resting gently unto a quarry, ‘the drape’ is an unusual structural coverage developed by architecture and branding àut studio. this conceptual prototype, located in italy, is in fact a bathing or ‘wellness’ center composed of indoor/outdoor pools which would be carved into the terraced topography and sheltered by the draping over-top.

àut studio the drape quarry italy designboom
internal view of the structure

 

 

àut studio‘s suspended structure above the quarry covers — but does not cross out — the existing steps, keeping their natural form and creating an ‘in between’ space that is neither internal or external. the surface of the site is designed by projecting the lines of force that manifest themselves in the form of two ridges on the roof, and as two incisions on the rock face. the latter embraces the distribution systems, stairs and elevators that connect the two entry points.


àut studio the drape quarry italy designboom
àut studio conceptual approach

 

 

within the structure, three thermal systems are created: one indoor, at lower altitude, built inside an existing cave; an indoor/outdoor made from pools of different sizes and altitudes; finally an outdoor, which is a single pool located at the highest point — in continuity with the coverage that allows a privileged view over the valley.

àut studio the drape quarry italy designboom
diagrams showing the process of creating the ‘lines of forces’

 

 

one significant characteristic of the drape is its alternating morphology — depending on the viewer’s vantage point. at the scale of the landscape, the form appears to be natural and embracing the topography; at a closer view, however, it takes on the texture and shape of cloth.

àut studio the drape quarry italy designboom
generating a model: cloth and rock alikes

àut studio the drape quarry italy designboom
isometric view: three main layers compose the structure

àut studio the drape quarry italy designboom
sections of the carved pools into the quarry terrain

 

 

project info:

 

architects/ designers: daniele magliacano & vincenzo stile
practice: àut studio
location: italy – carrara
project year: 2016

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom