savioz fabrizzi architectes: couverture ruine archeologique

‘couverture ruine archeologique’ by savioz fabrizzi architectes in st. maurice, switzerland image © thomas jantscher

switzerland-based practice savioz fabrizzi architectes has sent us images of ‘couverture ruine archeologique’, a floating roof form over a site of ruins in st. maurice, switzerland. situated against a cliff next to the abbey of saint maurice, the design draws from both the historical and cultural context of the site to create a form of coverage from the regular rockslides, while maintain and light and contemplative atmosphere to the space below.

in context image © thomas jantscher

prone to a number of rockslides due to the proximity of the adjacent cliff, the site has been repeatedly marked and shaped throughout history. it was important to achieve a sensitive design that provided protection while preserving the presence of the abbey. in response, a planar form of metal and translucent corrugated paneling has been built to float in the interstitial space between the circumscribing buildings and the cliff. the dialogue between the facades of the abbey and the cliff face is continued while the space of the ruins benefit from filtered sunlight.

image © thomas jantscher

supported by three king posts which are anchored into the face of the cliff, the design suspends 170 tons of stones which creates a porous shading effect. in addition, the weight of the stones enables the structure to absorb the force of the wind.

approach image © thomas jantscher

view underneath the roof form image © thomas jantscher

shaded effect image © thomas jantscher

face of the cliff image © thomas jantscher

detail of roof image © thomas jantscher

suspended stones image © thomas jantscher

elevation view image © thomas jantscher

site map

plan

longitudinal section

cross section

detail