Stalactite by APTUM Architecture - Warming Huts v. 2014 competition entry

Here's a pretty cool Warming Huts v. 2014 submission we received from APTUM Architecture, based in the U.S. and Switzerland.

As its name states, APTUM's warming hut proposal was inspired by stalactite formations that hang from the ceilings of caves. (Not to mention that stalactite as a word adds to the cool factor of the project.)

Check out their design below.

Project description:

"Stalactite, a type of formation that hangs from the ceiling of caves, is the conceptual basis for the design of the warming hut. The stalactites become the generator for the space with four significant forms stretching down into the middle of the space. The stalactites function as the ‘warming device’ so that ice skaters can come inside, sit, and warm up by the oil lamps."

"The stalactites are carved away in the middle to house glass tubes with an oil lamp at the bottom. Wire cages would ‘complete’ the stalactite’s bottom edge to protect patrons from getting too close to the warm tube."  

"The stalactite / stalagmite columns form a series of archways around the perimeter to create some protection from wind. Patrons can sit on the stretched out columns and enjoy the light affect on the ceiling and surfaces of the space."

"The entire construct would be built of CNC milled corrugated cardboard. From a distance, the hut would be a beacon of light with the warm glow radiating through the ‘translucent’ cardboard layers. The hut starts to use the material and structure to create a play between being almost transparent from one direction and completely solid from another."

Images courtesy of APTUM.

Click the thumbnails below to see more drawings.