Hugh Broughton Architects and Rick Owens create off-grid mountain refuge for Moncler

UK studio Hugh Broughton Architects has collaborated with American designer Rick Owens to create a prototype off-grid mountain refuge for the latest Moncler's Genius show, which took place in Shanghai.

Designed to provide a warm sanctuary in harsh environments, the shelter has a faceted shape that contains a mezzanine bedroom, bathroom and a small combined kitchen and living area.

It was created to coincide with the launch of the Owens' clothing collaboration with Moncler and for the latest edition of the fashion brand's annual show, which this year was titled City of Genius.

In addition to building a prototype refuge for the show, Hugh Broughton Architects designed a fully functioning version of the shelter that can be made to order.

The refuge has a steel structural frame enclosed with 20 glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) composite panels, which contain polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation and were finished with brushed stainless steel facing.

The faceted metal shape was raised from the ground on adjustable steel legs so it can be positioned on uneven mountain terrain.

Hugh Broughton Architects' design was informed by Le Refuge Tonneau, a mountain shelter designed by architects Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret in 1938.

"Charlotte Perriand's project is a masterclass in thoughtful and aspirational design in a mountainous setting," studio founder Hugh Broughton told Dezeen.

"The cleverly designed micro interior is both practical and elegant, whilst its exterior is clad with highly insulated shiny aluminium panels to respond to and minimise the impact on its snowy context."

A set of entrance steps, which fold away when not in use, lead to an airlock on the lower level of the refuge, designed to protect the internal spaces from harsh weather.

A small kitchen and living area was furnished with a log-burning stove and a day bed with built-in storage. The bathroom was placed at the rear of the shelter, with a double bed was tucked into a mezzanine upper level.

Photovoltaic panels, ground-based solar arrays and a wind turbine were added to power the off-grid shelter, and its interior surfaces were lined with padded duvet nylon from Moncler and felted wool.

"The layout balances practicality with comforts to give respite from the cold outside," said Broughton.

"Wet clothing and skis can be stored in a small airlock space with a drained floor before the inhabitants move into a cocoon-like environment, which is lined with Rick Owens' signature felt blankets," he continued.

"Additional storage and the 'life support systems' are located under a staircase, which itself leads to a compact yet luxurious sleeping area with views to the outside."

Hugh Broughton Architects has designed a number of structures for extreme environments, including a mobile research centre in Antarctica and an inflatable building that explores how people could live on Mars.

The photography is by Rick Owens and Moncler unless stated and the video is by SyncStudio.

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