearing structure. This creates a strong visual identity while maximizing natural light and views. The cabins are constructed primarily from natural and eco-compatible materials. The exterior is clad in oil-treated larch, a material chosen for its durability and aging characteristics. The interior also features wood finishes throughout. The LILELO hotel comprises four cabins, each serving a specific function. Private suites: Three of the cabins are private guest suites, each with a continuous, open-plan interior. A deck at one end provides outdoor seating, leading to a sleeping area and a bathroom at the opposite end. Only the toilet is enclosed. Communal cabin: The fourth cabin serves as a common space. It features a large kitchen and a generous outdoor area with a table, intended as a gathering place for guests. The continuous interior layout and expansive windows create a seamless connection between the indoor spaces and the natural surroundings. The interior and furnishings are crafted from wood, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere that complements the cabins' natural setting. Project credits Architects: Atelier LAVIT Lead Architect: Marco Lavit Location: Grazzano Badoglio, Italy Client: Little Leisure Lodge Completion Year: 2022 Photographers: Silvia Lavit and Daniel Mazza Structure Engineer: Studio Petrino Foundations: RODINI SRL Manufacturers: BMI Cobert and Graziano Serramenti