We end our #CabinWeek series, Season One, with a tiny module in the Julian Alps with a spectacular view over Italian and Slovenian summits. But it has its price: you have to climb to reach it.

Season 1 - Episode 5: Winter Cabin on Mount Kanin (Slovenia)

OFIS Architects seem to enjoy challenges… The location first, is only available by helicopter or climbing. Then the harsh conditions of wind, snow, landslides, terrain, and weather require a response of specific architectural forms, structures and concept.

So all these aspects combined with questions like how to install real objects, shelters in 1:1 on remote sites and study their response to extreme weather, radical temperature shifts, snow and rugged terrain had to be studied and prepared down in the valley. The cabin settlement and transportation was an extremely difficult task. It was realised by the Slovene Armed Forces helicopter crew. Bad weather and unexpected turbulences led to the cabin being placed and fixed on site at the third attempt. However, the challenge of the project is to gain new knowledge through unexpected weather conditions.

Finally, it was also needed and required to limit the impact on the ground.

Kanin is a mountain (2,587m) above the small Slovenian town of Bovec, with beautiful resorts around the Soča valley. The area is also important due to battles that took place during the World War I. Soldiers were fighting along the Isonzo front and many remains of the battle can still be found in the area.

In collaboration with Slovenian mountaineer association and PD Bovec, this particular site was chosen because of its 360-degree views over Slovenia and Italy, and spectacular views to Triglav, Soca Valley and Adriatic sea (yes you read it well!). It is now a destination for hikers, climbers, cavers, mountaineers, nature lovers and romantics.

Weather conditions are very harsh, especially during the winter. Snow cover lasts more than half of year. The area of Kanin is known for rainfall and extreme snow records. During the winter more than 10 meters of snow can fall. Strong rainstorms and winds can hit this place – rainfall record in Bovec for one day is 363 litres/m2. Mountain area is full of caves and abysses, earthquakes occasionally occur.

The timber interior and thick glass walls were designed to withstand freezing temperatures, heavy rainstorms and even avalanches. The interior design dictates modesty, subordinate to the function, providing accommodation for up to nine mountaineers. The cabin is divided in three areas: an entrance, a living room and a resting area. In the rear of the building, there is a sleeping room.