OTZAL RESEARCH CENTER

Otzal Alps, Austria

Spring 2021, Smilja Milovanovic's Advanced Studio

Completed with: Caroline Jones, and Hugo Siaudzionis

The Otzal Alps

Otzal Alps during the winter

View from Lake Vernago

The Otzal Archaeological and Geological Research Center is Located just South West of Otzi the Mummies discovery site in South Tyrol. It resides on the Italian side of the Austrian and Italian border at 3 kilometers above sea level. The surrounding notable landmarks are Mount Similaun, a popular hiking summit, Hotel Grawand, a ski resort, and Maso Corto. The research center houses living quarters, communal areas, and research labs focusing on geology, and archaeology.

The main way of transportation to the center is by car and foot. The route from the south is highlighted in blue. Scientists can travel by car to the parking area near Hotel Grawand, and from there they can hike by foot using the trail that leads to the research center.

Building in Extreme Climates

This project is located in the harsh climate of the Tyrol Alps, and needed to be careful about permafrost, winds, snow loads, and constant cycles of freezing and thawing. Transportation of materials is extremely difficult and the building is disconnected from infrastructure and services. Studying various examples of architecture in extremely harsh climates helped inform the design decisions of the Otzal Research Center.

Traditional Chalet

Switzerland

Princess Elisabeth Research Center

Antarctica

Monte Rosa Hut

Zermatt, Switzerland

Monte Rosa Hut

Zermatt, Switzerland

A-Frame Form

Form Generation Animation

The triangular A-frame form is inspired by the local historical chalet architecture and resists wind and snow loads. The different masses are directed towards influential landmarks surrounding the site and their intersection references the surrounding geological features and peaks. The masses are suspended by deeply embedded piers to minimize the melting of permafrost around the research center. The facades are oriented in specific directions with the labs facing either the southern sun, Mount Similaun, or Otzi’s discovery site.

Research Center Layout

Circulation Diagram

Sustainable Systems

The top of both A-frame spaces contain greenhouses to grow food to create a self-sustaining community. Gaps in the floor plates allow warm air to rise passively heating the greenhouses Composting toilets generate fertilizer for growing.

For a research center isolated from infrastructure, and where transportation of resources is extremely difficult it was important to run as self-sufficiently as possible. A series of sustainable systems run in conjunction, each providing what the other requires. Solar panels generate the energy needed to run the research station. From a base of snow and sunlight, electricity, water, and heat are all generated and recycled to be used throughout the center.

Mass Timber Construction

Construction Sequence Animation

Building materials can only be transported to the site by helicopter. Mass timber was a natural choice due to its ability to be prefabricated, its light weight, local availability, sustainability, and biophilic properties.