Skýli is the name of a modern trekking cabin designed to be erected in remote locations inaccessible by conventional transportation methods. Skýli simply means shelter in Icelandic, but the building really is a thing of beauty as well.
Skýli combines four sharply pointed pyramidal shapes into a very stable, durable and safe structure that is highly visible in the landscape, making it easy to find, while at the same time creating a strong symbol for shelter and safety. The triangular gables resemble a classic tent, the most basic shelter used by trekkers worldwide.
The outer shell of Skýli is made from sheets of corrugated steel, painted in a bright blue colour. The large windows open the cabin to the spectacular scenery of the surrounding landscape.
Skýli has two entrancés placed facing north and south respectively so that one will always be better protected from the wind. The doors are placed in the inward slanted outer shell and will automatically close and stay closed. The space between the outer and inner skin create two additional rooms, one to wring out and dry clothes and one to house a compost toilet.
Skýli has four activity areas: two for rest and sleep, one for cooking, mending and communication, and one for eating and storing emergency supplies. The cabin sleeps a total of 15 people. Tables, cupboards and benches are custom made, designed to fit in flat packs for easy transport and assembly.
The cabin has a solar panel and a battery for limited energy storage. In bad weather when the solar panel and battery is not sufficient, light, electricity and satellite communication devices can be charged by a hand crank generator. Rainwater collected from the roof is filtered into self-draining containers in the outer shell and supplies the cabin with water that can be used for washing, and once purified, cooking and drinking.
The cabin will be mounted on a system of rock filled gabion boxes laid out on the ground, and adjusted to create a level and stable foundation. The gabion boxes will help us minimize transport weight and the imprint of the construction on nature, and make it possible to erect the cabin virtually anywhere.
The construction combines an inner and outer shell, creating a sheltered space in between. The inner shell, furniture and fittings are made solely from CLT, cross laminated timber, chosen for its durability, insulating properties, cost efficiency and sustainability. The outer shell, mounted on a lightweight stud frame, is a painted steel cladding – a material proven to withstand harsh weather conditions.
The windows, 4 in each gable, are triangular shaped to maximise strength and durability. They are triple-glazed for insulation and come in two sizes. Outer and inner shells, the stud framed walls and windows will all be pre-fabricated, packed for efficient delivery by helicopter and designed for quick and easy assembly on site. We estimate the time for assembly to 2-3 days.
Skýli has been shortlisted for the Leasure-Led Development-future projects award, along with AECOM, EFFEKT, and others, at the World Architecture Fair Awards 2017.
View Original