Frame and Form

In closing the small monograph observatories in natural media made of wood today we presentEvolver. This is an artifact-observatory involved in the Alpine landscape Zermatt , Switzerland. In an attempt to maximize the advantageous location and its breathtaking views, The project sits strategically at the lake Stelli at an altitude of 2,536 m.

The piece has been designed and built by satudents from ALICE, Swiss architecture laboratory dependent from the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lusanne (EPFL).

Evolver, Stelli lake and the Swiss Alps

Evolver Alpine is a wooden structure that provides interactivity in the experience of seeing the glorious views of the surrounding mountains, especially the imposing Mount Matterhorn. A third viewpoint, a third Alpine milestone and a third interactive experiment, this piece is 99% structural timber and 1 % screws and nuts.

Evolver with the Matterhorn in the background

The envelope structure is composed of an endless spiral formed by 24 circular wooden frames which underlie a family of planks that serve as deck, walls and ceiling creating a continuous tunnel similar to a Moebius strip.

Installation of circular frames

The design of the layout of the planks controls and manipulates the points of views, the light and the user experience, while creating a resistant network to horizontal forces.

interior views

interior views

interior views

Built with an exclusive use of wood, Evolver is simple to prefabricate and light enough to be transported by helicopter. It is totally removable and with a very low impact on the environment, definitely a good design exercise that led 5 months of development with many evolutions, models, and load tests that can be seen below.

tubular concept model

tubular concept model, final form

load test

load test

topography model environment

formal and structural evolution

view elevation and main sections

In closing this article we propose that you enjoy the construction and visual experience in this fun Evolver video 6 minutes long.

Meta-Information:

Blog with graphical information about the project . [Eng]

Poster for the opening party of Evolver 20 , past September.

Photo-credit:
professional images on the finished project by Joël Tettamanti
images during construction and design by Nicolas and Adrian Meredith Feihl Llewelyn (ALICE)