savioz fabrizzi architectes: couverture ruine archeologique

'couverture ruine archeologique' by savioz fabrizzi architectes in st. maurice, switzerland
all images courtesy savioz fabrizzi architectes
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.



fly-by view
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