The Shelter, designed by Slovakian-based Grau Architects, is a minimalist hiking refuge located on the SNP trail in the Slovak Ore Mountains. The project, an initiative of the hikers' association Hikemates, was completed in 2022 and provides a simple, year-round rest stop and meeting point for tourists and hikers at an altitude of 850 meters. The design prioritizes practicality and functionality over aesthetics, aiming for a utilitarian interior free of unnecessary elements while still providing optimal comfort. The 30-square-meter cabin features a straightforward, pragmatic layout designed for efficient use. To the right of the entrance are tiered sleeping platforms that span the height of the cabin, while to the left is a dining area with a small stove. Storage shelves are integrated for luggage and food. The building is set on road panels to protect it from moisture, and its pitched roof extends beyond the entrance to provide a sheltered entryway. Constructed entirely of wood, the Shelter's exterior is clad in black-stained spruce boards, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the forest environment. The frame is hinged and reinforced with black-grey stained pine plywood from the inside. For insulation, a horizontal grate of spruce prisms is used, filled with thermal insulation, and covered with a vapor-permeable foil. The roof consists of spruce prisms with insulation and is covered with corrugated galvanized sheet metal. The dark facade is accented by a vibrant blue-painted window frame and a red table, adding a playful touch of color to the otherwise monochromatic exterior. Credits Architecture: Grau Architects (Andrej Olah, Filip Marčák, Matej Kurajda, Simona Fischerová, Jana Filípková) Photography: Matej Hakár Collaborators: Hikemates (hiking association)