black shack architects builds a motocross shelter in colorado

black shack architects builds a motocross shelter in colorado
image © greg watts photography

the motocross shelter is the result of a commission from  a motocross-enthusiast with children who needed a rest stop in their private track in the mountains of el jebel, colorado.  local practice black shack architects  did not have any precedents for such a structure so instead took to the creative blending of function, the elements, and a reinterpreted vernacular. this fusion of the classical notion of shelter and a contemporary agrarian structure lend to a rationally organized re-envisioned aesthetic. a series of 5 immense steel moment frame sections span almost 50 feet supported only by a round metal column anchoring tension cables spanning to each beam.

image © greg watts photography

tucked partially underneath, a wood-framed translucent white mass contains a cooler, changing area, and toilet. it’s semi-opaque skin allows the passage of natural light while providing the necessary privacy.  in the open areas, which claim three full sides of the shelter, motorcycles are able to park under a shade structure with easy access from almost any direction. a large fire pit built of locally gathered basalt stones sites at an angle to the rest of the program allowing the visitors to heat up while they watch the riders on the track. the immense corrugated metal canopy contains a slight pitch enough to shelter a sizable space underneath and maintain a low profile amongst the aspens and pines.

image © greg watts photography

image © greg watts photography

image © greg watts photography

image © greg watts photography

image © greg watts photography

image © greg watts photography

image © greg watts photography

image © greg watts photography

image © greg watts photography

image © greg watts photography

image © greg watts photography

gas house and dock
image © greg watts photography

image © greg watts photography

site plan