A fusion of tradition and modernity
At the Medienfrische festival in Boden, Austria, Studio Carraldo unveiled the backdirwas_5, a striking community oven made with a stainless steel exterior. This installation reinterprets traditional Alpine building traditions using concrete, timber, firebrick, and stainless steel. Translating to ‘bake yourself something,’ the project brings residents and artists together in a shared space for culinary and social experiences.
Craft and ingenuity in design
The oven’s foundation is a robust concrete base, crafted with wooden formwork derived from local round timber logs. This nods to the traditional log construction found in nearby farmhouses. Encasing the dome-shaped combustion chamber of firebricks, the metallic surface showcases a contemporary reinterpretation of Alpine building styles. These firebricks efficiently store and radiate heat, reflecting the fusion of form and function.
An architectural dialogue with a metallic installation
The oven’s stainless steel panels echo the traditional wooden shingles of the Alpine region, forming a sleek, interlocking shell. With sides that taper upwards and a horizontal drip edge crowning the structure, this installation is both a practical tool and a design statement. It seamlessly bridges local building methods with modern aesthetics, embodying a connection between tradition and community.
The interplay of materials and environment
The chimney appears like a spaceship landed in the village, the structure integrates into its rugged environment. The design, inspired by nearby farmhouses, marries the dense timber logs with high-tech materials, demonstrating an innovative architectural language.
For further architectural inspiration, check out Sausalito’s Barrel House Tavern transformation, which also blends craftsmanship with modern design elements.
A place for community connections
This project, crafted by architects Valentin Fick, Franka Ruhnau, and David Zauels, extends beyond functionality. Situated in Boden, Austria, it provides a venue for local residents and visiting artists to gather, exchange ideas, and create together. The community fixture encapsulates the essence of shared tradition through its avant-garde design.
Discover more unique uses of traditional materials in Poesis Studio’s Elliptical Villa showcased amidst Albania’s landscapes.
Photos by ©Studio Carraldo, edited by Jonas Zauels | @blackbvrds. Project proudly presented by Studio Carraldo | @studio.carraldo.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the backdirwas_5 project about?
The backdirwas_5 is a striking community oven made with a stainless steel exterior. It reinterprets traditional Alpine building traditions using materials like concrete, timber, firebrick, and stainless steel, bringing residents and artists together for culinary and social experiences.
How does the oven reinterpret Alpine building styles?
The oven reinterprets Alpine building styles by using a robust concrete base crafted with wooden formwork from local timber logs and a dome-shaped combustion chamber of firebricks. Its stainless steel panels echo traditional wooden shingles, creating a contemporary design that bridges local methods with modern aesthetics.
Who are the architects behind this project?
The architects behind the project are Valentin Fick, Franka Ruhnau, and David Zauels. They have crafted a structure that extends beyond functionality, focusing on creating a venue for local residents and visiting artists to gather and exchange ideas.